Clay & Pottery Programs

Designed for beginners. No experience needed to start! Our fun, relaxed studio will make your clay & pottery experience something to look forward to each week!

Program Descriptions

Beginner Clay & Pottery Program – 6 Weeks

Program runs at the same day/time for 6 consecutive weeks. *May vary if a session falls on a holiday.

Start your ceramics adventure with our Beginner Clay & Pottery program, designed to introduce you to the art of pottery and learn ceramics and pottery wheel foundations.

This program offers personalized attention in a small group setting, ensuring tailored instruction and constructive feedback.

Enjoy complimentary practice session rentals throughout the program and access to our suggested tutorial videos online.

Completing this course prepared you for to the Intermediate Clay & Pottery Program and qualifies you for full pottery wheel rental sessions and studio memberships.

Program Overview: The program will be hands-on, with demonstrations of techniques followed by practice sessions where you can. apply what you’ve learned. Individual feedback will be provided throughout.

Outcome: Exit the course with confidence on the pottery wheel and a solid foundation of wheel-throwing techniques, hand building, glazing, and the ability to create larger forms with consistency, precision, and aesthetic considerations in design.

You will Learn:

Precision Duplication: Develop the skill to create two identical pieces, mastering consistency in height, width, and symmetry, a testament to your control and precision on the pottery wheel.
Throwing Larger Forms: Techniques for centering and throwing larger amounts of clay.
Handle Crafting: Learn the art of pulling handles, an essential skill for creating functional pottery pieces with ergonomic and aesthetic appeal. Master the techniques for attaching handles securely and seamlessly to your creations, enhancing both the functionality and beauty of your pottery.
Glazing Fundamentals: Gain a solid understanding of glazing basics, preparing you to explore the vast possibilities of finishing your pieces with a professional touch.

Intermediate Clay & Pottery Program – 8 Weeks

Prerequisite: Completion of Beginner Clay & Pottery Program – 6 Sessions

Program runs at the same day/time for 6 consecutive weeks. *May vary if a session falls on a holiday.

Elevate your pottery craftsmanship with our Intermediate Clay & Pottery program. With personalized, comprehensive instruction and individual feedback sessions, this course is designed to significantly advance your skills in ceramics. Enjoy complimentary practice session rentals throughout the course and exclusive access to sophisticated online tutorials and materials, aimed at enriching your learning experience.

Program Overview: Through practice and a tea set project, you will refine your throwing skills, tackle challenging forms, and explore the expressive possibilities of ceramics. Individual feedback will be provided throughout.

Outcome: Exit the course with ability to create complex and large-scale wheel-thrown pieces with precision and creativity.

Completion Requirements:

Throwing Off the Hump: Master the technique of throwing multiple pieces from a single lump of clay, enhancing efficiency and consistency in your work.
Crafting Closed Forms: Learn the intricate process of creating closed pottery forms, a skill that demands precision and control.
Trimming Bases: Acquire the finesse to trim bases flawlessly, adding a professional finish to your pottery pieces.
Constructing Complex Components: Dive into the creation of complex pottery components such as spouts and advanced handles, expanding the versatility and functionality of your work.
Completing a Tea Set Challenge: The culmination of this course is the creation of a complete tea set, a comprehensive test of your newly honed skills, showcasing your ability to combine various techniques into a cohesive, functional artwork.

Continuing Learning and Specialty Workshops

Our dynamic range of specialty courses and workshops is constantly evolving, introducing fresh and exciting opportunities for creative growth. Each offering is designed to unveil new techniques and inspire innovative approaches to pottery, making them perfect for those looking to refine their skills or explore new dimensions of their craft.

Catering to a broad spectrum of skill levels, from enthusiastic beginners to advanced potters at Level 3, our workshops are structured to meet the diverse needs and interests of our community. Whether you’re aiming to deepen your expertise or branch out into uncharted areas of pottery, our specialty courses and workshops are here to fuel your passion and elevate your practice.

UPCOMING WORKSHOPS

The Sketch Pottery Approach to Teaching

Our Approach to Teaching:

Structured Learning Journey: We provide a well-defined pathway from beginner to advanced levels, with clear prerequisites and objectives at each stage. This ensures a smooth progression for all students, building a robust foundation and guiding them towards mastery in pottery.
Welcoming and Enjoyable Atmosphere: Our studio prides itself on being a space where creativity and joy are paramount. We emphasize a relaxed, fun, and inclusive environment that eradicates any sense of exclusivity or intimidation, fostering a community where everyone feels at home, regardless of their skill level.
Rich Educational Resources: Beyond hands-on studio instruction, all programs enrich the learning experience with personalized feedback, access to comprehensive online tutorials, and included practice sessions outside class times for the duration of your course. This approach allows students to deepen their understanding and explore pottery in greater depth on their own time.
Continuous Learning and Specialization: We are committed to fostering ongoing growth, offering advanced workshops and specialty courses for those looking to further refine their skills and explore new aspects of pottery.

Program Outcomes:

Embarking on this journey with us, you’ll encounter exciting milestones that mark your growth as a potter:

Skills and Confidence: Develop a solid foundation in both hand-building and pottery wheel techniques, gaining the skills and confidence needed to explore your own creative projects.
Studio Access: Unlock various levels of studio access, from renting pottery wheels to qualifying for studio memberships.
Lifetime Knowledge: Acquire a comprehensive understanding of ceramics that will stay with you for a lifetime, whether you aim to sell your creations, set up a home studio, or craft personalized gifts.
Limitless Possibilities: With each level you unlock, you open the door to new possibilities. Create market-worthy pieces, build a personal collection, or simply enjoy the process of making. Your pottery journey is bound only by your imagination.

HAVE QUESTIONS OR CONCERNS?

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out directly to us by email at urbansurfcompany@gmail.com.