Beginner Pottery on a Wheel

For those who have always wanted to try making pottery on a wheel this is your opportunity!  Beginner students will learn the basic skills of making pottery on a wheel.  Students with previous experience will learn techniques to make more complicated forms and hone their skills.  This class is a great opportunity for students of all levels to explore clay on the potter’s wheel in a fun and creative atmosphere.

The instructor,  Hope Thomas, has over 20 years of wheel experience as a professional potter and sells all of her work from her web-site:  riverstonepottery.com

Classes will consist of six sessions held on the same day and time each week and will focus on developing the basic skills needed to make cups, bowls, and plates.

Each class consists of a demonstration and hands on instruction and assistance.  Hope will work with each student individually while they are learning the basic skills and will offer assistance where it is needed.

The six week program is as follows:

   Class 1:  Learn the basic wheel throwing skills of centering and pulling walls to "throw" cylinders/cups.

   Class 2:  Reinforce basic skills developed during previous class with a focus on making bowls.

   Class 3:  Learn to throw plates.

   Class 4:  Shaping of cylinders into various forms such as cups and vases.

   Class 5:  Last wheel session -- we will focus on your own idea/project.

   Class 6:  Final session – students will glaze their own work.

You will be working with “real” stoneware clay and glazes.  They are the same materials used in the production of high-fired stoneware -- everything you make will be food, microwave, dishwasher, and oven safe.

The class fee includes all the tools and materials (including one 25-lb bag of clay), shelf storage and the ability to fire 10 finished pieces ($5 for each additional piece).

IMPORTANT: Class is open to ages 16 and up, though minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. The adult must purchase an additional ticket to attend the class.

Please wear appropriate clothing for getting clay on, trim your fingernails, tie back long hair and remove any hand accessories.  It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that participants bring a towel to drape across their lap.

Pottery pieces not picked after 30 days will be discarded.

Class may be canceled due to low enrollment in which case a full refund will be issued.

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