The Ceramics area introduces students to the technical and expressive possibilities of clay through hands-on studio practice. Students develop skills in wheel-throwing, hand-building, glazing, and basic glaze chemistry, while learning professional studio organization and workflow.
Courses support both functional ceramics and sculptural and fine art applications, with instruction in earthenware, stoneware, porcelain, and raku. Students are introduced to contemporary ceramics to connect technical skill with current practices.
The ceramics studio houses 28 wheels, 13 kilns including gas and electric options up to 40 cubic feet, dedicated glaze rooms, slab rollers, extruders, and clay processing equipment for both functional and sculptural work.
Mudslingers Ceramic Club & Holiday Sale
The Orange Coast College Mudslingers Annual Holiday Ceramic Sale features hundreds of student-made works, ranging from functional pottery to sculptural and decorative objects. The sale highlights work by intermediate and advanced ceramics students, with proceeds benefiting both the artists and the Mudslingers Ceramic Club.
The Holiday Sale has been a tradition since 1999, when Mudslingers became the official name of the OCC Ceramics Club. OCC ceramics students have been selling their work for over 40 years, making the event a cornerstone of the program and a valuable professional experience.
HOW TO GET STARTED
The first step is to declare your major. After you enroll at OCC and meet with your counselor, ask them to add the Ceramics certificate or Studio Arts AAT degree to your Education Plan. You can begin classes before declaring, but declaring early ensures you’re on the right track.
LEARN MORE & VISIT US
Want a closer look at the program? We’d love to connect with you.
Email Department Chair Chris Kerins at jkerins@occ.cccd.edu
Visit the Ceramics Studio in Art Center Room 113
Student ceramics projects on sale at the Holiday showcase