Greenware Ceramics
Exhibitors should be considerate of space. Exhibits too large to safely move or requiring lots of space should be exhibited using photographs and a description of work in a notebook.A good guideline is that an 8 foot table should be able to hold 3 to 4 exhibits.
General Rules
4-Her must clean their own greenware ceramic. (No pre-fired ceramics allowed.) All seams must be smooth with no rough edges.
Bottoms must be finished and felt or felt tabs applied to protect furniture.
Glazed pieces must be appropriately glazed. The use of lead-free glazes is required on all food surfaces. There should be no bubbles, pinholes, or crazing problems on your piece.
All ceramic pieces, except decorative pieces intended for indoor use, are to be completely covered inside and outside.
Airbrushing is not allowed.
Grade 3 - Introduction to Glazes
Exhibit one article. This article must be glazed with an opaque or transparent glaze. The surface of the greenware piece should be smooth or have very little detail on the surface. Some examples would be a plate, cup, vase, bowl, candleholder, a smooth surface animal or any item to which opaque or transparent glaze can be applied. Small details may be added (examples: eyes, nose, feet). A 3 x 5 inch index card MUST accompany the piece with the following information: glaze name, method of application, and a definition of lead free glaze and why you would use it. A decal may be applied to enhance the piece. The decal should not cover the piece completely.
Grade 4 - Introduction to Underglazes
Exhibit one article. Technique used with this piece requires the use of underglazes with the use of transparent and semi-transparent glazes. The surface of the greenware piece shall have light detail on it. Translucent underglazes may be used. Opaque glazes may be used with translucent underglazes applied over the glaze. A 3 x 5 inch index card MUST accompany the piece with the following information: glaze name and type of underglaze color used, with an explanation of the application of the underglaze.
Grade 5 - Introduction to Opaque Stains
Exhibit one article. Technique used should incorporate base coating and dry brushing with paint. Antiquing is not allowed. If the piece requires glazing on the inside (example: a vase), then this should be done. A 3” x 5” index card MUST accompany the piece with the following information: why you chose the piece, how the color was applied and an explanation of the technique used.
Grade 6 - Introduction to Antiquing
Exhibit one article. Technique used should include base coating and antiquing. You may choose to use dry brushing over the antiquing process. A 3” x 5” index card MUST accompany the piece with the following information: why you chose the piece and the steps of your technique.
Grade 7 - Introduction to Translucent Stains
Exhibit one piece. Technique used should incorporate base coating and antiquing with paint, and the use of translucent antiques (stains) for decorations. A 3” x 5” index card MUST be included with an explanation of the technique used.
Grade 8 - Introduction to Overglazes
Exhibit one piece. The technique used should include the use of glazes and metallic overglazes. These include mother of pearl, fired gold or silver or any overglazes from the metallic luster family. A 3” x 5” index card MUST accompany the exhibit explaining the use of overglazes, any special precaution to be used with overglazes and how you apply overglazes.
Grade 9 - Introduction to Greenware Modification
Exhibit one piece. You must modify the shape of the form in the greenware stage. Examples would be combining 2 or more molded ceramic pieces, piercing, adding and taking away parts, collage with the molded greenware ceramic pieces. The piece may be functional or sculptural. Pieces meant to be functional should be finished with a lead free glaze on the food surface. Finish the piece with any of the previous year’s finishing surface techniques. A 3” x 5” index card MUST accompany the exhibit with an explanation of the technique used.
Grades 10 and above - Free Choice
Exhibit a piece or a grouping of pieces. This exhibit should be more difficult than previous pieces you have completed. The technique used may include any of those already learned or you may wish to try stoneware or porcelain. A 3” x 5” index card MUST accompany the exhibit with an explanation of your technique.