• Should I take this course again if I’ve already completed another 4-week intensive course with you?

Absolutely! We’re committed to creating distinct, evolving learning experiences with each teaching cycle, so that you’ll always find something new, whether it’s the content, the approach, or the insights shared. This ensures that each course feels fresh and offers opportunities for continued growth.

In addition, as you accumulate credits, you’ll unlock access to more advanced offerings at the Center, allowing you to deepen your practice and knowledge over time. One of the exciting opportunities this opens up is the Córdova Method training program, which is designed specifically for teachers who are interested in learning how to share these techniques with their own students.

• How long will I have access to the curriculum material?

You will have unlimited access to all written materials, references, templates, and Zoom meeting recordings hosted on Teachable. While the videos are not downloadable, you can revisit them as often as you like through the platform. Should there be any changes to Teachable or the availability of the course, we will provide prior notice to ensure you are well-informed.

• What does a certificate mean?

Our certification is based on Carnegie Credit Units (52.5 hrs of lecture and independent work within a specific topic). In this session, the accumulative experiences will fulfill a credit for the topic: Building Strategies for Ceramic Sculpture. The certificate attests to your committed involvement in the development of a specific skill set in the realm of figurative ceramics. It will fulfill the prerequisite for more advanced curricula, master classes, and residencies offered by the Center for the Study of Figurative Ceramics and could serve as continuing education credits for external institutions that recognize the Carnegie system.

• How do I receive my certificate?

All participants interested in receiving a certificate will be required to log their hours of weekly attendance to the classes and submit their assignments by the due dates (we are always flexible with unexpected personal situations). These logs, along with the assessment of their creative output during the experience, will form the basis for the receipt of a certificate of completion. Consistent attendance and a reasonable independent practice are all that is needed to fulfill the requirements. These hours will also count towards the Córdova Method™ certification training, scheduled to be released in the near future.

• Can I sign up for the course and choose not to attend the live sessions, instead completing the assignments and accessing the recordings to learn at my own pace?

Yes, absolutely! If you feel you’d benefit from live support as you work independently, you’re welcome to schedule a one-on-one Zoom appointment with Cristina or simply reach out via email for guidance. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

• What time zone is reflected in the schedule?

All times listed in the curriculum are in Eastern Daylight Time (North Carolina Time), which is 4 hours behind UTC or GMT. You can find your time zone equivalent here: https://www.worldtimebuddy.com/

• How many hours should I dedicate each week?

This depends on you and whether or not you are pursuing a certificate (if so read above). This format offers flexibility, allowing you to review class material and participate in discussions either during live sessions or by watching recordings. If you're unable to attend, you can access the material at your own convenience. You have the freedom to tailor your level of commitment, with the assurance that discussions will continue and be accessible to you at any time.

• How long will this course take?

The structured part of the course lasts one month, with classes meeting twice a week. After that, students are given an additional month to work independently, finishing up their final assignments for review. At the end of this period, we’ll reconvene for a final "show and tell" session. During the last month, you’ll also have the option to join study groups, where you can share your process, exchange ideas, and receive communal feedback from fellow students.

• What level of proficiency is this course intended for?

While some experience with handbuilding is recommended, this course is open to students of all levels. To ensure everyone’s needs are met, we now offer two tiers of assignments after each class—one for beginners and another for those with more experience, ensuring you can work at a level that aligns with your own proficiency.

• What equipment is necessary?

At its most basic you will need:

• A well-ventilated area with good lighting

• Worktable with an adjacent wall for holding references

• Computer, phone, or tablet with camera and Zoom

• Internet connection

• Clay and basic modeling tools

• Access to a kiln for group surface research (if applicable) and final projects. This is preferable but not essential

• A comprehensive list of tools, books, media, equipment, and supplies will be available after enrollment

• Do I need a kiln to be part of this course? What to I do if I do not have a kiln?

You don’t need a kiln to be part of this course—though having access to one can be helpful. When I first started working with clay, I was making pieces in my garage and firing them in a community kiln, paying per firing. If you don’t have a kiln of your own, I encourage you to look into local community centers that rent kiln space. This can be a great way to learn about the firing process—understanding the different approaches and loading considerations as you prepare your work. You might also explore Kilnshare, a website where individuals offer space in their kilns for a fee or exchange. There are many ways to make this work, and part of the journey is finding what fits your needs.

• Do I need to have finished or fired work for the assignments?

No, follow-throughs are meant to help you integrate what you’ve learned into your practice. They only need to meet the requirements outlined for your chosen level. If time is a concern, selecting a simpler level can still allow you to engage meaningfully with the material while earning credit. No firing is required for the completion of the course.

• Do I need to have finished or fired work for the last meeting?

If you do, thats great but at the end we just want to share our growth, wherever it stands, be it work in progress, drying or fired, if that is available to you.

• In addition to the classes with Cristina Córdova and other instructors, will I receive any 1:1 support, coaching, or guidance to help me apply and improve my skills as I practice?

Yes! We offer personal one-on-one office hours with Cristina via Zoom, which you can schedule as needed throughout the course. You can also reach out to Cristina at any time via email to ask questions, get clarifications, and receive direct feedback on your images (see example below).

In addition, you’ll receive a session of direct one-on-one coaching from Rachel Meginnes, offering you more personalized guidance.

This is truly a “make your own adventure” experience. You have the flexibility to choose how much in-person support you’d like to have based on your comfort level or what you feel you need. Our goal is to ensure that you stay engaged and supported every step of the way.

• Who should not take this course?

This is a transformational experience. You’ll have access to some of the strongest voices in the field, all while being part of a community of passionate makers. Even if you choose to simply view the material without working for credit, you’ll leave the course having been transformed. Growth and transformation are inevitable. However, if you’re not open to challenging and expanding your practice, this may not be the right fit for you.

• Can I return the course and receive a refund if I change my mind?

Unfortunately, due to the immediate access to course materials, we don’t offer returns. However, if needed, we can transfer your credit to another CSFC offering, under mutually agreed circumstances. We’re committed to ensuring you find a course that truly serves you.

• What’s included?

• Zoom Recordings for all classes and lectures for you to have access in our platform indefinitely

• Weekly peer study sessions to share work and receive feedback

• 1 on 1 Zoom meetings with Cristina Córdova

• Feedback emails with drawn corrections

• Photographic references with corresponding templates to create a reclining/seated figure using the Córdova Method

• Pre-recorded video lessons covering the topics of loading and firing a kiln, and mending fired and unfired pieces

• A personal coaching session with Rachel Meginnes to strengthen and clarify your creative practice

• Access to an extraordinary cohort of teachers to learn from and a fantastic group of artists to optimize your experience

• An online forum to continue to stay in dialogue after the 1-month of organized learning opens up a more independent practice leading into our last meeting and virtual exhibition

• Lists of materials, references from all the teaching collaborators

• The opportunity (optional) to be part of a a final online group share

• Is this worth it?

To understand the impact and value of our course, we’ve interviewed more than 50% of our alumni and asked them this very question. The overwhelming response has been a resounding YES! Here are the comments from our participants when asked:

Do you feel that the investment in this course was worthwhile? Why or why not