what you can do

  • Come and see our workshop housing artists
  • Visit Mamagamas onsite tea shop for freshly based cakes and homemade foods
  • Buy pieces of art and gifts in our gallery shop

News and Events

Mickerloo Arts offers traditional and contemporary workshops. Learn new skills with our proffessional tutors. Mickerloo has a fabulous working space, you can work and relax in the friendly atmosphere, at tea break's enjoy endless cups of tea and cakes and a wonderous view over the Cheshire plains.

Check workshop schedules here:

Ceramics Workshop with Rachel Holian and Mickerloo Arts

COURSE COMMENCING 7th JULY

6 Week Programme: An Introduction to Ceramic Techniques and processes

In this 6 week course, you will gain knowledge and understanding of the techniques and processes involved when working with clay.
You will learn about the technical aspects of firing, colouring and producing ceramic pieces.
You will develop a range of basic making skills, and will be able to produce completed work which presents the skills you have developed.
This is a fun filled, 'hands on' creative course, which is designed to encourage exploration of the exciting and responsive medium of clay.

Week 1: Introductions

Getting to know each other!

Clay! What's it all about?! A discussion of processes involved when turning clay to ceramic.
A hands on, practical introduction into ceramic making techniques. Producing Coiled, Pinched and Slabbed forms.


Week 2: Slabs, slips and the wheel. (Part 1)

Beginning to use the potters wheel. Demonstrations and 'giving it a go!' Producing thrown vessels.
Slab pots. Building forms using a slab construction method.
Coloured Slips. An introduction into surface decoration techniques.


Week 3: Slabs, slips and the wheel (Part 2)

Turning on the potters wheel. Demonstrations and 'giving it a go!' completing thrown vessels.
Continuation of slab building, completing slabbed 'structure'.
Slips, further techniques; sgraffito, slip trailing and inlay.


Week 4: Coiling, carving and cutting.

Continuation of the use of the wheel. Producing thrown vessels.
Coil Building explored. Looking at contemporary use of coil building, through the use of carving, cutting and joining clay. Producing a coil built sculptural form.


Week 5: Coiling Continued.

Continuation of use of the wheel, turning pots to complete vessels.
Coil building continued through development of forms.
Finishing techniques explored; Texturing, smoothing, burnishing and fettling.


Week 6: Glazing and finishing

Glaze technology discussion and practical session
Exploration of decorative use of oxides.
Glazing all work produced during course.
Group display of vessels and sculptures produced throughout the course, and a final evaluation of processes explored during 6 weeks.

Each week ceramic materials will be provided. You will need to bring an apron, hand cream, sketching pencils and a note/ sketchbook.
You will be provided with all technical information through the use of hand outs, but you may find it useful to make your own notes during teaching sessions.
Drawing can also help in the development of ideas, and making a log of techniques used is essential.

To Come in Autumn 2010:

Weekend Painting Course with Leo Donaghy

We only have 12 places for the course, please book early to avoid disappointment!

You need to bring: Acrylic paints, Easel, Rags, Pencil, Carbon paper and Digital camera (not essential)

Supplied: 4 Canvases, Paper, Still Life set up and apples, Apertures, Morning Coffee, Lunch, Afternoon tea and lots of fun!