Beginner Pottery Class (December '24 Semester)

This fun and engaging 3-week class will navigate you through the pottery process empowering you to create your own bowls, cups, or vases on a pottery wheel, glaze these by hand and fire them in a kiln so you will have a one-of-a-kind ceramic vessel created by you! The class will focus on creating fully functional drinking and tableware vessels that you can use and proudly display for years to come.

This is a weekly class with 3 sessions. Your ticket grants you access to the following sessions:

December 4 (7-9pm)

+ December 11 (7-9pm)

+ December 18 (7-9pm)

After registration, please put these dates & times on your calendar.

This class is distinct from other pottery classes with a student/teacher ratio of 1 teacher per 8 students. This means you will receive hands-on instruction throughout the month from our ceramics artist. It is an open and uplifting environment to create and learn a new craft directly from a master craftsman.

This means you can just show up, learn, and have a great time. It also means there are no secret extra costs.

• We suggest wearing some clothes and shoes that you don't mind getting a little dirty. Sometimes the clay can splash around and get things messy.
• All clay and tools will be provided. Just come ready to learn.

Introduction to pinch pots (create bowl and cup). Each student will learn the inherent qualities of clay and begin the class with a quick tutorial on the oldest way of creating ceramic vessels.

Introduction to wheel throwing working on centering, coning up/down, opening, pulling the walls, shaping, and cutting off each created vessel. All created work will begin to dry. The focus will be on creating bowl forms.

Any dried work from week 1 will be trimmed, creating a smooth surface, finished foot, and conversations about shape, form, function, and ergonomics will be considered and discussed.

Wheel throwing will continue, and students will review and build upon previous class foundational instruction. All created work will be allowed to dry for trimming, finished trimmed work will continue to dry to be placed in a kiln for bisque firing. Each student will have several works finished. The focus will be on trimming and finishing bowls ready for the kiln fire.

Students will discuss the different pottery techniques used to create a cup vs. a bowl. Students will learn several methods for creating cup handles, proper attachment of handles, and discussion of ergonomics and design principles involved with creating drinking vessels. Students may continue working on bowls, trimming, and glazing.

Never worked with clay before? Don't worry! This month-long pottery class is beginner friendly, even if it is your first time. Our amazing teacher will get you started from scratch. All the tools and materials are provided.

Ever since she began her ceramics career in high school Nora has loved all things clay-related and has furthered their appreciation since starting to teach. With a focus on wheel-throwing, Nora is eager to learn more about sculpting and hand-building and hopes to learn along with their students. The community aspect is Nora’s favorite part of every studio she has been to and she looks forward to making lasting connections with students and studio members alike.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Epic Art House, 1850 North Western Avenue, Chicago, United States