Artist and sculptor Hannah Niswonger is back for another ceramics workshop this winter! Youth artists meet twice a week to learn clay techniques, exploring materials, processes like handbuilding, and how to apply images to clay using drawing, transfers, stencils, and more. With a focus on sustainability, participants will delve into the practical applications of clay, including building rocket stoves for fuel-efficient and smokeless cooking. Inspired by the connection between habitat, community, and individual empowerment, this program offers a unique exploration into creating happier, healthier, and sustainable living spaces.

About Hannah Niswonger:

Hannah Niswonger is the founding director of Pots on Wheels! (POW!), a collaborative group of functional potters who seek to connect their love of pots with all kinds of people by bringing shows, projects, and collaborations directly to communities via a mobile gallery/project space. 

Hannah received an MFA in ceramic sculpture from Alfred University and a BA in Studio Art from Wesleyan University. She currently teaches at Massachusetts College of Art and Design, and has taught courses in ceramics at Harvard University, Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and Georgia State University in Atlanta, Georgia. She hosts workshops nationally and exhibits regularly in galleries and juried craft shows, including the Philadelphia Museum of Art Show and the Smithsonian Craft Show and CraftBoston. She lives in Melrose, Massachusetts with her husband, three kids, one dog and two rabbits.

As Teaching Artist at Urbano Project, Hannah is working with Youth Artists through “POW! Radical Care in Clay” to explore ceramic materials, processes, and techniques of applying images to clay. Youth Artists are creating a variety of ceramic artwork—including a collective story on ceramic tiles and hand-built pottery—using direct drawing techniques, transfer printing, decals, stencils, and more.