FAQ
The Academy is not your average ceramic studio.
It is the most professional and progressive there is, especially with respect to both course offerings and our relentless commitment to your health and safety. In addition, your instructor is one of the most experienced professional artists and educators practicing today.
While earning both his Bachelors and Masters degree at two of the finest art schools; the Rhode Island School of Design, and the Alfred University College of Ceramics, Frank Bosco has studied with the most legendary teachers in the field of ceramics, sculpture and glass. He’s learned directly from Norm Schulman, Dale Chihuly, Val Cushing, Robert Turner, Ted Randal, Tony Hepburn, and William Parry. Not to mention, his 5-year collaboration with one of the most acclaimed artists of the 20th Century, Frank Stella.
Frank Bosco's pedigree, credentials, and experience are simply unmatched anywhere within the greater New York Metro area. For more detailed information on Frank’s extensive experience, view his CV here.
Can I be an absolute beginner with no prior clay experience?
Yes, the class dynamic will include a mixture of beginners and students with varying levels of experience. It’s a win-win for beginners who generally get more of the instructors attention, plus get to watch how others with more experience navigate through the process.
I’m looking for a place to host a birthday party. Is it possible to host one at the Academy?
Sorry, we don’t offer accommodations for birthdays parties.
Do I need to bring anything to class?
We are a very well-stocked studio. We supply all the tools necessary for class. You need not bring anything but your enthusiasm and a positive attitude.
What are the costs for the classes?
The costs are variable depending on the demands of the course. Visit the class offerings and costs explained page for more detailed information.
What exactly does the tuition pay for?
Essentially, your tuition pays for 10 sessions of class for the specific course you are registered in; plus additional studio time if you use the 2 optional Friday open studio sessions available.
Is it possible to rent studio space?
There are no trials, walk-in’s, birthday parties, or private spaces for renting.
Does the Academy offer kiln services to unenrolled students?
For many good reasons the academy's kilns primarily serve enrolled students. In some instances, we may be able to accommodate reasonable requests.
What if I can’t make it to class, or have a schedule conflict?
The ten-week session is essentially a subscription, so missed lessons cannot be made up. There is an open studio on Friday nights for any currently enrolled student for the purposes of practice and to help recoup lost time.
Can I bring a friend, a child, or relative to hang out or watch while I’m in class?
Only enrolled students are allowed access to the studio with the exception being during the ‘Open House’, when all of the glazed work is on display for pick-up. This event occurs on a day after the term has ended, and when all the work has been fired to completion.
I’ve learned how to throw, etc. from a previous experience. Will I be automatically treated like an advanced student?
No. Your previous experience will be noted, however, enrolling here for the first time requires that even an experienced student be open-minded and willing to follow along with the beginners until the instructor gives the ok to proceed on their own. There’s a lot of ceramic teaching malpractice out there, and one thing we cannot tolerate is having that malpractice, practiced here.
Who are the students, and where do they come from?
It’s an amazing cultural mosaic. The beauty is that with this variety, having students with various professions, social and cultural diversities, are all coming together as equals in the classroom.
Why enroll at the Academy?
You want hands-on instruction from an instructor with over 30 years of university-level teaching experience.
Class sizes are very small compared to other studios.
You're looking for a rewarding experience that takes hard, dedicated work and you’re not afraid of the challenges that come with learning.
You're curious about the ceramic process and are serious about learning more about it.
You want to study with a true professional with credentials.
You want to work in an organized studio that is simply unmatched to others in cleanliness, care and maintenance.
Disclaimer
The Academy does not guarantee success. Success comes only with repetitive practice of the basic techniques. For certain, all the courses offered here are challenging in unique ways. Pop culture movies like ‘Ghost” tend to over-simplify and romanticize the wheel-thrown pottery experience, and portray the process as an effortless, relaxing exercise. It is neither of those things, so come prepared to be challenged.
All students are encouraged to read each class description for a more realistic explanation of the course objectives. Moreover, students should not expect lessons on demand without enrolling in private lesson(s). Instead, students are shown techniques and once they have control of the previously taught lessons, your instructor will determine when the time is right to move on to the next technique.