The greatest joy of pottery is sharing the craft with others. Many find the idea of playing with clay appealing, but don’t know how to start the journey. Equipment costs are high, training opportunities are limited, and it’s difficult to determine if you’ll even like doing it. So how do you get started?
To help you get your hands wet we provide the tools and training to begin the venture into clay. As a former science professor, I always told my students that you weren’t learning unless you failed, because you don’t know how far you can go until you do. I applaud both successes and failures because they form the basis for learning.
My classes are held in Marquette, Michigan and built upon mutual schedules. I understand that people are free at different times, and will work with you to find a time to develop your skills. Here’s what we can do to help you discover the joy of pottery.
Small group classes ($30/person)
Limited to five people ages 8 and up, these 90-minute sessions introduce participants to working with clay. There are typically two sessions for each class, about two weeks apart. In the first week students construct one or two items by hand. The clay needs time to dry after items are built, and then the wares are run through a bisque firing to make the clay more durable and ready for glazing. In the second session participants learn about types of glazes and application techniques, and glaze their creations for final kiln firing.
Classes are focused on hand-building, with pinch pots for younger students, and coil and slab construction for others. For your fee you get:
- Two 90-minute sessions
- 3 pounds of clay
- Use of studio glazes
- Bisque and glaze firing of your creations
Individual studio sessions ($25/90 minutes)
For those interested in slab building or learning or continuing to throw pottery using the pottery wheel I offer access to my studio with instruction appropriate to the participant. Limited to two teen to adult participants, these sessions are individualized to the student, with focused instruction or freedom to play as desired. For your fee you get:
- 90 minutes of studio time
- 5 pounds of clay
- Access to multiple types of clay ($1/pound additional fee)
- Use of studio glazes
- Access to specialized glazes (additional fee)
- Bisque and glaze firing of your creations
Special techniques sessions ($25/90 minutes)
Elsewhere on this site you will find information about some specialized techniques used to create pottery. Raku and saggar firing produce interesting and unique pottery, and these sessions allow participants to experience the firing process first hand. In these sessions you will decorate or glaze existing ware and observe or assist through the duration of the firing process. Limited to three teen to adult participants.
Demonstrations for your events (price varies)
The process of throwing clay on the pottery wheel can be fascinating to watch. The wheels are portable, and can be set up at your site to provide your attendees with the opportunity to watch the creation process. Contact me to discuss your needs.
Several times a year I provide visitors to the MooseWood Nature Center with the opportunity to play with clay and the wheel. Check the Center’s website for dates and times.