4-Week Intro to Handbuilt Ceramics (Wednesday Mornings)

Build something from the ground up—literally.

Join us for a hands-on ceramics class where you'll learn to pinch, coil, and slab your way into functional and sculptural forms. No wheel, no pressure—just you, your creativity, and a fresh lump of clay.

Each week, you’ll explore a new handbuilding technique with step-by-step demos, guided group exercises, and one-on-one support. From your first pinch pot to a fully glazed masterpiece, you'll walk away with a solid foundation in clay—and a few kiln-fired treasures to prove it.

You’ll also learn the basics of studio practice, including how to wedge clay, manage your workflow, and finish your pieces from start to glaze. By the end, you’ll know what it takes to join as a member of Erie ClaySpace!

Instructor: Caelin McDaniel

When: Wednesdays, August 20th - Sept 10th, from 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Where: Erie ClaySpace, 1505 State Street (3rd Floor, PACA Building)

Cost: $200 — includes 12 lbs of clay, all materials, firings, and additional studio time

🧱 What You'll Learn:Pinch pots, coil building, slab construction, surface design, and glazing—plus foundational studio practices and techniques.

🕐 Open Studio Access:Students visit the studio for solo practice on Wednesdays from 6-8 PM and Saturdays from 12–2 PM (while class is in session). Supervised, but not instructed.

🧑‍🎨 Who Can Join?Ages 13+ welcome. No experience needed—just bring your curiosity and a willingness to get a little muddy.

📦 What's Included?12 lbs of clay, glaze, firings, and your own handmade pieces to keep! Extra clay is available for purchase.

🛎️ Studio Access Info:The PACA building doors are locked. Please call (814) 520-5089 when you arrive and we’ll buzz you in.Need elevator access? Email us ahead of time at [email protected] and we’ll assist you—it’s an old-school elevator that requires help to operate.

👶 Age Limit? Ages 13 and up welcome.

💸 Refunds? Full refund available with at least one week's notice before the first class. No refunds for missed classes.

📅 Class Minimum? We need at least 5 students to run the course. If it's canceled, you'll receive a full refund or can transfer to a future class.

🎨 What Should I Wear? Comfy clothes that can get a little messy. Aprons provided!

📬 Questions? Reach out anytime at [email protected]

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Erie ClaySpace, 1505 State Street, Erie, United States