Join Mary for a short and sweet workshop focused on her coil/pinch method. Students will jump right in on the first day, hand-rolling large coils, then pinching them into evenly-walled vessels. In the second week, Mary will demonstrate techniques to change the direction or shape of the vessel as you build, and how to incorporate additions such as handles and 3D decoration. The third week will cover surface development with underglazes, slips, and washes, so students can finish their piece with personal and colorful detail. This three-week workshop is an introduction for new students, or a refresher for returning students. It’s a great way to prepare for our upcoming winter and spring handbuilding classes! All levels welcome!

3 weeks, 9 hours / $84 Members, $125 Non-Members

This beginner-friendly workshop introduces potters to the creative possibilities of slip-trailing for surface decoration.  Using simple clay slip and handheld applicators, you will learn how to draw, dot, and layer textured designs onto your leather-hard clay projects.  The first session includes guided time for students to make pieces; members are invited to bring their own leather-hard work as well.  The second session focuses on using slip to add interesting visual and tactile texture, elements that invite both the eye and the hand to interact with your handmade pottery.  Clay, bisque and glaze firing included.  Materials fee covers take-home slip applicator sets.  No experience necessary; ages 14+ unless pre-arranged with studio staff.

Two days, 6 hours / $125 + materials fee

The focus of this class is to expand on students’ existing skills and emphasize the finer details of their practice, working toward greater consistency and well-developed personal style.  Students will be challenged to refine their technique, work with larger amounts of clay, and explore familiar and unfamiliar shapes.  Classes will cover a variety of forms, asking students to strengthen different techniques for each: lifting clay and establishing smooth lines, managing wall thickness and shaping, and creation of forms that incorporate multiple parts (such as teapots and pitchers) and alterations (darting, carving, texturing, etc.).  We will spend time looking at our work, assessing the qualities we do and do not like about a particular form, and identifying changes to make in our next attempts.  In this way, we will emphasize aesthetic quality and develop our artistic eyes and voices.  This class is about refinement and exploration, quality over quantity, and celebrating as we turn weaknesses into strengths.  Prerequisites: basic throwing skills and a willingness to push yourself technically and creatively.  Ages 18+ unless pre-arranged with studio staff.

10 weeks, 30 hours / $242 Members, $360 Non-Members

This beginner-intermediate wheel-throwing class will cover the basics of throwing on the potter’s wheel, and guide you through the many stages of the ceramic process from centering the clay through glazing a finished piece.  Expect plenty of hands-on practice and assistance as you improve your skills and gain confidence!  In addition to learning how to throw various forms on the wheel, students will learn how to make and attach handles, and explore surface decoration through texture, decorative slip, and thoughtful glaze layering.  Roll up your sleeves, and hone your skills.  This class gives you the time, space and instruction to support your exploration in clay! Pre-requisites: this class is suitable for students from beginner to intermediate; ages 18+ unless pre-arranged with studio staff.

10 weeks, 30 hours / $242 Members, $360 Non-Members

Whether you are a ceramicist looking for a new surface decoration technique, or an artist looking to stretch your sketches onto a new medium, have some fun with this underglaze workshop.  In the first session, Karrie will teach you to slab-build plates with hump molds, then offer guidance as students practice drawing colorful patterns and illustrations on paper.  In the second session, students will sketch directly on their bisqued plates with underglaze crayons and pencils before applying clear glaze.  Pre-requisites: no experience necessary. Ages 14+

Two sessions / Six hours / $125

Printmaking in the clay studio? Oh yeah! Kim is back with her popular block-printing workshop, in which you can learn the basics of two media at once. Spend a morning learning to carve your own stamps, then practice printing with them using bright inks on paper. In the afternoon, Kim will guide you in transferring your stamps onto slabs of clay to create dynamic textures. You will then create coasters or tiles and vases from your stamped clay slabs. Stamps can be re-used in future independent projects. Pre-requisites: some experience with clay recommended but not necessary; ages 18+ unless pre-arranged with instructor.

Two sessions / 8.5 hours / $125

Potters ready to expand their repertoire beyond mugs and bowls can sign up for this wheel-based weekend workshop all about plate-making.  Throwing wide, flat forms presents its own set of challenges, but students will learn the techniques necessary to create great plates from start to finish.  Learn how to avoid common problems such as warped rims, wobbly foot rings, and S-cracks.  Sam will provide expert tips and tricks so you can set your table in handmade style this summer!  Clay, tools, materials, and bisque firing included in tuition.  Pre-requisites: students should be able to comfortably center 2-5 lbs. of clay consistently.  Ages 18+

Two sessions / Six hours / $125

Students in grades 5-8 can join us for our kid-centric class, expanding on skills they may have learned at school, or getting the chance to play with clay for the first time! This spring, we will create small sculptures and throw pots on the wheel, building fundamental skills while making fun and functional ceramics. Working together in a safe and welcoming environment, instructors will introduce good habits with clay, and inspire students to continue on in their own creative endeavors. No experience necessary; can be repeated.

5 weeks / 10 hours / $155

Do you sometimes feel like you’re going in circles with your wheel skills?  Wren joins us this winter to help throwers at all levels set and strive for their individual goals in a small group setting. Lessons will focus on consistency; expanding one’s repertoire of forms; throwing bigger; altering; adding attachments; and use of texture tools, colored slips, and underglazes to create dynamic surfaces. 

With Wren’s instruction and the support of your fellow students, you can leave the Clay Clinic with improved skills and a keen eye for ceramic design.  Some wheel experience is recommended.

Handbuilders of all skill levels are invited to join Mary Roberts, our first Artist-in-Residence, for a deep dive into a range of handbuilding techniques.  Mary will cover her version of the coil/pinch method, stiff slab construction, and more.  Students will explore the functional and sculptural values of 3-dimensional form using handbuilding, as well as development of surface treatment and design.  This is a great place to start for anyone interested in handbuilding, and it’s a next step for returning students who enjoyed Mary’s fall workshop.  Don’t miss out!

Students in grades 5-8 can join us for our kid-centric class, expanding on skills they may have learned at school, or getting the chance to play with clay for the first time! Focusing on pinch pots, small sculptures, coil-, and slab-building, students will build fundamental skills while creating their own fun and functional ceramics. Working together in a safe and welcoming environment, instructors will introduce good habits with clay, and inspire students to continue on in their own creative endeavors.

No experience necessary; can be repeated.