Course Overview

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 basic throwing shapes, as well as the follow-up steps of trimming, handle making, and glazing.

Classes meet once a week for 2.5 hours in the AMOCA Ceramics Studio for six weeks (15 hours of total instruction), and are limited in size to twelve students. Access to open studio hours is included for the duration of the class and one week following.

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 AMOCA 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 (bowls and vases)
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 studio@amoca.org.

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

AMOCA follows current Los Angeles County COVID guidelines. We encourage you to keep up to date on vaccines, wear a mask if you'd like to, and stay healthy!

Please familiarize yourself with our Studio Etiquette and Conduct policies. Creativity thrives in a positive and respectful environment.

Your Instructor

Max Henderson

Maxwell Henderson is a nationally recognized ceramic artist. Born in Arizona in 1996, he received his BFA from Arizona State University. Henderson completed a post-baccalaureate program at Pennsylvania State University before earning his MFA in Ceramics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 2023. His work has been prominently featured in numerous juried and invitational exhibitions since 2018. Henderson’s work has earned him multiple awards, including a grant from the Rudy Autio Endowment Fund. He has participated in several esteemed residencies, including the Archie Bray Foundation and the Red Lodge Clay Center. Henderson has served as instructor of record at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, teaching courses in ceramics and three-dimensional design. His commitment to education extends to the general community, including teaching at Belvoir Terrace, the LUX Center for the Arts, and Red Lodge Clay Center. Henderson is an Artist in Residence at AMOCA from September 2025–August 2026.

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.

Studio Artists:

Our Studio Artists and Artists in Residence occupy private spaces. Please be respectful of their personal space and please do not interrupt them while they are working.

Cleaning:

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

Handbuilding tables - wipe down after use

Slab roller - always use canvas

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

Studio tools - clean before putting back in drawer

Noise:

All cell phone conversations are to be taken outside. When listening to music or podcasts please only use headphones! It is important to not assume others want to listen to your tunes.

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:

All clay must be purchased through our studio; no outside clay will be fired. If there is a cone 10 clay body you like from Laguna Clay that we don’t have in stock please let us know and we can order some for you.

Conduct:

Creativity thrives in a respectful environment. Treat others with kindness and courtesy so our experiences in the Studio will be creative and productive. Be mindful of our shared space and keep conversation topics light. AMOCA adheres to all applicable federal, state and local anti-discrimination and harassment laws and regulations. Harassment, discrimination, or other behavior that creates a hostile atmosphere will not be tolerated.

If you have concerns about someone’s behavior, please bring them to our attention, and we will handle it according to our guidelines.

Those who violate our Conduct policy may be asked to leave class or studio spaces; tickets, rent, or other fees may not be refunded.

Map of AMOCA Parking Lot

AMOCA Ceramics Studio entrance