Pottery
Pottery has a unique and rich history, as well as having the special distinction of being both functional and artistic. Our classes are for beginners and more advanced students.
All available classes with their time, date, location, and cost will be on the » Class Schedules. Some classes may not be available at this time.
Pottery for Beginners
This introductory course is designed to give students a hands-on educational and artistic experience using clay. Students will learn variety of techniques including hand building and wheel throwing using the potters’ wheel. Students will also gain experience with surface design, glazing and will be introduced to loading and firing an electric kiln.
Pottery Basics and Beyond
This class is designed for the beginner through intermediate level potter. In this course, students will become familiar with turning methods and materials used in creating basic forms with the potters’ wheel. Topics include clay preparation, turning techniques, and basic glaze application. Upon completion, students should be able to center, turn basic forms such as bowls and mugs, apply basic glazes, and be familiar with loading and firing an electric kiln.
Pottery: Hand Built Pottery I
This course is for beginning pottery students and provides instruction on basic hand building techniques. Students will learn techniques for hand building a variety of functional forms such as mugs, bowls and platters without the use of the potters’ wheel. Topics include methods of pinch, coil and slab construction, applying glaze and introduction to loading and firing an electric kiln.
Pottery: Hand Built Pottery II
This class is designed for intermediate to advanced hand builders. Students will work on self-directed independent projects with impromptu discussions and demonstrations based on individual needs. There will be glazing and kiln loading/firing demonstrations and discussion.
Pottery on the Wheel I
This class is designed for the beginner. In this course, students will become familiar with turning methods and materials used in creating basic forms with the potters’ wheel. Topics include clay preparation, turning techniques, and basic glaze application. Upon completion, students should be able to center, turn basic forms such as bowls and mugs, apply basic glazes, and be familiar with loading and firing an electric kiln.
Pottery on the Wheel II
Designed for the students with prior experience using the potters’ wheel. Students will work on self-directed independent projects with impromptu discussions and demonstrations based on individual needs. Also included in the instruction on how to apply glazes and the proper procedure for loading and firing an electric kiln. Upon completion, students will be familiar with working on the potter’s wheel, glaze application and firing techniques.
Pottery: Open Workshop
This class is open to anyone with previous hand building or wheel experience. Students will have the opportunity to work on individual clay projects of their choice and at their own pace to develop their skill level and personal style while receiving guidance from an instructor. Students will have full use of workshop facilities including glazes and kilns.
Pottery: Beads and Beyond Jewelry Making
In this four-session class we will make our own clay beads and pendants for creating unique necklaces, bracelets and earrings that will certainly be the conversation pieces of the season! Open to all experience levels. All materials, including metal findings, will be included.
Pottery Wheel Workshop (one day)
In this this one-day workshop, students will become familiar with turning and creating basic forms with the potters’ wheel. The class includes all instruction and materials to create at least one food-safe and microwave-safe piece of handmade pottery per person. Students will be given a demonstration of the basics of throwing on the wheel and then given their own pottery wheels to play and create on, with the assistance of an instructor. No prior clay or wheel throwing experience is needed.
Pottery: Couples Wheel Workshop (one day)
CVCC Innovations Center is excited to host a special morning date in the Pottery Studio. The class includes all instruction and materials to create at least one food-safe and microwave-safe piece of handmade pottery per person. Couples in attendance will be given a demonstration of the basics of throwing on the wheel and then given their own pottery wheels to play and create on, with the assistance of an instructor. No prior clay or wheel throwing experience is needed.
Pottery: Hand Built Bird House (one day)
Using handbuilding techniques, participants will create a bird house out of clay. Students will then be encouraged to add texture using surface design techniques. Each student will create one bird house and select a glaze color for their piece. Participants will be called and/or emailed when their pieces are complete and ready for pickup.
Pottery: Hand Built Flower Pot (one day)
Show off your pretty spring flowers and growing garden herbs in handmade flower pots! In this workshop you will learn basic handbuilding techniques, such as making coil pots and using the slab roller, to create unique flower pots for your home and garden. Students will learn how to texturize their pots and will pick out a glaze for the final touch. Students will be notified as to when to pick up their final pieces.
Pottery: Hand Built Garden Gnome (one day)
In this workshop students will learn how to build a garden gnome made of clay, using handbuilding techniques such as pinch pots and slab building. Students will glaze their piece the same day. No experience required. The only thing you need to do is wear clothes that you don’t mind getting messy. All garden gnomes are to be picked up at a later date.
Pottery: Hand Built Mug (one day)
Using handbuilding techniques, participants will create a mug out of clay. Students will then be encouraged to add texture using surface design techniques. Each student will create two mugs and select a glaze color for their piece. Participants will be called and/or emailed when their pieces are complete and ready for pickup.
Pottery: Hand Built Wall Pocket (one day)
Always thought that it looked like fun to make something from clay? Here’s your chance to just try it, a one-time 3-hour session giving you the opportunity to make a wall pocket. You get a quick introduction to constructing the wall pocket, then you make one. We supply materials, basic instruction and hands-on assistance. No experience required. All wall pockets are to be picked up at a later date.
Pottery: Hand Built Tree (one day)
Always thought that it looked like fun to make something from clay? Here’s your chance to just try it, a one-time 3-hour session giving you the opportunity to make a tree. You get a quick introduction to constructing the tree, then you make one. We supply materials, basic instruction and hands-on assistance. No experience required. All trees are to be picked up at a later date.
Pottery: Hand Built Angel (one day)
Always thought that it looked like fun to make something from clay? Here’s your chance to just try it, a one-time 3-hour session giving you the opportunity to make an angel. You get a quick introduction to constructing the angel, then you make one. We supply materials, basic instruction and hands-on assistance. No experience required. You’ll end up with a angel that will be glazed and fired for you to remember the experience. All angels are to be picked up at a later date.
Pottery: Linoleum Press Tools (one day)
In this one-day workshop students will create simple tools for stamping, creating raised designs and adding textures to their clay projects with linoleum press tools. Clay impressions will have amazing, precise detail. All tools and materials will be provided to create your linoleum art press tools. No experience required. Dress in comfortable clothes you do not mind getting dirty.
Supply fee covers kiln firings, glaze materials and 1 bag of clay. In addition, students must purchase a tool kit available at the CVCC Bookstore or local craft store. Students should bring a towel, apron, large sponge, and a 5-gallon bucket to class. Dress in comfortable clothes that you do not mind getting dirty.
Classes will be held on the East Campus (EC).
Contact Information
For questions about the courses contact Evelyn Arnold at earnold@cvcc.edu;
to register you may email Cheri Toney at ctoney@cvcc.edu, or register with Instant Online Enrollment.
For further information you may contact the Continuing Education Department at (828) 327-7037.