Developing Surfaces with April Gates
Presented in collaboration with the North Bay Potters’ Guild
September 27 - 28
9:00 - 4:30 daily
Location: M.T. Davidson Public School | Callander, ON
Join ceramic artist April Gates for an inspiring two-day workshop focused on developing rich and layered ceramic surfaces through resist and print techniques. Participants will explore how to bring imagery, depth, and texture to clay surfaces, while gaining hands-on experience with stamps, underglazes, and resists.
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Learn how clay type and colour impact surface design.
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Master layering underglazes and resists to create depth.
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Design and carve custom stamps for printing.
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Explore various printing mediums (e.g., potter's pads, underglaze pencils and inks).
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Gain practical tips for multi-firing techniques.
Each participant will spend the weekend decorating tiles and a bisque tumbler, generously provided by April Gates. All materials, including the tiles, will be supplied.
Participants are asked to bring a sketchbook, design ideas, a soft pencil, ruler and scissors, a pin tool or other carving tools you prefer.
Firing work is the responsibility of each participant after the workshop.
Program Overview
Saturday, September 27
Morning
• Introduction to April’s work, production methods, and decorative approaches
• Discussion on clay types, underglazes, layering, and imagery selection
Afternoon
•Hands-on creation of resists and stamps
•Testing prints and refining designs
•Application of underglazes and resists to clay
•Group discussion on layering and multiple firings
Evening
•Optional social gathering and tour of the new North Bay Guild from 6-8 p.m.
Sunday, September 28
Morning
•Building layered surfaces: working from back to front
•Application of resists and underglazes
•Techniques for printing on clay using custom stamps
Afternoon
•Demonstration: combining resist and print techniques, adding more layers
•Discussion of underglaze pencils, multiple firings, and other possibilities
•Finishing workshop pieces and preparing them for firing
Rate
Before August 15, 2025: $350 EARLY BIRD rate for FUSION and/or North Bay Potters’ members.
After August 15: $400 for members FUSION and/or North Bay Potters’ Guild.
$450 for General Public
All fees include workshop materials, coffee and light snacks. HST is additional.
Please pack your own lunch or visit a nearby restaurant for the one-hour lunch break.
REGISTER BELOW
Thank you to Spectrum Glazes Inc. and Tucker's Pottery Supplies Inc. for generously supporting this workshop.
April Gates
April Gates is a celebrated ceramic artist and the creative force behind Blackbird Pottery, based in Loring, Ontario. With over two decades of experience working in clay, April is known for her richly layered surfaces, narrative imagery, and distinctive use of printmaking techniques on functional and decorative forms. Her work blends storytelling with surface exploration, using a variety of techniques including resist, carving, stamping, and multiple firings to create pieces that are both visually compelling and deeply personal. April has exhibited across Canada and taught workshops throughout Ontario, inspiring potters of all levels with her generous teaching style and deep knowledge of ceramic surface design.
When she’s not in the studio, April is a passionate arts advocate and active member of the Ontario craft community.
