7 Week Session

Tuesdays, September 11th to October 25th 6:00 to 9:00PM

Material Fee: Included

Satisfy your curiosity while experiencing a fun and thorough introduction to throwing on the potter’s wheel. This basic class introduces you to the world of pottery. We start with throwing fundamentals on the pottery wheel, and end with finished glazed pieces, but, more importantly, a feeling of personal accomplishment. Your instructor guides you through the process of throwing, shaping and trimming pots on the wheel, then taking your creations through basic surface decoration and glazing techniques. This class is a walk through the ceramic process while learning the skills necessary to throw cylinders, cups, bowls and maybe a much-needed cookie jar... Class is designed for students with little or no experience on the potter’s wheel, or folks who may want to re-visit the basics.

Introduction to Pottery on the Wheel – Basic Foundational Steps

This class allows students to become familiar with the pottery wheel while gaining knowledge of clay bodies & clay preparation. Students will learn basic throwing techniques, which will form a solid foundation for them to master while instilling confidence and a sense of accomplishment, coupled with the excitement to grow and explore an unlimited world of ceramics.

WEEK 1 Introduction to the boundless world of clay: centering on the wheel, make it till you wreck it using reclaimed clay (to learn pulling limitations). Studio etiquette – Respecting all people, all work, the studio itself, and the freedom to have FUN.

WEEK 2 Basic tool review: needles, ribs, bird’s mouths, etc. Throwing a cylinder / bowl technique; centering and pulling equal walls and discussion on why; trimming on the wheel; demonstration for next class prep.

WEEK 3 Demonstrating what makes a foot and why: trimming on the wheel using previous week’s work, demonstration of throwing a mug followed by throwing a mug.

WEEK 4 Making a magic box: making handles and attachment techniques; attaching handles to mugs / bowls (using students’ work); introductory discussion on glazing; demo dip & pour & use of underglazes; keeping a log.

WEEK 5 Glazing discussion and demonstration: using underglazes, dip & pour, decals, embellishment ideas, and free-throw time.

WEEK 6 Trim / carve / prepare work and glaze final pieces.

WEEK 7 will be added for Glazing!