6-Week Classes

Intermediate Wheel Throwing Class – Mondays 5:30 pm

Taught by Kate VanderWoude

Starts February 16th and runs once a week for 6 weeks.

$275^/person

Prerequisites

To ensure a cohesive learning experience, students should be able to:

• Confidently throw a stable, vertical cylinder.

• Throw multiple items of the same size/weight.

• Work comfortably with at least 3–4 lbs of clay.

In this 6-week intermediate course, we move beyond the basics to focus on technical precision, intentionality, and scale. This class is designed for students who have found their “wheel legs” and are ready to push the boundaries of their craft through complex forms and refined finishing. Here’s a glimpse into what you might cover:

Precision & Consistency: Master the art of throwing in series to create matching sets of mugs or nesting bowls

Expanding Scale: Techniques for centering and pulling larger amounts of clay to achieve greater height and width

Complex Architecture: Move into advanced structures including lidded vessels, closed forms (bottles/vases), and the intrigue of double-walled vessels

Decoration: Different surface decorating techniques 

Glazing: Learn how to glaze your pieces and express your creative side

Key Takeaways:

• Master Technical Control: Move from “letting the clay decide” to executing a specific vision with intent.
• Develop Complexity: Gain the skills to create multi-part pieces and functional ware with moving parts
• Refine Your Aesthetic: Focus on the “details”—rim compression, weight distribution, and cohesive surface design
• Challenge Your Limits: Build the muscle memory and patience required to work with larger volumes of clay

Beginner’s Wheel Throwing Class – Tuesdays 5:30 pm

Taught by Kate VanderWoude

Starts February 17th and runs once a week for 6 weeks.

$275^/person

In a 6-week beginner’s wheel throwing class, you’ll meet once a week to learn the foundational skills of working with clay on the potter’s wheel. Here’s a glimpse into what you might cover:

Clay preparation: wedging clay

Fundamentals: Coning, Centering, Opening, and Pulling

Comprehensive Learning: Pulling taller walls and Shaping your vessels

Decoration: Different surface decorating techniques and handle making

Glazing: Learn how to glaze your pieces and express your creative side

Key Takeaways:

• Develop Fundamental Skills: Gain a solid understanding of basic wheel throwing techniques.
• Build Confidence: Develop confidence in working with clay on the wheel.
• Explore Creativity: Experiment with different shapes and forms.
• Relax and Enjoy: Discover the meditative and rewarding process of working with clay.

Beginner’s Hand Building Class – Wednesdays 5:30 pm

Taught by Steph Sloop

Starts February 18th and runs once a week for 6 weeks.

$275^/person

In a 6-week, beginner’s hand-building class, you’ll meet once a week to explore a variety of techniques for creating pottery without using a wheel. Here’s a glimpse into what you might cover:

Pinch Pots: Learn the fundamental technique of pinching clay between your fingers to create simple forms like bowls and cups.

Coil Building: Discover the method of building with coils of clay, which allows for more complex shapes and larger vessels.

Slab Building: Slab Building: Explore the process of creating flat sheets of clay and joining them together to form boxes, bowls, and sculptures.

Surface Decorating: Learn basic surface decoration techniques such as carving, using underglaze, and adding texture.

Key Takeaways:

• Develop Fundamental Skills: Gain a solid understanding of basic hand-building techniques.
• Explore Creativity: Experiment with different shapes and forms.
• Build Confidence: Develop confidence in working with clay without the use of a wheel.
• Relax and Enjoy: Discover the meditative and rewarding process of working with clay.