Cosanti in Paradise Valley is a hidden treasure trove of one-of-a-kind hands-on experiences that are back this fall! Cosanti is pleased to announce two silt-casting experiences and one tile-making course scheduled throughout October. These courses give participants a glimpse into the life of a Cosanti artisan. During their experience they will have the opportunity to create their own unique keepsake piece.
Each course begins with a guided tour of the property during which guests will learn about Cosanti’s structures and history. Participants may also have the opportunity to witness the casting of new bronze windbells in the foundry allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of Cosanti’s relationship with architecture art and craft as well as to discover how the ideology of Arcology was born from the cooperation of the built environment with the natural landscape.
Casting Cosanti—An interactive silt-casting experience
Tuesday Oct. 14 and Tuesday Oct. 28 | 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
During this course participants will be guided through the process of carving and shaping a mold made from desert earth and create a cast plaster tile using the same techniques that enabled the construction of Cosanti itself. Topics including composition decoration the utility of silt molds the interface between positive and negative form and the artistic possibilities of working in three dimensions will be discussed. Guests will have the chance to design pigment and excavate their own plaster tile that reflects their unique interaction with these earthen materials. Schedule is as follows:
10-10:15 a.m.—Sign-in and orientation
10:15-11 a.m.—Guided tour of Cosanti
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.—Silt designing pigmenting and casting
12:30-1 p.m.—Short break; guests are welcome to bring a boxed lunch
1-1:30 p.m.—Excavation photos and conclusion
The cost for this course begins at $125.
Tile Making 1: Design—Learn to design a Cosanti tile
Thursday Oct. 9 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
During this experience participants will learn the techniques of shaping and designing clay from Cosanti ceramic artisans and experiment with the importance of tool shapes layering and composition to create various types of tiles and/or magnets. Once finished the tiles and magnets will be bisque fired glazed with a choice of one of three classic colors and then stoneware fired in the Cosanti kiln. Items will be available for pickup or shipping within three weeks of activity date. Schedule is as follows:
10-10:15 a.m.—Sign-in and orientation
10:15-11 a.m.—Guided tour of Cosanti
11-11:30 a.m.—Shaping and designing demonstration
11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.—Tile designing
12:30-1 p.m.—Photos and conclusion
The cost for this course begins at $145.
Each course is limited to 15 participants to allow for a fully immersive and guided experience. Walking shoes and comfortable washable clothing are recommended. For more about each course and to register visit https://cosanti.com/pages/hands-on-experiences.
Additional fall courses scheduled in November including two different Slip Casting workshops will soon be announced. For more information about Cosanti visit https://cosanti.com.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Cosanti Originals, 6433 E Doubletree Ranch Rd, Paradise Valley, AZ 85253, United States
