Taking Shape with Juliane Shibata: Community Clay Workshops for 2026 Obon Festival Artwork (in-person)

Please note that registration will open on January 5, 2026.

JASM is excited to partner with ceramic artist Juliane Shibata and Northern Clay Center (NCC) to offer two hands-on ceramic workshops! Join us in the NCC Handbuilding Studio to create beautiful artistic pieces inspired by Japanese culture!

Help make ceramic pieces for 2026 Obon Festival artwork! All are welcome to join; the goal is to include and showcase a wide range of styles and individual perspectives. No previous art or clay experience is necessary (those under 18 yrs. old must be accompanied by adult).

Project Overview

• Participants will take part in two free hands-on ceramic workshops at Northern Clay Center.

• A collaborative artwork created in the workshops will be displayed at JASM’s 2026 Obon Festival.

• The installation will be featured in the Ordway Gardens at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory.

• The project celebrates community connections and the unique identities of JASM members and friends.

Workshop 1: Design & Make Clay Stamps

Thursday, February 5, 2026
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

Individuals will make 1-2 clay stamps that represent(s) an aspect or aspects of their identity. These stamps will be fired and used in workshop 2.

(Right: Example of bisque stamp and impression on slab of clay)

Workshop 2: Use Bisque Stamps to Make Installation Components

Thursday, March 19, 2026
6:00 PM – 9:00 PM

The stamps from the first workshop will be used to transfer designs onto fresh slabs of clay. Participants will use cookie cutters shaped like cherry blossoms to create related installation components.

(Right: Cherry blossom cookie cutter used to form the overall shape of the piece)

Note: Participants are strongly encouraged to attend both workshops. However:

• if individuals can’t attend the first workshop in February, they shouldn’t be dissuaded from signing up for the second workshop. Please email us at jasm@mn-japan.org if you are unable to attend one of the workshops.
•  if participants attend the first workshop but can’t attend the second, they could have a friend or family member come in their place in March to finish the activity.

Location
Northern Clay Center (https://northernclaycenter.org/)
2424 E Franklin Ave, Minneapolis, MN 55406 (Google Maps)

*Free parking is available in NCC’s West lot (off 24^th Ave.)

*We will meet in Handbuilding Studio (Studio C)

Important Details

• Free to participate (Voluntary donations are welcome and help support JASM programming. To donate, please click here.)
• Registration required
• Workshop Capacity: Maximum 20 participants per session. First come, first served.

• A waitlist will be generated if the workshops fill.

• Material: Clay and tools will be provided. 

• Age Policy: Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

About the organizer of Taking Shape: 

Juliane Shibata is a ceramic artist and educator based in Northfield, Minnesota. She was awarded a 2025 Center for Craft Teaching Artist Cohort Grant, a 2021 McKnight Artist Fellowship for Ceramic Artists, and Artist Initiative grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board. Juliane received the Tile Heritage Prix Primo award at the 23rd Annual San Angelo National Ceramic Competition and first place in the 62nd Arrowhead Regional Biennial. She has been a resident artist at Oak Spring Garden Foundation, Starworks Center, Art Omi: Artists, The Pottery Workshop in Jingdezhen, China, and the College of Biological Sciences Conservatory & Botanical Collection at the University of Minnesota. Her installations have been commissioned by, among others, Abbott Northwestern Hospital and the Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis.

www.julianeshibata.com