Classes
Classes at the Potters' Studio are for all levels of experience. We have open enrollment so you can start anytime. Instructors work with each student on projects at all skill levels, both on the potter's wheel and in handbuilding.
The course fee of $259 includes:
- 8 classes (3 hours each)
- Free recycled clay
- 2 cubic feet of firing space
Students can also use the studio to work outside of class time:
- Mon. - Thu. 10 am - 3 pm
- Sat. and Sun. 11:30 am - 4:30 pm
- Any other time when staff or studio members are present. This is typically 10 am - 10 pm most days, but not guaranteed.
Beginning to Advanced Handbuilding
Tue. 7 - 10 pm
Instructor: James Whiting
Maybe you have a favorite bowl, platter, cup, or sculpture and would like to make something similar. Or perhaps you've seen a beautiful piece of pottery in a book or magazine and it's sparked an idea that you'd like to explore. Whatever your idea, James can help you make it. He'll also open up your mind to new ways of looking at and appreciating ceramics, and the technical processes involved in making just about anything you can think of.
The class is open-studio style; students work on their own projects at their own pace. The emphasis is on handbuilding, though students are free to use the wheels. James goes from student to student, helping as needed. Technical demonstrations include coil building, colored clay layering (neriage), slab building, teapot making, scrafitto, underglaze painting, sculpting, inlay, pinch pots, creating textured surfaces, and more. There are also discussions, such as what makes a good cup, and show and tell.
James brings a genuine love and enthusiasm for teaching, as well as years of experience in exploring ideas and techniques.
Beginning Wheel Throwing
Wed. 6 - 9 pm
Instructor: Robert Abrams
If you are a complete beginner looking to learn pottery on the wheel, or have limited experience throwing, this is the class for you. Over this 8-week course you will learn how to throw, trim and glaze pots so you can take home functional pottery to use.
Wheel Throwing and Handbuilding
Thu. 7 - 10 pm, Fri. 10 am - 1 pm, Sat. 10 am - 1 pm
Instructor: Bob Johnson
Each of these classes is designed to introduce the beginning potter or ceramic artist to the first steps in throwing on the potter's wheel, or handbuilding forms, (both utilitarian or sculptural) off the wheel. For the intermediate or more advanced student, more complex techniques and forms will be introduced through individual instruction or class demonstrations, building experience and skills to form teapots, lidded forms and larger sculptural pieces. These classes include demonstrations in various glaze and surface techniques.