Introduction to Wheel Throwing

Summary of Options outlined below:

• Tuesday evening course: see description, prerequisites, time, and fees below.

• Supplemental Course Options include: Course Recording Supplement, Open Studio+, and Time-Saver Package

Course Description:

Have you been watching pottery videos for months or years and wondering, “Could I do this?” Have you looked into a class before, or even bought a pack of tools and air-dry clay online, intending to make something out of it? Maybe you’ve taken the step and joined a class or workshop and tried wheel throwing or hand-building already.

If any of these sound like you, join others like you who are just starting out and longing to learn wheel throwing in a calm, casual setting. Over the course of eight weeks, you’ll learn step-by-step the fundamentals of how to create your first piece and build on those skills to make additional forms with confidence, effectiveness, and ease.

All you need is the desire to learn, an interest in the craft (that you already have!), a simple toolkit, and clay. You’ll be guided through the process of working with clay and met with patience and kindness each step of the way. Adults over age 18.

Previous experience is not required.

Dates: Tuesdays, January 12th - March 9th, 6-8:30 p.m., includes 2 hours 15 minutes of instruction and 15 minutes for clean-up. No class on February 16th. Snow date: March 16th, if needed.

Class fee: $345 per person. Includes group and personalized instruction, clay, use of additional community tools and materials, glazing, and firing.

Required tools: A basic wheel throwing tool kit.

Students may bring their own tools, or reserve one of two different kits available for purchase from the studio.

Essentials Kit: An assortment of tools needed for throwing and trimming. $15

Premium Kit: A curated kit that includes the tools in the Essentials Kit plus additional tools we've found helpful as students begin their pottery journey. The selection is also the most loved by first-time students here at the studio! $35

Supplemental Course Options:

Course Recording Supplement:

All primary demonstrations for the first seven classes will be recorded live, edited for ease of viewing, and available until April 9th or 12 weeks after the first week of class. This is an excellent option for students of azure arts who are enrolled in the in-person course and are interested in researching and studying skills beyond the live course and would like to practice with the guidance of the videos during open studio sessions. It is also an option for those who may miss one or more classes.

Note: These recordings are not available for students who are not enrolled in courses or members of azure arts studio.

Recording Availability: January 17th- March 9th. Recordings will be available weekly after in-person course sessions.

 In-Person Student Rate: In-person students receive the recordings for 50% of the standard online course rate. Recordings are available for $20 per single class recording, or you can purchase all seven course recordings for only $120 per session.

Open Studio+

Bring your clay and questions! This new open studio option is available to all students who want more time for independent practice of skills, techniques, throwing, and trimming learned in class. During this 8-week open studio option, a pottery instructor will be available to answer general questions. This is the perfect open studio option for those just starting classes or who want a little extra guidance during practice. Work at your own pace, build confidence, and enjoy having a little help nearby. Adults over age 18.

We will not provide formal instruction or demonstrations during this time. Studio time is available for about 10 hours per week before classes and on weekends.

Studio access aligns with the 8-week course session. Students have access to pottery wheels, table space, community materials, and tools. Students also receive a 10% discount on 25 pounds of stoneware clay. This option is $175 per person per course session, which is only $22 per week. The drop-in rate for each 2-hour session is $30 per person.

Time-Saver Package:

Do you value time on task, travel long distances, or loathe the clean-up involved with pottery? This package may be your answer. Enjoy your pottery time, feel at peace, and leave class feeling more fulfilled. With the time-saver package, you can stay focused during class, relax and feel calm afterward, and head home a bit earlier. For only $15 a week, you can get up at the end of instructional time, put your pots away, wash your hands, and head home. We’ll clean your wheel, station, wedging board, and tools each of the 8 weeks and make sure you’re ready to jump back in the following week. Instructional time is from 6-8:15 p.m., with clean-up beginning at 8:15.

For more information, email christina@azureartisans.com, call/text 315-858-8899, or complete the contact form.