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frequently asked questions
Topics
General FAQ
Wiesner FAQ
Ceramics FAQ
Q. What is the SAA?
A. SAA stands for the Student Art Association. We offer a variety of
art classes in ceramics, photography and drawing/painting. We have
a ceramics studio, darkroom and 2D studio.
Q. What classes are offered each term?
A. In ceramics, we offer different levels of wheel throwing, basic clay
(a mixture of throwing and handbuilding), majolica decoration, and other
specialty classes that vary from term to term. Photography classes vary
from term to term but always include basic (black and white) photography
and color photography. 2D classes are generally composed of Chinese brush
painting, Life drawing, and watercolor.
Q. Where is the SAA?
A. The SAA is on the fourth floor of the student center and includes
rooms W20-424 to W20-431.
Q. When are classes offered?
A. We have four “terms” during which classes are offered. These correspond
to MIT’s academic calendar. There is a fall term, IAP term, spring
term, and summer term. Afternoon and evening classes are offered on weekdays. Weekend classes are offered at various times.
Q. Who can register for classes?
A. MIT affiliates with a current MIT ID are eligible to take SAA classes. This includes
all students, both graduate and undergraduate, faculty, staff, Alumni, spouses of current employees or students,
Harvard and Wellesley students.
Q. When do I register for classes?
A. Registration for the upcoming term usually begins a few weeks before the term begins. SAA classes start the week after MIT classes. For exact registration dates,
please check here.
Q. How do I register for classes?
A. The SAA now uses online registration. To register for a class, use the Registration link on the left. You will need MIT certificates in order to register. If you have any trouble, please email saahelp@mit.edu.
Q. How do I obtain a registration form?
A. The SAA is now using exclusively online registration. Check out the Registration link on the left.
Q. When does registration close?
A. Registration generally closes the first day of SAA classes. For exact dates, check the SAA home page for announcements.
Q. Can I sign up late?
A. As long as there is room in our classes, we will not turn people away. After the registration deadline has passed, however, online registration will be closed. Please come into the office or email saahelp@mit.edu for help with late registration.
Q. What do the two prices on the registration form mean?
A. The lower price is for MIT students. The higher price
is for everyone else who is eligible to take SAA classes.
Q. When can I speak with someone in the office?
A. Office hours for each semester are posted on the home page.
Q. If I can’t make office hours, is there another way that I can
reach you?
A. We are always available via email at saahelp@mit.edu. Please give
us a day or two to get back to you, especially during student holidays. You
can also call us at 617.253.7019.
Q. When is the Gallery open?
A.The Wiesner Gallery is open at all times to the public.
Q. How often do exhibitions rotate?
A. Exhibitions usually change every month or so. Length may vary
depending on the number of applicants during the current semester and on special request of the artist(s).
Q. May I still submit an application if I don't have enough works to fill the available gallery space?
A. Yes. You can apply with one or more other artists and have a joint exhibition.
Q. How much work should I send in with my application?
A. We would like to have a good feeling for the type of work you intend to display in your show. Bring as much as you think necessary to convey this.
Q. How often are applications reviewed?
Applications are reviewed as they are received. We will communicate with applicants about our interest in their application and times available for new exhibits.
Q. Are there physical restrictions to how my work can be displayed?
A. Yes. The Wiesner space presents its own physical restrictions. The size and shape of available cases are restrictions as well. Depending on size, some pieces might not be able to be accommodated with secure
protection. You can check out the space for yourself on the second floor of the Student Center. We will do our best to accomodate the needs of artists. If you have more questions. please contact saahelp@mit.edu
Q. Will I be able to be reimbursed for purchases I make for my exhibition?
A. If your application is approved, you will need to coordinate with the student curators before making any purchases but, yes, you will be reimbursed for most purchases.
Q. Do I have to
buy clay? Is there a materials/lab fee for pottery classes?
A. No, the SAA provides all clay, glazes, and kiln firings.
Q. May I bring in my own clay or glaze?
A. No. Clay bodies and glazes are formulated for specific functions and
firing temperatures. Currently, the SAA provides two stoneware clay bodies
for throwing/handbuilding and one terra cotta clay body for Majolica decoration.
Approximately 12 glazes, specifically for these clay bodis, are mixed
in our studio. Also, we manage recycled clay and kiln firings according
to the requirements of the current clay and glazes. If a new clay/glaze
was introduced into our studio, we might contaminate our current clay/glaze,
pieces made from new clay/glaze might not fire properly (temperatures
incompatible with current firing schedules), and any new material might
not be compatible with our current studio clays/glazes.
Q. Do I need to provide my own tools?
A. There is a limited supply of used tools in the studio. However, we
recommend that students purchase a tool pack from the SAA or individual
tools from area craft stores. Ask your instructor about local and on-line
pottery resources.
Q. Do I have to take a class to use the studio?
A. The SAA offers a variety of pottery classes for all skill levels and
interests. We offer a non-class, independent study option, but we require that SAA members take at least one class in our studios before utilizing this option. This is to ensure you understand how our particular studio functions. Because the studio
is cooperatively maintained, as a non-class user, you would have the
same maintenance duties as those who are taking classes, such as clay
recycling, glazes mixing, and firing. Instead of using class-time for
these dutes, however, you would be expected to come in on your own time.
Q. Do I fire my own pieces?
A. Generally, students do not fire their own work. If you are interested
in learning how to fire, however, please talk to your instructor. He/she
will direct you to the right sources so that you can get training on
how to fire.
Q. I glazed a piece but it does not look like the glaze on the test tile.
Why?
A. Many variables contribute to the final look and feel of a pottery
piece. Glaze consistency, glaze application, and kiln temperature all
affect the final result. If you have achieved an unexpected result, speak
with your instructor about the piece. He/she can help troubleshoot any
problems.
Q. My piece has been sitting on the shelf for a long time but has not
been fired. Is there any reason why?
A. Greenware (unfired) must be completely dry before it is placed in
a bisque kiln. Greenware that is dried too fast can crack and even explode,
damaging other pieces in the kiln. Also, Greenware that is placed in
the kiln room with existing cracks may not be fired as these may only
worsen in a hot kiln.
Glazed ware must wait for space in a kiln. A glaze firing will accommodate
only a limited number of pieces in a single firing. Many glazed pieces
must simply wait until there is space. Poorly glazed ware may not be
fired. If your piece has glaze on the bottom, chipped glaze, or thick
glaze, it may be rejected from the kiln completely.
Q. How often are pieces fired?
A. After a term has started and pieces start to accumulate, firings happen
continuously and alternate between bisque and glaze kilns.
Q. What does last day of wet clay mean?
A. Last day of wet clay is the last day that new pieces can be started. Literally, it means that you should not be using any more new, and thus "wet," clay to throw new pieces.
After the “last day of wet clay,” however, pieces can still be trimmed
and glazed. “Last day of Wet Clay” exists so that we can
get pieces finished and out of the studio before the end of the term.
Q. What is studio clean-up?
A. Studio clean-up is a designated day at the end of the term when
the studio is cleaned up. It is a way to ensure that dust does not
build
up too much over time. After the mandatory clean-up date,
the studio is closed until the following term. This period is between SAA terms.
Q. Can I come in to work outside of class time?
A. Yes. The studio is open 24/7 and you can come in to work on your
own any time that there is not another class going on. Classes are
generally
offered from 4 to 10 pm Monday thru Thursday and 10 am to 1 pm on
Saturday. The specific schedule for each term is posted on the studio
door and
is also available on the registration forms and online here.
Q. Where can I pick up my glazed pieces?
A. There is a locked cabinet in the ceramics studio where we keep our finished
pieces. Please ask your instructor or the office staff if you need
to access the cabinet.
For more info please contact us at SAAhelp@mit.edu or 617.253.7019.
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