DESCRIPTION:
In this 6-week introductory course, you will learn how to craft clay vessels in various forms using the pottery wheel. Students will have a chance to try all aspects of the process, from preparing the clay to refining their form. Our main focus will be on building skills in the throwing process. We will also have a chance to briefly explore surfacing, firing, and finishing work. These classes have plenty of guidance for beginners, making them ideal if you have little to no experience with clay and want to test your interest and grow your skills.
DATES:
Session 1: Wed 1/7, 1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11 - 6:30-9:30P
Session 2: Tues 2/3, 2/10, 2/17, 2/24, 3/2, 3/10 - 6-9P
AGE: 18+
COST: $225 Non-Member / $202 Artistry Member/Subscriber
(includes $2 processing fee)
LOCATION: Clay Studio at the Bloomington Center for the Arts
INSTRUCTOR: Samantha McCluskey
DESCRIPTION:
Take your wheel-throwing skills to the next level in this six-week intermediate course designed for adults who are ready to refine technique and explore more dynamic, intentional forms. Building on your existing foundations, you’ll focus on improving consistency, throwing with greater control, and developing pieces that show both skill and personal style. Throughout the course, we’ll dive into more complex forms such as plates, lidded vessels, and multi-piece sets. You’ll learn strategies for throwing to match—whether creating a set of cups or a pair of serving bowls—and experiment with proportions, altered silhouettes, and thoughtful design choices.
For this session our studio offers access for firing up to Cone 6. Your session fee includes all firing and glaze for one 25 lb bag of pugged reclaimed stoneware clay. Additional 25lb bags of pugged reclaimed stoneware clay may be purchased as desired for $20 (plus tax), which will include firing and glazes. Outside glazes and clay bodies cannot be fired in our shop at this time. To purchase additional clay, please call 952-563-8575 or online.
DATES: Wednesdays 2/18, 2/25, 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25
TIME: 6:30pm - 9:30pm
AGE: 18+
COST: $225 Non-Member / $202 Artistry Member/Subscriber*
(includes $2 processing fee)
LOCATION: Clay Studio
INSTRUCTOR: Evan Liu
DESCRIPTION:
This 6 week session is an open studio format for clay lovers, artists, and aficionados who feel comfortable working independently in our studio space.
This session is recommended for folks who have worked with clay in the past, feel comfortable crafting with little additional guidance and wish to focus primarily on handbuilding; limited wheel access may be available, but is not guaranteed.
A facilitator will be on hand to consult, guide, or recommend, as requested, and to help maintain and uphold established norms for working in the space
DATES:
Session 1: Wed 1/7, 1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4, 2/11 (6:30-9:30P)
Corresponds with Beginner Adult Wheel
Session 2: Tues 2/3, 2/10, 2/17, 2/24, 3/2, 3/10 (6-9P)
Corresponds with Beginner Adult Wheel
Session 3: Wed 2/18, 2/25, 3/4, 3/11, 3/18, 3/25 (6:30-9:30P)
Corresponds with Intermediate Wheel
AGE: 18+
COST: $225 Non-Member / $202 Artistry Member/Subscriber
(includes $2 processing fee)
LOCATION: Clay Studio at the Bloomington Center for the Arts
INSTRUCTOR: Samantha McCluskey & Evan Liu
DESCRIPTION:
Dive into the exciting world of the pottery wheel! This ceramics class for students ages 12 and up focuses exclusively on wheel throwing, giving young artists the chance to learn how to center clay, pull walls, and shape their own bowls, cups, and other functional forms. Students will explore each step of the wheel-throwing process, from preparing clay to trimming, decorating, and glazing their finished pieces. Along the way, they’ll practice key skills that build coordination, patience, and creativity while gaining confidence at the wheel. No experience is required—just enthusiasm and a readiness to get hands-on with clay.
DATES:
Mondays 1/26, 2/2, 2/9, (SKIP 2/16), 2/23, 3/2, 3/9, (SKIP 3/16), 3/23
AGE: 7th - 12th Grade (12+)
COST: $225 Non-Member / $202 Artistry Member/Subscriber
(includes $2 processing fee)
LOCATION: Clay Studio at the Bloomington Center for the Arts
INSTRUCTOR: Evan Liu