Professional Crafts
Western Piedmont Community College’s Professional Crafts programs offer unique opportunities for expressing your creativity. Our programs offer studio practice along with guidance for running an arts business. Whether you are a professional artist or someone wanting to explore a new hobby, a variety of course options are available to give opportunities in sculpture, pottery, and woodworking on our campus.
We invite you to learn more about our offerings below.
WPCC’s Studio Facilities
Students in our professional crafts classes have access to state-of-the-art facilities in which to practice their work. Wood-turning machines, pottery kilns, wheels, and other tools are available to assist in bringing ideas to life.
Check Out Our Video for
Professional Crafts: Wood
John Ferguson, an instructor in the Professional Crafts: Wood program, talks about the tools you will use and what you will learn as a student studying in the program.
Closed Captioning of the video is available.
Click or tap the CC button in the frame.
Curriculum Classes
Come join us at WPCC for some fantastic courses offered in Professional Crafts. For current and upcoming classes, please visit the Class Schedules page.
Professional Crafts Continuing Education Courses
Professional Crafts instructors also offer opportunities for specialized learning through WPCC Continuing Education. These courses are non-credit and focus on specific topics. To get more information, select a class name on the calendar. You will be presented with a course description and a link to register online. To see class offerings in future months, click the Next button or choose the month name and hit the “Go” button.
Events in June 2018–May 2019
- - Raku Box
–
Raku BoxRostan Building1001 Burkemont AvenueMorganton, NC 28655USADates: 6/07/18 - 6/21/18, Thursdays
Cost: $60
Time: 3:30 pm - 5:30 pm
WPCC Rostan 1
Class Section Number: 55227In this class, students will explore the traditional art of Japanese Raku firing. Using slab techniques, students will design a variety of clay boxes. Students will have the opportunity to assist in firing a Raku kiln and experience remarkable surface finishes achieved with this fast and fun firing process. A basic pottery tool set is required for this class and is available for purchase at the campus bookstore. All skill levels welcome.
Limited to 6 Students.
Instructor: Debra Zimmerman
- - Introduction to Blacksmithing: Fundamentals of Forging - 55243
N/A
Introduction to Blacksmithing: Fundamentals of Forging - 55243C Building1001 Burkemont AvenueMorganton, NC 28655USA
Forging example
Dates: 6/22 - 6/24/2018
6/22 - Friday 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
6/23 - Saturday 9:00 am - 12:00 pm (one hour for lunch 12 - 1)
6/23 - Saturday 1:00 - 4:00 pm
6/24 - Sunday 9:00 am - 12:00 pmCost: $125
Location: C110
Section: 55243Limit Class Size to 8
Introduction to Blacksmithing: Fundamentals of Forging
Forging steel is a physically and mentally rewarding experience. The rewards continue when
you are able to use what you have made! In this intensive weekend class, we will learn the
basics of forging steel, while creating a functional item for use in the home, cabin, and camp.
We will cover safety, basic tooling, and the fundamentals of tapers, scrolls, hooks, twisting,
upsetting, and much more. Students will complete a cumulative project; and, if time allows,
forge their own creations. All levels welcome!Course Timeline (subject to change)
● 1st Night (6-9pm):
Safety, Tools, Forging (Hammer Control, Tongs, Physical efficiency)
Hooks: Drawing out tapers, Shoulders, Scrolls, Twists
● 1st Morning (9-12):
Hooks: More Twists, Bends, Punching
Door Pulls: Shoulders, More tapers, Swagging, Hammer techniques
● 1st Afternoon (1-4):
Project Time: Coat/Pot Rack Assembly
● 2nd Morning (9-12):
Project Day and Free ForgingSigning Up for a Personal Enrichment Class
Continuing Education classes offered through our Workforce and Professional Development Division, have a pre-registration policy, with the exception of Fire/Rescue, EMT/EMS, Law Enforcement, HRD and CTP program areas. You must register and pay any registration fees two business days/48 business hours prior to the start date of the class. For example, if the class starts on Monday, the last day to register is Thursday. For information, please contact our Records and Registration Department at (828) 448-6046.
You may register via the following methods:
- Online (click the button below)
- Walk-in registration held Monday - Thursday, 8:30 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. in Hildebrand Hall, Main Campus; or
- Download and Fax the Registration-Form. Our fax number is (828) 448-6179.
- - Stained Glass Mosaic Wall Art
–
Stained Glass Mosaic Wall ArtRostan Building1001 Burkemont AvenueMorganton, NC 28655USADates: 6/23/18 - 6/30/18, Saturdays
Cost: $55
Time: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
WPCC Rostan 1
Class Section Number: 55228In this class, students will create a mosaic using stained glass suitable for display. During the first class, students will select from available patterns or adapt their own concept into a 12” x 12” framed substrate, learn the method of breaking stained glass, configuring and gluing pieces into place. In the second class, students will learn to grout, clean and polish their mosaic. Upon completion, students will have a unique piece of art. This class is open to all levels. Students must purchase a wheeled glass mosaic nipper available from hobby stores. All skill levels welcome.
Limited to 6 Students.
Instructor: Debra Zimmerman
- - Christmas in July
–
Christmas in JulyRostan Building1001 Burkemont AvenueMorganton, NC 28655USADates: 6/28/18 - 7/26/18, Thursdays (No class July 5th)
Cost: $75
Time: 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
WPCC Rostan 1
Class Section Number: 55229Want a head start on your Christmas presents? Create and design homemade holiday decorations and gifts before the holiday rush. In this course, students will create holiday tea light holders and a variety of ornaments using hand-building methods. Students will learn how to use a slab roller, apply various surface textures and are encouraged to bring their favorite holiday silhouette cookie cutters to personalize their creations. Students will choose from an array of glazes for the finishing touch. A basic pottery tool set is required for this class and is available for purchase at the campus bookstore. All skill levels welcome. Class will not be held on July 5.
Limited to 8 Students.
Instructor: Debra Zimmerman
- - Introduction to Blacksmithing: Fundamentals of Forging - 55670
N/A
Introduction to Blacksmithing: Fundamentals of Forging - 55670C Building1001 Burkemont AvenueMorganton, NC 28655USAForging example
Dates: 6/29 - 7/01/2018
6/29 - Friday 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
6/30 - Saturday 9:00 am - 12:00 pm (one hour for lunch 12 - 1)
6/30 - Saturday 1:00 - 4:00 pm
7/01 - Sunday 9:00 am - 12:00 pmCost: $125
Location: C110
Section: 55670Limit Class Size to 8
Introduction to Blacksmithing: Fundamentals of Forging
Forging steel is a physically and mentally rewarding experience. The rewards continue when
you are able to use what you have made! In this intensive weekend class, we will learn the
basics of forging steel, while creating a functional item for use in the home, cabin, and camp.
We will cover safety, basic tooling, and the fundamentals of tapers, scrolls, hooks, twisting,
upsetting, and much more. Students will complete a cumulative project; and, if time allows,
forge their own creations. All levels welcome!Course Timeline (subject to change)
● 1st Night (6-9pm):
Safety, Tools, Forging (Hammer Control, Tongs, Physical efficiency)
Hooks: Drawing out tapers, Shoulders, Scrolls, Twists
● 1st Morning (9-12):
Hooks: More Twists, Bends, Punching
Door Pulls: Shoulders, More tapers, Swagging, Hammer techniques
● 1st Afternoon (1-4):
Project Time: Coat/Pot Rack Assembly
● 2nd Morning (9-12):
Project Day and Free ForgingSigning Up for a Personal Enrichment Class
Continuing Education classes offered through our Workforce and Professional Development Division, have a pre-registration policy, with the exception of Fire/Rescue, EMT/EMS, Law Enforcement, HRD and CTP program areas. You must register and pay any registration fees two business days/48 business hours prior to the start date of the class. For example, if the class starts on Monday, the last day to register is Thursday. For information, please contact our Records and Registration Department at (828) 448-6046.
You may register via the following methods:
- Online (click the button below)
- Walk-in registration held Monday - Thursday, 8:30 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. in Hildebrand Hall, Main Campus; or
- Download and Fax the Registration-Form. Our fax number is (828) 448-6179.
The Professional Crafts Programs at WPCC
Western Piedmont Community College offers associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates in three areas:
Clay
WPCC offers the following studies in clay:
Wood
WPCC offers the following studies in wood:
Get More Information
Like more information on our Professional Crafts programs? Have a comment or question? Please send us a note below.
