+ Should I take this course again if I’ve already completed another 4-week intensive course with you?

Absolutely! We’re committed to creating distinct, evolving learning experiences with each teaching cycle, so that you’ll always find something new, whether it’s the content, the approach, or the insights shared. This ensures that each course feels fresh and offers opportunities for continued growth.

In addition, as you accumulate credits, you’ll unlock access to more advanced offerings at the Center, allowing you to deepen your practice and knowledge over time. One of the exciting opportunities this opens up is the Córdova Method training program, which is designed specifically for teachers who are interested in learning how to share these techniques with their own students.

+ How long will I have access to the curriculum material?

You will have unlimited access to all written materials, references, templates, and Zoom meeting recordings hosted on Teachable. While the videos are not downloadable, you can revisit them as often as you like through the platform. Should there be any changes to Teachable or the availability of the course, we will provide prior notice to ensure you are well-informed.

+What Do Certification Levels Mean?

Each certification cycle is designed to guide students through a progression of skills within  Handbuilding and Surface Development.

Each level of certification acknowledges the student’s successful:

• Completion of all required assignments and attendance to all demonstrations (live or recorded)

• Engagement in a minimum of 52 combined instructional and studio hours per level 

1. Handbuilding / Figurative Sculpture Track Certifications

Level I — Foundations of Form
Students gain a fundamental understanding of ceramic construction methods for figurative or sculptural work. Core techniques—such as slab, coil, hollow, and solid construction—are introduced, emphasizing structure, proportion, and stability. Assignments focus on building confidence with material handling and forming strategies while developing a sensitivity to anatomy (where applicable), gesture, and mass.

Level II — Integration and Composition
Representing approximately 104 cumulative hours of study, Level II should reflect a  deeper engagement with form, structure, and design. 

Level III — Synthesis and Personal Vision
With 156 cumulative hours of focused study, Level III should  reflect a  synthesis of more advanced technical skill and individual creative voice. 

2. Ceramic Surfaces Track Certifications

Level I — Foundations of Surface
Students gain a fundamental understanding of ceramic surface development. This includes testing and applying slips, oxides, underglazes, and glazes while learning how surface interacts with form. Level I emphasizes curiosity, documentation, and the confidence to experiment. Students complete a series of guided tests and studies that demonstrate awareness of material behavior and surface potential.

Level II — Integration and Expression
Representing approximately 104 cumulative hours of study, Level II should reflect a deeper engagement and growing fluency with surface techniques. 

Level III — Surface as Language
With 156 cumulative hours of focused study, Level III should reflect originality in surface resolution, and depth of understanding in the potential of surface to compliment and elevate form.

+ What does a certificate mean?

Our certification is based on Carnegie Credit Units (52.5 hrs of lecture and independent work within a specific topic). In this session, the accumulative experiences will fulfill a credit for the topic: Surface Strategies for Ceramic Sculpture. The certificate attests to your committed involvement in the development of a specific skill set in the realm of figurative ceramics. It will fulfill the prerequisite for more advanced curricula, master classes, and residencies offered by the Center for the Study of Figurative Ceramics and could serve as continuing education credits for external institutions that recognize the Carnegie system.

There are three levels of accreditation. If you’ve already completed Level I or II, you can continue toward higher levels with additional requirements and support. Each level corresponds roughly to completing one of the Center’s previous 4-week live online courses, so your past participation will count toward certification progress.

+ How do I receive my certificate?

All participants interested in receiving a certificate must complete two simple steps:

1. Confirm that they have either attended the live classes or watched the class recordings.

2. Submit their assignments by the published deadlines. (We are always flexible in the case of unexpected personal situations, and deadlines can be adjusted when needed.)

This confirmation of attendance, along with an evaluation of the creative work submitted throughout the course, will serve as the basis for awarding the Certificate of Completion. To meet the requirements, students are expected to demonstrate consistent engagement and a reasonable level of independent practice. There is no need to track or report the number of hours spent on the assignments.

All completed work will also count toward the upcoming Córdova Method™ certification training, which will be launched in the near future.

+ Can I sign up for the course and choose not to attend the live sessions, instead completing the assignments and accessing the recordings to learn at my own pace?

Yes, absolutely! If you feel you’d benefit from live support as you work independently, you’re welcome to schedule a one-on-one Zoom appointment with Cristina or simply reach out via email for guidance. After reviewing the recordings you can also ask follow-up questions that we can relay to the teachers. We’re here to support you every step of the way.

+ What time zone is reflected in the schedule?

All times listed in the curriculum are given in Eastern Time (North Carolina Time). EST changes throughout the seasons , so make sure to double check your local time equivalent.

You can always check the correct time in your location here: https://www.worldtimebuddy.com/

+ How many hours should I dedicate each week?

This depends on you and whether or not you are pursuing a certificate (if so read above). This format offers flexibility, allowing you to review class material and participate in discussions either during live sessions or by watching recordings. If you're unable to attend, you can access the material at your own convenience. You have the freedom to tailor your level of commitment, with the assurance that discussions will continue and be accessible to you at any time. If you are interested in receiving a CSFC Certification you will need to invest a minimum of about 6.5 hours a week (including lecture and studio time) leading up to the last group gathering.

+ How long will this course take?

The structured part of the course lasts one month, with classes meeting twice a week. After that, students are given an additional month to work independently, finishing up their final assignments for review. At the end of this period, we’ll reconvene for a final "show and tell" session. During the last month, you’ll also have the option to join study groups, where you can share your process, exchange ideas, and receive communal feedback from fellow students.

+ What level of proficiency is this course intended for?

While some experience with handbuilding is recommended, this course is open to students of all levels. To ensure everyone’s needs are met, we now offer two tiers of assignments after each class, one for beginners and another for those with more experience, ensuring you can work at a level that aligns with your own proficiency.

+ What equipment is necessary?

At its most basic you will need:

• A well-ventilated area with good lighting

• Worktable with an adjacent wall for holding references if applicable

• Computer, phone, or tablet with camera and Zoom

• Internet connection

• Clay and basic modeling tools

• A general list of tools, books, media, equipment, and supplies will be available after enrollment. After each artists presentation , you will receive a more specific list of their materials and supplies.

+ Do I need a kiln to be part of this course? What to I do if I do not have a kiln?

You don’t need a kiln to be part of this course, though having access to one can be helpful. When I first started working with clay, I was making pieces in my garage and firing them in a community kiln, paying per firing. If you don’t have a kiln of your own, I encourage you to look into local community centers that rent kiln space. This can be a great way to learn about the firing process, understanding the different approaches and loading considerations as you prepare your work. You might also explore Kilnshare, a website where individuals offer space in their kilns for a fee or exchange. There are many ways to make this work, and part of the journey is finding what fits your needs.

As mentioned, for most classes, kiln access is recommended but not strictly required. You can still follow the lessons, watch demonstrations, and adapt the techniques to your own practice without one. For pursuing a certification in the intensive: Surfaces and Glazes for Figurative Ceramics and Sculpture, kiln access is recommended, as the course involves surface testing through firing. (At a minimum you can expect to fire at least 3 times if assignments are consolidated) However, you can still fully participate in the classes, watch the recordings, and apply the concepts to your own practice without a kiln—you just won’t be able to complete all of the firing-based assignments required for certification.

+ Do I need to have finished work for the assignments?

No, follow-throughs are meant to help you integrate what you’ve learned into your practice. They only need to meet the requirements outlined for your chosen level. If time is a concern, selecting a simpler level can still allow you to engage meaningfully with the material while earning credit.

For Surfaces and Glazes for Figurative Ceramics and Sculpture, kiln access is required if you wish to pursue certification. This course includes surface testing and multiple firings, which are necessary to complete some of the assignments.

+ Do I need to have finished or fired work for the last meeting?

If you do, thats great but at the end we just want to share our growth, wherever it stands, be it work in progress, drying or fired, if that is available to you.

+ In addition to the classes with Cristina Córdova and other instructors, will I receive any 1:1 support, coaching, or guidance to help me apply and improve my skills as I practice?

Yes! We offer personal one-on-one office hours with Cristina via Zoom, which you can schedule as needed throughout the course. You can also reach out to Cristina at any time via email to ask questions, get clarifications, and receive direct feedback on your images (see example below).

In addition, you’ll receive a session of direct one-on-one coaching from Rachel Meginnes, offering you more personalized guidance.

This is truly a “make your own adventure” experience. You have the flexibility to choose how much in-person support you’d like to have based on your comfort level or what you feel you need. Our goal is to ensure that you stay engaged and supported every step of the way.

+ Who should not take this course?

This course offers a truly transformational experience. You’ll learn from some of the most inspiring voices in the field while joining a vibrant community of passionate makers. Throughout the journey, you’ll also receive one-on-one mentorship and support from Cristina Córdova.

Even if you choose to participate without pursuing certification, you’ll come away changed—growth and transformation are inevitable. However, if you’re not ready to challenge yourself and expand your practice, this may not be the right course for you.

+ Can I return the course and receive a refund if I change my mind?

Unfortunately, due to the immediate access to course materials, we don’t offer returns. However, if needed, we can transfer your credit to another CSFC offering, under mutually agreed circumstances. We’re committed to ensuring you find a course that truly serves you.

+ What’s included?

• Zoom Recordings for all classes and lectures for you to have access in our platform indefinitely

• Access to an extraordinary cohort of teachers to learn from and a fantastic group of artists to optimize your experience

• Coaching, 1 on 1 Zoom meetings with Cristina Córdova

• Feedback emails with drawn corrections (when applicable)

• Pre-recorded video lessons

• Peer study sessions to share work and receive feedback

• An online forum to continue to stay in dialogue after the 1-month of organized learning opens up a more independent practice leading into our last meeting and virtual exhibition

• Lists of materials, references from all the teaching collaborators

• The opportunity (optional) to be part of a a final online showcase

+ Is this worth it?

To understand the impact and value of our course, we’ve interviewed our alumni and asked them this very question. The overwhelming response has been a resounding YES! Here are some of the comments from our participants when asked:

Do you feel that the investment in this course was worthwhile? Why or why not