Name: Spring Green Man Pottery Workshop
Start: 2026-03-15T10:00:00+00:00
End: 2026-03-15T16:00:00+00:00
Location: St Anne's Arts & Community Centre

Tutor: Helen McCormick
This workshop is designed to be a relaxed, friendly space where you can meet new people and have the opportunity to create, learn and have fun.
The day will be split into two parts.
In the morning, you will learn how to design and make your own beautiful Spring Green Man using traditional slab building and modeling techniques.
In the afternoon you will learn how to decorate your Spring Green Man using decorating slips.
All materials and equipment will be provided.
The only thing you need to bring is an apron or wear old clothes and a packed lunch.
After the workshop, Helen will carefully take your sculpture home and fire them in her kiln.
Your beautiful creations will be ready for collection 4-6 weeks after the workshop finishes. We will let you know the time and date.
Tea & Coffee available throughout the day for a small donation.
Suitable for all ages 14+. Under 16’s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
£55.00 +£10 for materials & firing costs, or £15 for if participants would like their work glazed, payable to the tutor on the day.
Book online.
Box Office: 01805 624624
If a workshop you'd like to do is fully booked ring Box Office (01805 624624) to be added to the waiting list, you might be lucky! This also helps us ascertain the demand for particular workshops when programming.
PARKING
The closest long term car parks (and the cheapest) can be found at:
Fair View, Barnstaple EX31 1JR
Pilton Causeway, Barnstaple EX32 7AA
About Helen
I am a Welsh ceramicist and art teacher living in Cullompton, Devon. My hand-built ceramic vessels are strongly influenced by the coast and my time living, teaching and travelling in South East Asia. My forms are inspired by my first-hand experience of bulbous and curvaceous shapes found in many of the countries I travelled through.
Each vessel is an exploration into the plasticity of the clay and the relationship between the maker and material. Beginning with a simple pinch pot, I build each piece over a few days so that there is time to reflect whilst the clay is drying and before adding the next coil. I then turn back the form by hand with a metal kidney, carving excess clay away, and using a mirror to help me achieve symmetry. I use stoneware clay, which I high bisque fire before applying very thin glaze. The surface is achieved by layering slip and barium glaze via pouring, dipping, spraying or brushing onto the vessel, layering the glaze. Each piece is a flux of blues and greens, reflecting the richness of the ocean.

I studied a BA in 3D Design at Exeter School of Art in 1996-1999 and a MA in Ceramics in Cardiff in 2003-2004. Having a desire to share my knowledge I completed a PGCE in Secondary Art and Design 2005-2006. I have taught in schools in Wales, England, Ghana, Thailand and Hungary for 16 years. I am now taking a leap of faith and focusing on sharing my skills via local community workshops and developing my studio practice; in my new life as an independent educator and studio potter.
I am a member of the Westcountry Potters Association and The Cullompton Arts House.