Whistle & Ocarina: Sculpting Breath into Clay Workshop with Marcia Selleri

Where breath becomes sound and clay finds its voice

In this two-day hands-on workshop, ceramic artist Marcia Selleri will guide participants through the poetic and technical process of creating ceramic whistles and ocarinas. Rooted in ancient traditions and contemporary play, this immersive experience explores the intersection of breath, form, and sound. Participants will learn how to sculpt functional ceramic whistles and ocarinas using handbuilding techniques. On Day 1, students will create a single-tone whistle or ocarina, learning the fundamentals of airflow, tone production, and shaping. On Day 2, they will explore the construction of double-frequency whistles and the concept of “beat,” with the option to transform their instruments into frogs or other imaginative creatures. This workshop is perfect for anyone curious about the voice of clay. No prior experience with sound instruments is required, just a willingness to explore, shape, and listen. By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Understand the basic acoustics of ceramic whistles and ocarinas

• Construct a functional single-tone whistle or ocarina using handbuilding techniques

• Create a double-frequency whistle and understand the concept of acoustic “beat”

• Sculpt expressive, globular forms inspired by animals or abstract shapes.

Materials to be brought by students:

• clay (smooth, mid-range stoneware)

• Small towel and apron

• Sketchbook or notebook for ideas and notes

MEMBERS OF THE HUB, DON'T FORGET TO CLAIM YOUR MEMBERSHIP DISCOUNT! Members of The Hub on Canal get a 15% discount on Hub workshops! Enter your ten-digit phone number (without dashes or hyphens) as your discount code to claim your membership benefit!

CANCELLATION POLICY

At The Hub on Canal, we strive to offer the best experience for all participants. Please carefully review our cancellation policy below, as there are no exceptions:

1. Cancellation and Rescheduling: Due to limited seating, cancellations or rescheduling requests must be made at least 7 days prior to the class start date for a full refund, minus a $25 booking fee. This allows us the opportunity to fill your spot. Cancellations made within 7 days of the class will be refunded at 50% of the class cost, or you may choose a 50% credit toward a future class. If you cancel within 24 hours of the class, no refund will be issued, and 100% of the class cost will be charged.
2. No-Shows: Participants who do not attend their class without notifying us in advance will be charged the full amount for the class.
3. Cancellation Confirmation: All cancellations must be confirmed by the Director of Education and Outreach. If you have any questions or need further clarification regarding this policy, please contact us via phone or email at elaina.johnson@thehuboncanal.org.
4. Class Cancellations by The Hub on Canal: In the event a class is canceled due to insufficient enrollment, participants will be notified at least 24 hours in advance. A full refund will be provided for any canceled class.