BEREA, Ky. — A hands-on workshop series focused on the craft of making clay wind instruments will be held May 22–24 at the Berea Arts Council.
The event, titled Mountain Melodies: Appalachian-Inspired Ocarinas & Wind Instruments Workshop Series, features artist Jesse McClanahan. Over three days, participants will be guided through the process of creating small, functional ceramic instruments inspired by local landscapes and cultural traditions.
🎶 A Progressive Journey in Sound
The workshop is structured as a progressive series, starting with simpler wind instruments and building toward the more complex ocarina. This format allows participants to build their skills in clay manipulation and acoustic design as the weekend progresses.
The workshop schedule includes:
- Friday, May 22 (5:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m.): Introduction and flute making
- Saturday, May 23 (9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.): Whistle making (includes a lunch break)
- Sunday, May 24 (9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.): Ocarina making
🏺 Materials and Traditional Finishing
All necessary materials and tools are provided, including the clay and finishing materials. Participants will learn to finish their pieces with terra sigillata, a refined ceramic slip used to create a soft, lustrous surface.
The workshop fee also covers kiln firing fees and the distribution of finished work through the Berea Arts Council and Bobtown. A class assistant will be available throughout the weekend to provide additional guidance.
✅ Registration and Planning
The workshop fee is $125, which covers all three days of instruction and materials. Because of the progressive nature of the classes and the hands-on requirements, space is limited.
The Berea Arts Council is located at 444 Chestnut St. Residents and visitors interested in the workshop are encouraged to register through the council’s official page.
Upcoming Events in Berea & Beyond
🌿 Community, Arts & Outdoors
- Eastern Kentucky University Commencement — May 7–8
- Studio Space Spring Soiree (105 Jackson St.) — Friday, May 8, 5:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m.
- Berea Runners Saturday Group Run (Native Bagel Co.) — Saturday, May 9 at 8:00 a.m.
- Berea Farmers Market (Chestnut Street Pavilion) — Saturdays, 9:00 a.m.–1:00 p.m.
- Berea Arts Council Plant Sale (444 Chestnut St.) — Saturday, May 9, 10:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
- Berea College Commencement — Sunday, May 10
- Amy Lewis “Origins” Reception (444 Chestnut St.) — Friday, May 15, 5:30 p.m.–7:30 p.m.
- Mountain Melodies Workshop (444 Chestnut St.) — May 22–24
🎭 Theater & Performance at The Spotlight Playhouse
Tickets and info for all shows: TheSpotlightPlayhouse.com
- Madagascar: A Musical Adventure JR. — closes May 10
- The Secret Garden (The Bluegrass Players) — closes May 10
- Annie: The Musical (The Bluegrass Players) — May 15–24
- Annie KIDS (Spotlight Acting School) — May 29–June 7
- Creative Arts Camp (“New York, New York”) — June 8–12
- “Oh, Those Summer Nights” Intergenerational Intensive — June 14–27
- Macbeth (The Bluegrass Players) — June 19–28
- Film Acting Camp (Rising 6th–Age 18) — June 29–July 3
- Seussical the Musical (Ages 14–18) — July 31–Aug. 9