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.

In this wheel-based workshop, Ben Putnam will teach multiple techniques for creating lidded vessels from thrown and altered pots.  Gallery, cap, and flange styles will be covered, as will tips and tricks for well-formed and trimmed lids that fit perfectly.  Special glazing considerations will be discussed, and students can book 1:1 glazing sessions if choosing to bisque-fire pieces made during the workshop.  Build your skills, push beyond open cylindrical forms, and create beautiful and functional ceramic storage jars.

This workshop will explore the possibilities of clay as a canvas for slip, underglaze, and carving decoration. We will learn a variety of techniques for surface decoration, including: sgraffito, Mishima, stencils, slip and underglaze transfers. Please note students will be creating a library of techniques on tiles, but are encouraged to bring a leather-hard greenware piece to finish with any of the techniques that are explored. 

"In this beginner-friendly wheel-based class, we will revisit the fundamental techniques of pottery, from centering clay all the way to glazing our creations.  Expect personalized attention and plenty of hands-on practice to build your confidence and skills.  We will also cover some intermediate techniques including throwing with and without tools, pulling taller and wider forms, throwing "off the hump," and more!  As you progress, we'll experiment with different forms and incorporate texture and decoration techniques, allowing you to express your own voice and style as a ceramic artist.  Whether you're drawn to sleek, minimalist designs or intricate, organic motifs, this class gives you time, space, and instruction to support your exploration!" 

This class is a great fit for students who have previously taken our Beginning Clay or All-Levels Ceramics class and wish to focus on working with the potter's wheel.  New beginners are welcome too!

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.

Four Weeks.

Using the potter’s wheel, students will learn how to throw clay into a variety of shapes and sizes. Every class will start with a brief demonstration of clay preparation, basic throwing skills, and some examples of how to push things a little further for those who are ready and those who want to try. We will then move to trimming and finishing our pieces, and finally glazing. Wheel-throwing is a challenging yet meditative way to work with clay, and whether you're new to the wheel, or an experienced thrower, we’ll improve your skills and ability to really finish a piece for firing. (Once a week; 10 sessions)

Experience Level: Beginning through Advanced.

Printmaker/Ceramic Artist Kim Cunningham will lead a workshop in carving one-of-a-kind block print stamps which will be used to texture clay slabs for creative clay constructions. Participants will design and carve at least two small rubber stamps, which they will begin by stamping on paper before moving on to clay slabs. The slabs will then be used to make coasters, tiles and vessels. Each participant should come away with several unique pieces. (2 sessions; 9 hours total) Some experience with Clay Recommended. Space is Limited to 9 students.

With Ben Putnam

This 4-week class combines structured exercises, prompts and activities with a bit of independent making time.  Classes will incorporate readings, writing prompts, drawing meditations, claywork meditations, and time to work on individual projects with guidance if desired.  The goal of this mini-course is to help direct your making practice towards an intentional and meaningful process.  After all, the objects we make in the studio are really just a byproduct of “art;” “art” is the personal practice developing when we’re in the studio manipulating materials.

Students should bring a sketchbook and/or journal, favorite tools, and a spirit of exploration.  Clay and related firing fees are included.  Limited to 8 students.

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.

Six Weeks - The last week is the Pick-Up Party, when students collect their finished work, plant seeds in their flower pots, and collaborate on a large group project. (Late pick-up can be arranged if needed.)