A masterclass with Suzy Birstein,
an international Canadian Sculptor
April 6 & 7, 2027
Creston, B.C
Presented by The Creston Valley In the Raw Arts Society (proud organizers of Creston Clay Fest!)
Suzy's art draws upon ancient and contemporary world cultures and mythology; art historical figures and contemporary icons. Her work is unmistakable, bold, vivacious and complicated. Suzy resides in Vancouver but her work has taken her to the U.S.A., Mexico, and Southern Europe attending and leading master workshops along the way. This two-day workshop will have ten places for professional, semi-professional, and competent amateur potters who reside in the Creston Valley.
The Workshop
Day 1 will focus on the creation of a head and shoulder sculpture. Day 2 (morning) artists will consider the symbolic additions, clay or inanimate objects, to their sculpture. In the afternoon there will be a focus on how to incorporate surfacing and glazes. For those using underglazes this process can be started. Following the masterclass, participants will have the opportunity to participate in a 1.5 - 2 hour mentoring session, via Zoom, to explore progress and answer questions.
Open to professional, semi-professional, and competent enthusiastic amateur potters who are willing to dedicate more time to their work.
Masterclass with International Sculptor Suzy Birstein
Application deadline: 11:59 pm 31st December 2026.
Eligibility criteria: Applicants must reside in the Kootenays, be an active potter/ceramicist spending a minimum of 15 hours per week (on average).
Expectations: To fully attend both days and participate in a small group video-call post
workshop (1.5-2 hrs) approximately 2-3 weeks after the masterclass. Each of the participants will be invited to exhibit their work at Creston Clay Fest on August 14th 2027 for the public to vote for their favorite sculpture. This two-day workshop will have ten places.
Cost: Due to a successful grant from the Kootenays Regional Arts Council the costs for this masterclass have been substantially reduced to $50 (rather than the actual $450).
Process: Applications will be reviewed through January and applicants will be informed of the outcome by Monday 1st February, 2027.
Application:
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Please provide a short statement on your current level of proficiency (3-4 sentences)
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Provide a statement on how learning from attending this workshop may be applied to your work and/or future plans (100 words)
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A current resume (maximum 2 pages)
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Four photographs of your work that show an aptitude for sculpture, experimentation and development.
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Please submit your application in a PDF document to: intherawclay@gmail.com by 11:59 pm 31st December, 2026.
If you have any questions please use the same email address.
Criteria to be Considered:
Current level of proficiency, a statement in the application of how this learning may be applied to your work and / or future plans, and how it relates to your current work. The intention is to help move work in new directions, inspire and help potters evolve as artists.
Suzy's Biography
Suzy Birstein's sculptures and paintings are narratives in clay and pigment, reimagining the lives, myths, and struggles of women artists who have shaped art history and those who have been tucked into its margins. Each piece is a kaleidoscope of selves, histories and dreams - always in motion, open to reinvention. With over 75 solo and group exhibitions across Canada, Mexico, the U.S, Europe and Japan, Suzy has garnered extensive media attention. Her art has been showcased at prestigious venues, including the Gardiner Museum in Toronto and the Art Brut Diva exhibit in France. In 2008, she created "Motion Pitchers", commissioned as gifts for Academy Award nominees.
Her upcoming solo retrospective of paintings and sculpture "Venice After Midnight", curated by Dr. Angela Clark, will be at Il Museo in Vancouver in 2027, additionally inspired by her artist residency and research in Rajasthan in the Fall of 2026.
Suzy earned an honors graduate degree in Ceramics and Interdisciplinary Studies from Emily Carr University, studying under Sally Michener and Geoff Rees. She maintains a studio practice in the historic 1000 Parker Street Studios in East Vancouver and from her Kitsilano Garden Studio. 2026 marks 35 years of teaching young artists at Arts Umbrella, where she is being celebrated with a scholarship in her name.
Suzy is forever grateful for the love and support of her husband Hartle, two sons and three grandchildren.
With the support of:
