Beginner Pottery Class (July '25 Semester)

Chicago

1850 North Western Avenue, Chicago, IL, 60647, United States

About the Event

Join this fun and engaging 4-week class experience to jump right into the pottery making process & be empowered to create your own pieces.

This fun and engaging 4-week class will navigate you through the pottery process empowering you to create your own bowls, cups, or vases on a pottery wheel, glaze these by hand and fire them in a kiln so you will have a one-of-a-kind ceramic vessel created by you! The class will focus on creating fully functional drinking and tableware vessels that you can use and proudly display for years to come.

This is a weekly class with 4 sessions. Your ticket grants you access to the following sessions:

July 9th (7-9pm)

+ July 16th (7-9pm)

+ July 23rd (7-9pm)

+ July 30th (7-9pm)

After registration, please put these dates & times on your calendar.

Join this fun and engaging 4-week experience to jump right into ceramics and create your own pieces.Class ScheduleWednesday nights in July. 7-9 PM

This class is distinct from other pottery classes with a student/teacher ratio of 1 teacher per 8 students. This means you will receive hands-on instruction throughout the month from our ceramics artist. It is an open and uplifting environment to create and learn a new craft directly from a master craftsman.

This means you can just show up, learn, and have a great time. It also means there are no secret extra costs.

- We suggest wearing some clothes and shoes that you don't mind getting a little dirty. Sometimes the clay can splash around and get things messy.

- All clay and tools will be provided. Just come ready to learn.

What makes this class special?We have the best student/teacher ratio in town.We provide all tools & materials.What to Bring

Introduction to pinch pots (create bowl and cup). Each student will learn the inherent qualities of clay and begin the class with a quick tutorial on the oldest way of creating ceramic vessels.

Introduction to wheel throwing working on centering, coning up/down, opening, pulling the walls, shaping, and cutting off each created vessel. All created work will begin to dry. The focus will be on creating bowl forms.

Week 1: Intro to Pots

Any dried work from week 1 will be trimmed, creating a smooth surface, finished foot, and conversations about shape, form, function, and ergonomics will be considered and discussed.

Wheel throwing will continue, and students will review and build upon previous class foundational instruction. All created work will be allowed to dry for trimming, finished trimmed work will continue to dry to be placed in a kiln for bisque firing. Each student will have several works finished. The focus will be on trimming and finishing bowls ready for the kiln fire.

Week 2: Refinement

Students will discuss the different pottery techniques used to create a cup vs. a bowl. Students will learn several methods for creating cup handles, proper attachment of handles, and discussion of ergonomics and design principles involved with creating drinking vessels. Students may continue working on bowls, trimming, and glazing, however, the focus will be on creating cups.

Week 3: Intro to Cups

Students will be introduced to glazing principles and Epic Art House will provide a wide variety of glazes for students to use. Different glazing techniques and methods will be discussed, and students will be able to complete their ceramic masterpieces. All glazed work will be fired in the kiln.

Week 4: Intro to Glazing

Never worked with clay before? Don't worry! This month-long pottery class is beginner friendly, even if it is your first time. Our amazing teacher will get you started from scratch. All the tools and materials are provided.

Beginner Friendly

Ever since she began her ceramics career in high school Nora has loved all things clay-related and has furthered their appreciation since starting to teach. With a focus on wheel-throwing, Nora is eager to learn more about sculpting and hand-building and hopes to learn along with their students. The community aspect is Nora's favorite part of every studio she has been to and she looks forward to making lasting connections with students and studio members alike.

About the TeacherNora G.