Freedom As Method: A Week-Long Ceramic Intensive with Grace Han

Presented through the Art Gallery of Burlington's Mentor-In-Residence Program. The AGB is a Community Partner of Craft Ontario.

Week-Long Ceramic Intensive with Grace Han, May 18 – 22, 10am-5pm 2026, Cost: $550

Location: Art Gallery of Burlington, 1333 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON

INTENSIVE REGISTRATION

Artist Talk with Grace Han, Thursday May 21, 6:30 – 7:30pm, FREE

Location: Art Gallery of Burlington, 1333 Lakeshore Road, Burlington, ON

ARTIST TALK REGISTRATION

Discover a transformative approach to working with clay, one that prioritizes instinct, repetition, exploration, and the freedom to follow your ideas wherever they lead. Freedom as Method is a 5-day, participant-led intensive with acclaimed ceramic artist Grace Han, designed for makers eager to expand their sculptural vocabulary and deepen their studio practice.

Taking place in the AGB’s clay studios, this workshop invites intermediate ceramic artists to explore process-driven methods of making, develop new techniques, and refine how they bring ideas into physical form. Drawing inspiration from the AGB’s permanent collection of over 4,000 Canadian contemporary ceramic works, participants will strengthen both their looking and making skills while engaging in a supportive environment of community exchange.

Rooted in the central theme of freedom, an area Grace has been actively investigating in her recent work, this workshop encourages participants to work with clay in a way that opens space for spontaneity, intuition, and raw expression. Throughout the week, you will move fluidly between vessel-building, sculptural experimentation, and even performance-based approaches, choosing the forms that best support your evolving ideas.

Grace will share her process through daily demonstrations, including the construction of large-scale vessels, offering participants new techniques, conceptual tools, and opportunities to practice large-format handbuilding in real time. Co-making and mentorship form the core of this experience, with Grace offering both technical insights and conceptual guidance as you push your work further.

What to Expect

• Personalized Mentorship: One-on-one technical and conceptual feedback from Grace to address your specific ideas, challenges, and goals.
• Advanced Techniques: Learn and practice methods for constructing large vessels, exploring sculptural forms, and developing surface and glazing approaches that expand your creative range.
• Process-Driven Exercises: Repetition, instinctive movement, and exploratory assignments to loosen habits and open new pathways of expression.
• Collaborative Learning: Engage with fellow makers in group discussions, critique sessions, and shared studio time that fosters community and fresh perspectives.
• Hands-On Studio Time: Ample time to create your own pieces, supported by Grace and AGB studio technicians.
• Professional Insight: Practical guidance on articulating your ideas, presenting your work, and engaging with artists, curators, and audiences.

Extended Studio Access

Participants will receive one month of additional access to the AGB’s ceramic studios during open studio hours to continue developing, refining, and firing the works initiated during the intensive.

Material & Firing 

Participants are responsible for supplying their own materials.  AGB’s reclaimed clay and house glazes are available for use. Additional fees apply for group and individual kiln firings for electric and gas kilns.    

About the Instructor

Grace Han is a ceramic artist who received her original training in Seoul, South Korea. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Dankook University, specializing in traditional Korean ceramic techniques and skills. Following the completion of her education, Grace further honed her expertise by working for several years in one of Korea’s largest ceramic companies, gaining invaluable experience that extended beyond the realm of academia. She immigrated to Canada and received her Master of Fine Arts from University of Manitoba, Canada, where she now teaches as an Assistant Professor.