Winter Term 2025
January 11th, 2025 - March 4th, 2025
Wednesday, December 4th, 7:30am ET - Member-only Registration
Friday, December 6th, 10:00am ET - General Registration
*Not a member yet? For access to early registration, Join, or renew your membership now
**Current Members will be emailed the member code for early registration on Monday, December 2nd. If your membership is current and you do not see the early registration code email in your Inbox, Spam, or Promotions folder by noon on Monday, December 2nd , please email mail@clayartcenter.org.
The Waitlist option will be live on every class at all times. Please make sure the class is sold out before you add your name to the waitlist. Click image to expand.
Special Topics (Ages 17+): A variety of speical topic classes and workshops for students who want to learn new techniques or skills.
Introductory Classes (Ages 17+): For new students interested in getting started with clay.
All Levels Classes (Ages 17+): These weekly clay classes are for students of all levels, from beginner to experienced.
Intermediate Classes (Ages 17+): For students who have either taken several beginner’s courses or mastered the basics, and are ready to develop their skills.
Advanced Classes (Ages 17+): For students who have completed a four or more intermediate wheel courses or equivalent ceramic skills.
Clay Explorations (Ages 11-16): For youth students. Learn how to handbuild and throw on the pottery wheel.
Do you need help deciding on which class may be a good fit for you?
Contact us at mail@clayartcenter.org
View our Class FAQ HERE
View our Student Policies HERE
Special Topic Classes
A variety of speical topic classes and workshops for students who want to learn new techniques or skills.
Multi-Sided Magic: Faceting
Instructor: Carley Holzem
Sunday February 2nd
1:30pm - 4:30pm
Main Classroom
Ages 17+
In this class, you will learn multiple ways to facet cups and/or bowls. Various techniques will be covered including using wiggle wires, straight wires and wooden ribs to facet your pieces.
The faceting process allows students to add an additional layer of texture and surface design to their functional pieces.
This class is intended for intermediate students with experience wheel throwing.
Students are encouraged to bring their regular throwing tools with them.
Clay and firing are not included in this class. Students will share the studio’s wiggle wires.
Skill: Intermediate
Prerequisite: A few CAC intro classes or equivalent ceramic skills.
$80 for a one time class
Amazing Glazing
Instructor: Christine Raposas
Saturday 2pm - 6pm
February 8th
Annex Classroom
1 Day
Ages 17+
Are you interested in experimenting with your glazing through texture and color specifically for sculptural pieces? This class is for you.
Utilizing lichen, gloop and lava glazes, Christine will show you how to achieve saturated, bright colors with texture. You will be taken through the basic chemistry makeup of the glazes and learn why these specific glazes behave the way they do. You will have the opportunity to glaze your own cone 6 pieces using these unique glaze formulas. Lichen will give a crackle like effect, lava will give a bubble effect on the surface and the overall effects of these glaze combinations will result in movement and texture that is not normally achievable with regular community glazes.
Lava is not considered a glaze for functional pieces, its best use is for sculptural, decorative ceramics. There will be 8-10 colorful glazes to try.
Please note : this is a one time special class and the glazes cannot be used outside of this specific class. We will do a separate firing just for this class due to the unique and unpredictable properties of the glazes being used.
Students should bring 3-4 pieces of bisque to glaze.
Clay and Firing are not included.
Skill: Intermediate
Prerequisite: A few CAC ceramic classes or equivalent
$165 for 1 Day
The Wonder of Underglaze Pencils
Instructor: Evelyn Mtika
Friday 2pm - 6pm
February 28
Main Classroom
1 Day
Ages 17+
Both beginners and experienced ceramists can take advantage of the unique properties of decorating your ceramic pieces with underglaze pencils. Underglaze pencils allow for a new level of line work and detail in your surface design. Underglaze pencils allow for shading and texture, they are used in a illustrative manner.
Evelyn will teach you techniques to make underglaze paint pallets to use for water color effects on your ceramics. If time allows techniques for watercoloring your pieces will be discussed.
Students will leave with a watercolor palette along with a new underglaze pencil.
Students should bring at least 1 bone dry and 1 bisqued piece with smooth surfaces to work with at this class.
Clay and Firing are not included.
Skill: All Levels
Prerequisite: A Clay Art Center beginner course or equivalent ceramic skills.
$97 for a one-time class 4 hour class
Exploring Flower Bricks with Avery
Instructor: Avery Wells
Friday January 17th
2pm - 6pm
Main Classroom
Ages 17+
In this hands-on class students will explore designing and building flower bricks. Students will learn hard slab construction techniques, creating imaginative sculptural forms that are ideal for surface design.
For inspiration, we will look at ceramic and mixed media artists who work in collage, and who bring the rich history of decorative craft into their practices.
This class will only cover the building of the flower bricks, not the surface design. The work made in this class is perfect to use as the greenware for the Exploring Surface with Avery class on Friday January 24th. Clay is included, and hard slabs will be provided during the class.
Firing is not included.
Skill: All Levels
Prerequisite: A Clay Art Center beginner course or equivalent ceramic skills.
$135 for a one-time class
Clay Characters
Instructor: Jeff Dean
Fridays 10am - 1pm
January 10 - January 31
Annex Classroom
(4 Weeks)
Ages 17+
Students will learn how to use pinching techniques while forming human anatomy such as head, torso and limbs to create a small scale figurative sculpture. Focus on proportions of the human figure, and how to alter those proportions as part of the expression of the piece. Student will focus on how to give their piece expression and interest with various decorative techniques.
Clay and Firing are not included.
Skill: All Levels
Prerequisite: A Clay Art Center beginner course or equivalent ceramic skills.
$207 for 4 Weeks
Exploring Surface with Avery
Instructor: Avery Wells
Friday January 24th
2pm - 6pm
Main Classroom
Ages 17+
Exploring Surface with Avery will expand your decorative toolkit, and help you think more deeply about how surface and form can connect in your work!
In this class, we will cover newsprint transfers, sgraffito, and general painting techniques, all of which will be used to create detailed layered surfaces at the greenware stage. We will use both slip and underglaze, which will be provided. For inspiration, we will look to historic and contemporary artists who work with collage and the history of decorative arts.
Students who take "Exploring Flower Bricks" are encouraged to use their creations for this surface design class. If you were not in the flower brick class, please bring two to three greenware pieces to work on. Tiles will be available if necessary.
Firing is not included in this class.
Skill: All Levels
Prerequisite: A Clay Art Center beginner course or equivalent ceramic skills.
$135 for a one-time class
Animal Antics
Instructor: Robin Henschel
Fridays 10am - 1pm
February 7 - February 28
Annex Classroom
(4 Weeks)
Ages 17+
In this class you will embark on a creative journey into the world of animal sculpture.
Students will learn about animal anatomy and how it relates to form. The instructor will help translate your vision into clay reality and develop your sculpting skills.
The use of detailing, texture and glaze application will be discussed.
This class is geared towards intermediate students with some clay experience. Clay and firing are not included.
Skill : Intermediate
Prerequisite: A few CAC ceramic classes or equivalent
$207 for 4 Weeks
Introductory Adult Classes
For new students interested in getting started with clay
Handbuilding for Beginners
Instructor: Christine Raposas
Sundays 5pm - 8pm
Annex Classroom
January 12 - March 2
8 Weeks
Ages 17+
Learn new techniques for handbuilding in this handbuilding for beginners class. Create forms using traditional methods such as pinch, coil, and slab construction. We'll cover the basics of connecting clay by hand and understanding the process of turning clay into a functional or sculptural ceramic object.
Topics include:
Using the pinch method to create hollow forms
Using the coil method to create vessels
Using the slab method to create trays, plates, bowls, or vessels
This class will have an emphasis on functional objects, with sculptural and decorative elements encouraged.
Glazing and surface decoration basics
Skill : All Levels
No Experience Needed.
$413 for 8 Weeks
Introduction to Wheel Throwing
Instructor: Don Reynolds
Mondays 10am -1pm
Annex Classroom
January 13 - March 3
(6 Weeks - No classes 1/20 & 2/17)
Ages 17+
Learn the fundamentals of how to use the potter's wheel as a tool to make functional pottery like cylinders, cups, bowls, and more in this introductory course. You will be guided through the process of throwing, shaping, and trimming your pieces. Discover your creative voice through basic surface decoration and glazing techniques.
Topics Include:
Centering on the wheel
How to create a vessel
Throwing and trimming basics
Glazing and surface decoration basics
Skill : Beginners
No Experience Needed.
$310 for 6 Weeks
Introduction to Wheel Throwing
Instructor: Jamie Lee
Saturdays 10am - 1pm
Main Classroom
January 11 - February 22
(6 Weeks - No class 2/1)
Ages 17+
Learn the fundamentals of how to use the potter's wheel as a tool to make functional pottery like cylinders, cups, bowls, and more in this introductory course. You will be guided through the process of throwing, shaping, and trimming your pieces. Discover your creative voice through basic surface decoration and glazing techniques.
Topics Include:
Centering on the wheel
How to create a vessel
Throwing and trimming basics
Glazing and surface decoration basics
Skill : Beginners
No Experience Needed.
$310 for 6 Weeks
Introduction to Wheel Throwing
Instructor: Carley Holzem
Mondays 6pm - 9pm
Main Classroom
January 13 - March 3
(6 Weeks - No classes 1/20 & 2/17)
Ages 17+
Learn the fundamentals of how to use the potter's wheel as a tool to make functional pottery like cylinders, cups, bowls, and more in this introductory course. You will be guided through the process of throwing, shaping, and trimming your pieces. Discover your creative voice through basic surface decoration and glazing techniques.
Topics Include:
Centering on the wheel
How to create a vessel
Throwing and trimming basics
Glazing and surface decoration basics
Skill : Beginners
No Experience Needed.
$310 for 6 Weeks
Introduction to Wheel Throwing
Instructor: Carley Holzem
Thursdays 6pm - 9pm
Main Classroom
January 16 - February 27
(7 Weeks)
Ages 17+
Learn the fundamentals of how to use the potter's wheel as a tool to make functional pottery like cylinders, cups, bowls, and more in this introductory course. You will be guided through the process of throwing, shaping, and trimming your pieces. Discover your creative voice through basic surface decoration and glazing techniques.
Topics Include:
Centering on the wheel
How to create a vessel
Throwing and trimming basics
Glazing and surface decoration basics
Skill : Beginners
No Experience Needed.
$361 for 7 Weeks
All Levels Adult Classes
These weekly clay classes are for students of all levels, from beginner to experienced
Handbuilding for All Levels
Instructor: Christine Raposas
Tuesdays 6pm - 9pm
Annex Classroom
January 14 - March 4
(8 Weeks)
Ages 17+
Learn the foundations or expand on your existing skill set in this All Levels handbuilding class. This class will delve into understanding the process of turning clay into a functional or sculptural ceramic object, or taking those creations to a whole new creative level.
Techniques that will be covered include: using the pinch method to create hollow forms, using the coil method to create vessels, using the slab method to create trays, plates, bowls or vessels.
Skill : All Levels
No Experience Needed.
$413 for 8 Weeks
Handbuilding for all Levels
Instructor: Evelyn Mtika
Wednesdays 6pm - 9pm
Annex Classroom
January 15 - February 26
(7 Weeks )
Ages 17+
Learn the foundations or expand on your existing skill set in this All Levels handbuilding class. Create forms using pinching, coil, and slab construction.
We'll cover basic methods of connecting clay and understand the process of turning clay into a functional or sculptural ceramic object.
Skill: All Levels
No Experience Needed.
$361 for 7 Weeks
Wheel for All Levels
Instructor: Jeffrey Dean
Sundays 10am - 1pm
Main Classroom
January 12 - March 2
8 Weeks
Ages 17+
Learn the foundations or expand on your existing skill set in this All Levels pottery wheel class.
You will be guided through the process of throwing, shaping, and trimming your pieces on the potter’s wheel.
Discover your creative voice through basic surface decoration and glazing techniques.
Skill: All Level
No Experience Needed.
$413 for 8 Weeks
Practical Pottery with Jeff
Instructor: Jeffrey Dean
Sundays 5pm - 8pm
Main Classroom
January 12 - March 2
(8 Weeks)
Ages 17+
Learn the foundations or expand on your existing skill set in this class while you throw practical pots for all occasions.
You will be guided through the process of throwing, shaping, and trimming your pieces on the potter’s wheel. Take your pieces to a new level with various surface techniques and glazing.
Skill: All Level
No Experience Needed.
$413 for 8 Weeks
Handbuilding for All Levels
Instructor: Christine Raposas
Mondays 6pm - 9pm
Annex Classroom
January 13 - March 3
(6 Weeks - No classes 1/20 & 2/17)
Ages 17+
Learn the foundations or expand on your existing skill set in this All Levels handbuilding class.
Create forms using pinching, coil, and slab construction. You will discover basic methods of connecting clay and understand the process of turning clay into a functional or sculptural ceramic object.
Skill: All Level
No Experience Needed.
$310 for 6 Weeks
Functional Throwing for All Levels
Instructor: Vicky Youngman
Mondays 10am - 1pm
Main Classroom
January 13 - March 3
(6 Weeks - No classes 1/20 & 2/17)
Ages 17+
Learn the fundamentals of how to use the potter's wheel as a tool to make functional pottery like cylinders, cups, bowls, and more in this introductory course.
You will be guided through the process of throwing, shaping, and trimming your pieces. Take your pieces to the next level as you learn how to apply glaze for amazing results.
Projects Include:
cups/mugs
bowls
plates
Skill : All Levels
No Experience Needed.
$310 for 6 Weeks
Wheel for All Levels
Instructor: Evelyn Mtika
Thursdays 10am - 1pm
Main Classroom
January 16 - February 27
(7 Weeks)
Ages 17+
Learn the foundations or expand on your existing skill set in this All Levels pottery wheel class. You will be guided through the process of throwing, shaping, and trimming your pieces on the potter’s wheel.
Discover your creative voice through basic surface decoration and glazing techniques.
Skill: All Levels
No Experience Needed.
$361 for 7 Weeks
Handbuilding for All Levels
Instructor: Evelyn Mtika
Tuesdays 10am - 1pm
Annex Classroom
January 14 - March 4
(8 Weeks)
Ages 17+
Learn the foundations or expand on your existing skill set in this All Levels handbuilding class.
Create forms using pinching, coil, and slab construction. You will discover basic methods of connecting clay and understand the process of turning clay into a functional or sculptural ceramic object.
Skill: All Level
No Experience Needed.
$413 for 8 Weeks
Sculpture For All Levels
Instructor: Evelyn Mtika
Saturdays 10am - 1pm
Annex Classroom
January 11 - March 1
(8 Weeks)
Ages 17+
Learn to make ceramic sculpture in this all levels class. The class will go through the basics of sculpting with clay and the techniques of carving then hollowing a piece. There will be a focus on figurative work and students will use photos, sketches, and inspirational images for reference. All experience levels are welcomed.
*This class will not use armatures or live models. Students will be using clay that will need to be fired in a kiln and glazed.
Topics include:
Basic handbuilding techniques
Sculpting with solid clay, then hollowing it out
Figurative forms, especially on the human form
Sculpting from a reference
Skill : All Levels
No Experience Needed.
$413 for 8 Weeks
Intermediate Adult Classes
For students who have either taken several beginner’s courses or mastered the basics, and are ready to develop their skills.
Thrown and Altered
Instructor: Carley Holzem
Tuesdays 6pm - 9pm
Main Classroom
January 14 - March 4
(8 Weeks)
Ages 17+
In this intermediate class students will learn how to take a thrown piece and make alterations to serve as both function and aesthetics additions.
Moving beyond the wheel, you will delve into the exciting realm of altering techniques. Discover how to manipulate thrown forms through carving, piercing, stretching, and adding textures. This creative process allows you to infuse your pottery with unique designs and personal flair, turning simple shapes into intricate works of art.
Students should have some experience throwing on the wheel,
Skill: Intermediate
Prerequisite: A few beginner wheel classes or equivalent ceramic skills.
$413 for 8 Weeks
Adventures in Hand Building
Instructor: Jon Townley
Thursdays 10am - 1pm
Annex Classroom
January 16 - February 27
(7 Weeks)
Ages 17+
This intermediate hand building class is designed to help students strengthen their skills and learn how to create original decorative and functional pieces.
Class projects will incorporate a range of traditional and innovative techniques. In addition to the presented projects, students will also be free to work on ideas of their choosing, and will be encouraged to develop their own creative vision and sense of design.
This class is geared towards intermediate students with some clay experience.
Skill: Intermediate
Prerequisite: A few handbuilding classes or basic hand building skills are recommended.
$361 for 7 Weeks
Advanced Classes
For students who have completed a four or more intermediate wheel courses or equivalent ceramic skills.
Cone 10 with Keiko
Instructor: Keiko Ashida
Tuesdays 10am - 1pm
Main Classroom
January 14 - March 4
(8 Weeks)
Ages 17+
Working under Keiko’s guidance, you will pursue new techniques and ideas through a Japanese approach. Taught in Japanese and English.
Topics include:
Throwing techniques in the Japanese style and aesthetic
Layering surfaces using cone 10 glazes
Using handbuilt and wheel thrown parts to make new forms
Skill: Advanced
Prerequisite: A few intermediate courses or equivalent ceramic skills
$413 for 8 Weeks
Advanced Wheel Throwing with Jeanne
Instructor: Jeanne Carreau
Fridays 10am - 1pm
Main Classroom
January 10 - February 28
(8 Weeks)
Ages 17+
Working under Jeanne’s guidance, develop your clay voice through advanced demos and projects. Troubleshoot your throwing skills, balance having a plan and going with the flow. Gain insight into cone 10 glazes, understanding their intricacies and anticipating outcomes, both one-on-one and in the company of other students.
Topics include:
Strategies for throwing larger amounts of clay
Use of ribs and throwing sticks
Altering and reassembling thrown pieces
Advanced glaze combinations and application
Tap centering for trimming
Skill: Intermediate to Advanced
Prerequisite: A few intermediate wheel courses or equivalent ceramic skills
$413 for 8 Weeks
Advanced Wheel Throwing with Jon Townley
Instructor: Jon Townley
Wednesdays 10am - 1pm
Main Classroom
January 15 - February 26
(7 Weeks)
Ages 17+
This class will focus on demonstrations and one-on-one instruction that will help students learn new techniques and hone their throwing skills.
Topics will include
mastering larger forms
making alterations
glaze application techniques
Along the way students will be encouraged to develop project ideas and cultivate their own unique creative voice through a stronger sense of design.
Skill: Advanced
Prerequisite: A few interemdiate to advanced wheel throwing courses or equivalent ceramic skills
$361 for 7 Weeks
Advanced Wheel Throwing with Jeanne
Instructor: Jeanne Carreau
Wednesdays 6pm - 9pm
Main Classroom
January15 - February 26
(7 Weeks)
Ages 17+
Continue to refine your skills on the potter's wheel through more complex demos and projects. Expand your surface and decorative options including a better understanding of oxides, slips, underglaze, and glaze combinations and application techniques. Gain insight into cone 10 glazes, understanding their intricacies and anticipating outcomes.
Topics include:
Effective wedging
Throwing larger amounts of clay
Using ribs and throwing sticks
Altering and assembling thrown pieces
Tap centering for trimming
Advanced glaze combinations and application
Skill: Intermediate to Advanced
Prerequisite: A few intermediate wheel courses or equivalent ceramic skills
$361 for 7 Weeks
Cone 6 Guided Study with Keiko
Instructor: Keiko Ashida
Wednesdays 10am - 1pm
Annex Classroom
January 15 - February 26
(7 Weeks)
Ages 17+
Working under Keiko’s guidance, you will pursue new techniques and ideas through a Japanese approach. Taught in Japanese and English.
Topics include:
Throwing techniques in the Japanese style and aesthetic
Layering surfaces using cone 6 glazes
Using handbuilt and wheel thrown parts to make new forms
Skill: Advanced
Prerequisite: A few intermediate courses or equivalent ceramic skills
$361 for 7 Weeks
Youth Classes
For youth students (ages 11 - 16). Learn how to handbuild and throw on the pottery wheel.
Clay Exploration (ages 11 - 16)
Instructor: Susana Valera Read
Sundays 10:30am - 1pm
Annex Classroom
January 12 - March 2
(8 weeks)
Learn to use the potter’s wheel and various hand building techniques to create fun and unique pottery to take home and enjoy for years to come! Center, pull, throw, pinch, coil, and roll to make a wide range of different forms. Finish all of your projects with the glaze of your choice
Topics include:
Wheel throwing basics- creating a cylinder
Traditional handbuilding methods to create functional and sculptural objects
Glazing and surface decoration basics
Skill: All Levels
No experience needed
$368 for 8 Weeks