CERAMICS CLASSES
Class Details
Classes will be available in both 8 week sessions, and 2 day intensives.
All classes will be $250 + TAX. This price is inclusive of all materials and tools needed.
CErAMICS
101
In this beginner-friendly class, students will embark on a hands-on journey through the fundamentals of pottery. We’ll start by getting acquainted with the touch and feel of clay—learning how to determine if it's moist enough, too dry, or contains air bubbles. Next, we’ll master the essential skill of centering the clay on the wheel head, a foundational technique for successful throwing.
Students will then dive into the basics of throwing, starting with the creation of a cylinder, the building block for most pottery forms. As the course progresses, you’ll gain an understanding of proper kiln loading techniques and learn how to fire your pieces to bisque temperature.
To finish, we’ll explore glazing techniques, allowing you to add color and personality to your creations. Finally, you’ll have the opportunity to load and fire your glazed pots, observing the entire process, including setting up the computer-operated kiln.
CErAMICS
201
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In this focused workshop, students will learn to throw a perfect cylinder—the foundation for countless pottery forms. Why is this so important? Approximately 85% of all pots are variations of the cylinder, making it an essential skill for any potter. By mastering this technique, you’ll gain the freedom to explore a wide range of shapes, from tumblers and mugs to pitchers, casseroles, jars, and beyond.
This class is designed to help you refine your throwing skills, enabling you to create precise and consistent cylinders. Once you’ve achieved this, the possibilities are endless, as the cylinder serves as the basis for nearly every type of pottery you can imagine. Join us to unlock the potential of your pottery practice and expand your creative horizons.
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This intermediate course is designed for students who have mastered the basics of throwing and are ready to take their pottery skills to the next level. In Ceramics 201, you will learn how to create pots that incorporate attachments such as handles, knobs, and spouts, transforming simple forms into functional and aesthetically pleasing pieces.
The class will delve into the aesthetics of pottery, with a particular focus on the qualities that make a great drinking vessel. We’ll explore concepts like balance, shape, and how the handle interacts with the overall design. You’ll learn to consider the ergonomics of your creations—ensuring that the handle is comfortable, functional, and able to accommodate fingers without discomfort when holding hot liquids.
Please note that a prerequisite for this course is the ability to throw a basic cylinder, as we will build on these foundational skills to create more complex forms. By the end of the course, you’ll have developed a deeper understanding of how to enhance your pottery with thoughtful design and functional attachments.
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In this class, students will learn the art of making flatware, a valuable technique that broadens the scope of your pottery practice. We’ll cover the creation of a variety of flat vessels, including plates, platters of various sizes, quiche dishes, pasta dishes, pie plates, and more.
Through detailed demonstrations, you’ll be guided step-by-step in mastering this technique, with discussions addressing common challenges and tips for success. Whether you’re looking to diversify your pottery skills or simply want to explore new forms, this class offers the tools and knowledge to create beautiful, functional flatware.
In this course, students will be asked to take on more complex tasks and make creative decisions. Each student will select a personal project to pursue throughout the class, ensuring it is feasible within the given time frame and available studio hours. The instructor will provide a list of potential projects, including options such as:
- Teapot design, including drip-free teapots or teapots with locking lids
- Perfecting casserole dishes
- Creating birdbaths or birdfeeders
- Combining throwing with altering techniques
- Incorporating coil additions or slab building into throwing
Students will have the opportunity to explore these various approaches to clay under the guidance of an experienced instructor. The class will also feature demonstrations with physical examples and relevant literature to enhance understanding.
This course can be taken multiple times, with students selecting a new project for each iteration, allowing for continuous skill development and creative exploration.
CErAMICS
301
This advanced studio course is designed for students who have completed beginner and intermediate ceramics courses or have equivalent experience.
To ensure all participants are ready for the challenges ahead, an initial assessment session will be required for those who haven't previously taken classes with the instructor.
Ceramics CLass FAQs
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With our ceramics classes, you are not required to take the 101 level class before taking our 201 or 301 levels. If you have previous experience with wheel throwing, and would like to take a 201 or 301 class as your first class, the only requirement is attending a drop in assessment, or scheduling one with our ceramics instructor. We do this to ensure that your fundamental skills are in place, and you will be able to fully benefit from the class material.
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For beginners, you may sign up for a membership after your second session of our 101 level class. Signing up for a ceramics membership is encouraged for all beginners, as practicing between classes will assist your growth and understanding of class materials and allow you to progress faster through our curriculum.
If you already have experience, you may sign up for a membership after you have attended a drop in assessment, or scheduled an assessment with our instructor. You are not required to take any of our intermediate or advanced level classes to have access to our wheels and equipment.
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We are unfortunately unable to schedule make up classes for individual students if a class was missed. As available, time can be scheduled before or after the following class to provide an overview of material that was missed.
We are also unable to provide refunds or partial refunds for missed classes.
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Yes! All materials and tools will be provided for students. Material for individual practice outside of class hours (specifically clay) will need to be acquired independently.
