FAQs

Should I enroll in the ABCC or just sign up for a few Studio Sessions?

Both options are stellar, so it depends on what you’re looking for.

Every Studio Session is an opportunity for dialogue, collective learning, and innovation. Taking just one Studio Session could be a transformative experience for your practice.

The year-long ABCC demands a regular commitment and will create its own rhythm in your life. It will hold you accountable and inevitably take your practice in new directions. You’ll have priority registration for all Studio Sessions and you’ll have access to our team of incredible Advisors for one-on-one feedback.

Does the ABCC have academic affiliation?

No. The ABCC is not an accredited program but you can definitely show the certificate off on your résumé. The ABCC is roughly equivalent to many Post-Baccalaureate Certificate programs, but it’s offered at a mere fraction of the price. It’s an opportunity to obtain an academic education in ceramics without attending an institution. For someone who is looking to apply to graduate school, the ABCC is also an excellent way to build a portfolio.

Nearly every Advisor, Studio Session leader, and State of Ceramics leader has an MFA degree and teaches or has taught ceramics at accredited universities around the globe.

What if I’ve been practicing ceramics for a long time, maybe even a decades-long time? Is the ABCC a good fit for me?

Well, does the ABCC excite you? Do you want to be in dialogue with other artists who are experimenting in clay? Do you want to deepen or shift your relationship with clay? Do you want. to be more embedded in the zone of contemporary ceramics? Do you want one-on-one feedback about your work? Are you looking to expand your community and be in regular contact with like-interested individuals? If the answer is yes, well then, yes—this certificate program is probably a great fit for you.

What if I love clay but I’m very new to it and don’t yet know all of the basics?

Great! Seriously, great.

If the ABCC is your introduction to ceramics, lucky you! You will have the privilege of learning and understanding clay in an expansive way that you probably never imagined. Its possibilities will feel endless. There are many places—from youtube to amazing local pottery shops— where one can affordably acquire basic “how-to” skills. The ABCC is about the “why-to”. We welcome participants with all levels of experience who are committed to communicating ideas in clay.

Are all components of the ABCC online?

The ABCC is designed to take place online so that participants can enroll from anywhere in the world. Participants can opt to meet in-person with Advisors who are local to them for an additional fee.

Can I sign up for meetings with ABCC Advisors if I’m not enrolled in the ABCC?

At this time, only ABCC participants may sign up for Advising meetings. Individuals who have completed the ABCC may also request post-certificate Advising meetings.

Do I need kiln access to take Studio Sessions or participate in the ABCC?

Nope! Some participants never fire their work. Kilns are only absolutely necessary for functional ceramics, and this is a program in conceptual ceramics. You don’t even need a slab roller or an extruder or a fancy glaze setup. Really, all of those things are totally optional. This program is customized towards whatever is already available to you.

The ABCC is a financial hardship for me; do you offer scholarships?

We’re working on that! For the duration of 2022 there is a monthly scholarship available for Studio Sessions, called the SEED Scholarship. At the end of 2022 there will be at least one scholarship available for the Foundation hours of the ABCC. A-B Projects continues to seek sponsorship and support for additional scholarships.

If you would like to sponsor a full or partial scholarship for a participant, please reach out to Nicole (admin@a-bprojects.com) to discuss the opportunity.

Are there payment plans available for the ABCC?

Yes. We do encourage payment in full at the start of the program but we totally understand that this is not possible for many people. Participants in the ABCC have the option of paying the administrative fee up front, and then paying for individual Studio Sessions over the course of the Foundation hours of the program. Once the Elective hours of the program are determined, A-B Projects can craft an individual payment plan with the participant for that portion of the program.

If you have questions or concerns about this, please reach out to Nicole (admin@a-bprojects.com) to discuss it in more depth and as it applies to your personal situation.

I’m still not sure if the ABCC is the right fit for me; how can I weigh the variables and figure this out?

First of all, take a Studio Session! This will give you a good sense of the overall approach and feel of the ABCC. If you’re still undecided after this, request an introductory interview with Nicole (admin@a-bprojects.com). The intention of the interview is to dig deep and have an honest discussion about whether or not the program is the right fit for you and your practice. It’s a free, informational conversation and you won’t be pressured to make a commitment.