This course is designed to teach the fundamentals of working with clay on the potter’s wheel—no prior experience is necessary. Students will be introduced to the basics of centering, opening, pulling walls, trimming and surface decoration.

6 week classes, 3 hours, 1 day a week, for 6 weeks, in a group of up to 5. $280, Age 18+

Classes meet once a week for 3 hours in the FAC Ceramics Studio for six weeks (18 hours of total instruction), and are limited in size to 5 students. Access to open studio hours is included for the duration of the class and one week following. While communal tools are available, a basic tool kit will also need to be purchased at the start of the session. A 25 lb bag of clay is provided to each student, along with a shelf and cubby. Additional clay is available for purchase.

Studio classes are for adults ages 18 and over (students 16+ may attend classes when accompanied by a paying adult).

Week 1: Introduction to working at the FAC Ceramics Studio and throwing on the wheel
Week 2: Introduction to the terminology and protocols of throwing
Week 3: Introduction to basic trimming and throwing techniques
Week 4: Introduction to basic forms and shapes
Week 5: Introduction to glazing
Week 6: Introduction to basic glazing techniques and final review

Course Policies

Refunds are not allowed after the course begins. Refunds requested during the week prior to the start of the class will be honored at 50%. Refunds requested prior to this will be honored minus Humanitix fees. If you would like to request a refund, email education@firehouseart.org.

Studio classes are for adults ages 18 and over (students 16+ may attend classes when accompanied by a paying adult).

Studio etiquette

Open studio:

Students are encouraged to come in on their own time to work on their projects during Open Studio hours (posted online and in the classroom). Entry to studio outside of Open Studio hours will be disabled via entry system.

Cleaning:

Please be sure to clean up the area you are working in, including:

Handbuilding tables - wipe down after use

Glaze area - wipe down any spills, countertops, and buckets

Studio tools - clean before putting back in drawer

Noise:

Please use headphones when listening to music or podcasts, and please take phone calls outside.

Storage:

There is shelving provided for each class in the classroom. This can be used for the duration of the class; however, once class is over these shelves must be cleared. Anything left behind after the two week grace period concludes will be assumed abandoned and then discarded.

Clay:

We will provide clay for the session (one 25 lb bag per student) and additional clay is available for purchase. You can use outside clay, but it must be cone 5 and above.

Your Instructor- Val Langlois:

Val Langlois (@primspottery) • Instagram photos and videos
Hi, I'm Val!
I'm a 30 year old data scientist based in Longmont, Colorado. When I'm not working, I'm experimenting with mug forms, surface decoration, and glazes. My goal is for my creations to bring joy to everyone who sees them.