In your first class, you will meet your instructor, who will introduce course procedures and guide you as you begin working with clay immediately. You will receive 12.5 pounds of clay to start. Any additional clay you use beyond this initial amount will be available for purchase at course rates.
What you will learn
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Session 1 - Introduction and Pinch Pots: Learn fundamental techniques and create your first hand-formed vessels
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Session 2 - Coiling Techniques: Master the traditional coil-building method for creating larger forms
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Session 3 - Slab Construction, Specialized Tools, and Mold Work: Explore slab rolling, extrusion, mold techniques, and basic decorative methods
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Session 4 - Glazing Techniques: Learn to apply glazes and finishes to complete your ceramic pieces
The first session focuses on centering clay and creating simple forms, such as cylinders, on the pottery wheel. In the second session, you will learn trimming techniques to refine your pieces from the first session while continuing to throw and create additional forms. The third session introduces advanced throwing and trimming methods. Please note that this is the final day you may throw new pieces. Any work thrown after this session will not be fired in the kiln.
In the fourth session, you will apply glazes to your bisque-fired pieces. All your work should be prepared and ready for glazing by this final class meeting.
Important Information:
You must be at least 18 years old to register for this class independently. Participants aged 14 and above may attend with an accompanying adult who is an active member or enrolled student.
What to Bring and Wear:
- Arrive approximately 10 to 15 minutes before class begins to allow time for setup
- Wear casual, comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes that you do not mind getting soiled. While clay typically washes out of fabric with regular laundering, glazes and other materials may be more challenging to remove
- Bring an apron if you have one, along with a towel for drying your hands and tools
- Trim your fingernails short. Long nails make wheel-throwing and hand-shaping significantly more difficult and can limit your ability to work effectively and comfortably in class
- Remove all jewelry, including rings, watches, and bracelets. These items can catch on the clay and the pottery wheel, creating safety hazards and interference with your work
- If you have long hair, bring an elastic band or hair tie to secure it away from your face. This precaution is essential to prevent accidents when working near the spinning pottery wheel
