Class Descriptions

Wheelthrowing – All Levels with Jenn Wyman (Monday evenings) or Richard Gilson (Tuesday evenings)

This class will focus mainly on the potter’s wheel.  Whether you are a beginner, intermediate or advanced wheelthrower, demos will be given according to your skill level. Demonstrations are given at the beginning of each class and the remainder of time is dedicated to your personal projects.  Beginner demos include cups, bowls, handles, plates and creamers.  Intermediate and advanced level demos:  Large bowls, vases, pitchers, oval forms, lidded jars, teapots, joined forms, sets.  Come try your hand on the wheel!

Wheelthrowing and Handbuilding – All Levels  with Elizabeth Rodriguez (Wednesday afternoons and evenings), or Erika Johnson (Thursday mornings)

Whether you would like to learn wheelthrowing for the first time, or wish to build upon your existing skills, this class is designed to fit your needs. All levels are encouraged to join. Basic wheelthrowing and handbuilding techniques will be covered, as well as more advanced demos for those with prior experience. For those who have more experience, the class will focus on refining their process and elevating the design. Our Wednesday afternoon class is reserved for Seniors ages 55 and over.

Wheelthrowing and Handbuilding – All Levels with Naoko Matsumoto (Wednesday mornings and Saturday afternoons)

This class is designed much like a college course.  You begin with handbuilding for the first few classes (pinch, coils and slabs), and then move on to the basics of the potter’s wheel. Returning students often rejoin and this class, which allows for more advanced demonstrations.  The class labeled “taught in English and Japanese” is appropriate for both language speakers.

(Basic 手びねりクラス)

このクラスでは紐作り、玉作り、タタラ作りなど、電動ロクロ以外の手法を用いて制作するクラスです。動物や、お皿、小箱などを作って頂けます。

Wheelthrowing and Handbuilding for Kids (Ages 10-14) with Erika Johnson (Thursday afternoons)

This course will take our younger students through an exploration of working with clay, from pinch pots, coils, and slabs to basic wheelthrowing techniques.  This is intended to be a beginner level class for students with minimal experience and will proceed through a series of projects that will build the students’ proficiency with understanding the basic foundations of clay manipulation and glaze application.  The class is limited to 6 students to provide more individual attention.

Intermediate Wheelthrowing and Handbuilding with Jenn Wyman (Wednesday evenings) or Christine Shadic (Thursday evenings)

This course is designed for those with some previous experience in clay.  A basic knowledge of handbuilding and wheelthrowing is suggested.  Be prepared to build upon existing skills by learning how to throw larger forms, explore surface decoration and build more complex handbuilt forms. The goal of this class is to increase your clay vocabulary both technically and aesthetically.

Clay Sampler – All Levels with Erika Johnson (Friday evenings)

Want to try your hand at working with clay, but not sure if you want to take one of our 8-week classes?  Come to our 2-hour sampler class, where you’ll get a chance to try out wheel-throwing or hand-building in a fun and supportive class!  Bring an extra $10 per piece, cash or check,  if you’d like us to fire and glaze your work.  Light refreshments will be served.

Handbuilding – Slabs, Coils and Pinch Pots - All Levels

Learn to make ceramic work off the wheel! In this class we will explore the basics of handbuilding, such as pinch pots, coiling, and slabs. These techniques can be used to make functional pots as well as sculptural forms. You will also learn glazing and surface decoration, and all levels are encouraged to join.