Beginner Pottery Class (Thursday) (August '25 Semester)

This fun and engaging 4-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 4 sessions. Your ticket grants you access to the following sessions:

Agusut 7th (7-9pm)

+ August 14th (7-9pm)

+ August 21st (7-9pm)

+ August 28th (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, however, the focus will be on creating cups.

Students will be introduced to glazing principles and Epic Art House will provide a wide variety of glazes for students to use. Different glazing techniques and methods will be discussed, and students will be able to complete their ceramic masterpieces. All glazed work will be fired in the kiln.

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.

Yulia found her passion for ceramics in 2009 when she studied at Kendall School of Art & Design. She graduated with a degree in Illustration, yet nonetheless fell in love with clay and has been involved in the ceramics world ever since. She has held the responsibilities of being a studio tech for many years and has taught a plethora of ceramics classes in various facilities.

Yulia thoroughly loves to teach and enjoys working with people of all ages and skill levels. She is knowledgeable, patient and supportive, and caters to every student based on their skill level and individual learning style. Nothing excites her more than to implement her passion and skill set into teaching ceramics workshops in order to give every participant a chance to learn, grow, celebrate their creativity, and play with clay!

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

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