DID YOU GO TO SCHOOL TO BECOME A POTTER?
YES, I DID! YOU ARE IN GOOD HANDS!
SINCE GRADUATING WITH MY BFA IN 1996 I HAVE BEEN MAKING AND SELLING MY OWN WORK.
CREATING POTTERY THAT COMBINES FUNCTION, FORM AND AESTHETICS PRODUCES WORK THAT CAN BE ENJOYED AND UTILIZED EVERYDAY.
I STARTED TEACHING POTTERY CLASSES FIFTEEN YEARS AGO AND APPRECIATE THE SATISFACTION PEOPLE HAVE AS THEY CREATE MEANINGFUL PROJECTS OUT OF CLAY WITH THEIR OWN HANDS.
SINCE GRADUATING WITH MY BFA IN 1996 I HAVE BEEN MAKING AND SELLING MY OWN WORK.
CREATING POTTERY THAT COMBINES FUNCTION, FORM AND AESTHETICS PRODUCES WORK THAT CAN BE ENJOYED AND UTILIZED EVERYDAY.
I STARTED TEACHING POTTERY CLASSES FIFTEEN YEARS AGO AND APPRECIATE THE SATISFACTION PEOPLE HAVE AS THEY CREATE MEANINGFUL PROJECTS OUT OF CLAY WITH THEIR OWN HANDS.
- BACHELOR OF FINE ARTS DEGREE (BFA), MAJORING IN CERAMICS, GRADUATE OF ALBERTA UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS (FORMERLY KNOWN AS THE ALBERTA COLLEGE OF ART AND DESIGN)
- DIPLOMA IN VISUAL ARTS, MAJORING IN CERAMICS. ALBERTA UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS
- CERTIFICATION OF COMPLETION FROM THE DESIGN CAREER CENTRE EMPLOYMENT PROGRAM. ALBERTA UNIVERSITY OF THE ARTS
- THIRTY PLUS YEARS MAKING AND SELLING HANDMADE FUNCTIONAL POTTERY
- FIFTEEN PLUS YEARS OF TEACHING POTTERY TO CHILDREN AND ADULTS OF ALL AGES IN THE ALBERTA SCHOOL SYSTEM
DO I NEED TO DO ANYTHING OR BRING ANYTHING TO CLASS?
Class Preparation:
- Wear slip-on shoes for easy access to the basement studio.
- Dress comfortably in clothes you don't mind getting clay on.
- Trim fingernails for a smoother pottery experience.
- Bring a SMALL HAND TOWEL for hand cleaning and drying during class.
WHAT IS THE CANCELLATION POLICY?
- Notify us via email at [email protected] 24 hours before the class if you need to cancel.
- Cancelled or missed classes are forfeited; rainchecks are not available.
- One rescheduled class is allowed upon request with a $25 fee.
- Rescheduling depends on availability, which may be limited due to high demand and class capacity.
- All classes are non-refundable once payment has been received.
- All classes are booked for specific days and times agreed upon prior to registering.
- It is the responsibility of class participants to arrive on time and come prepared.
HOW DO I REGISTER?
- Registration is done via email, fill out the form on the Contact Us page and Kelly will be glad to answer any questions.
- Once dates and times have been confirmed Booking and payment is done through etransfer.
- Please be sure to read the Cancellation Policy for details.
ARE THERE DROP IN CLASSES AVAILABLE?
- At this time we do not offer drop in classes as all classes are private and reserved for those who book together.
- The small class sizes allow for personal attention, assistance and guidance at each step.
- Every time you register for a new session the projects and techniques will be custom suited to your own
WHAT IF I NEED EXTRA TIME?
If you find yourself needing more time to add detail or glaze more intricate designs additional time can be booked for $40/hour per person.
ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL FEES INVOLVED?
Good news! Classes are all inclusive of costs and materials,
No hidden or extra fees involved.
No hidden or extra fees involved.
What can I expect for the 3 Week private classes?
3 Week Private Class Overview
Wheelthrowing Experience:
Week 1
Handbuilding Experience:
- Learn and practice the fundamental skills of making pottery from start to finish.
- Opportunity to create more intricate designs and experiment with surface decoration (texture, stamping, carving, sgraffito), and glazing techniques.
- All classes are private and reserved for those who book together, small class sizes ensure personalized attention and guidance.
- We have 3 Pottery Wheels ensuring adequate time for each person.
Wheelthrowing Experience:
Week 1
- Introduction and demonstration followed by personal wheel time.
- Share project ideas, learn and practice techniques.
- Customized instruction tailored to individual needs.
- Practice wheel techniques and develop skills for consistent pots.
- Expect to create 4-6 pieces by the end of week 2.
- Complete finishing details such as handles and surface decoration techniques such as stamping and carving.
- Begin glazing leatherhard work using raw glazing/single fire process.
- Complete all glazing and finishing touches.
- Pottery will be ready for pickup 4-6 weeks after this class, arrangements to be made via email notification.
Handbuilding Experience:
- Similar format to wheelthrowing, emphasizing handbuilding techniques like pinching, coiling, or slabs to create your work.
- Project ideas are determined prior to registration.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT FOR THE 2 HOUR private sampler classes?
2 Hour Private Sampler Class Overview:
Wheelthrowing Experience
Handbuilding Experience
- Ideal one time experience for trying out the Potter’s wheel or making a hand-built project with friends or family.
- Reserved for those who book together with a minimum of two people.
Wheelthrowing Experience
- Suited for 2-5 people, we have 3 Pottery Wheels ensuring each person has time on the wheel.
- Introduction to clay, tools, and equipment with detailed demonstration.
- Learn centering, coning, opening, and pulling up walls.
- Expect to create and glaze 1 piece, fired and ready for pickup in 4-6 weeks.
Handbuilding Experience
- Accommodates 2-5 people registering together.
- Choose project ahead of time to discuss options with provided examples.
- Receive personal attention and assistance throughout.
- Create and glaze 1 piece, fired and ready for pickup in 4-6 weeks.
What is Wheelthrowing?
Wheelthrowing is an ancient technique of making pots on a spinning machine with a flat surface on top.
Traditionally these were powered by a heavy weighted flywheel (still used by many potter's around the world) and with modern
technology we have access to motorized Potter's Wheels.
Traditionally these were powered by a heavy weighted flywheel (still used by many potter's around the world) and with modern
technology we have access to motorized Potter's Wheels.
What is Handbuilding?
Handbuilding is the ancient technique of forming clay using your hands and various tools. Methods include pinching, coiling,
slab building and molding. This is is one of the oldest known art forms in history as people have been making pots this way
for thousands of years.
slab building and molding. This is is one of the oldest known art forms in history as people have been making pots this way
for thousands of years.
Will I get really messy?
While you will be getting your hands covered in clay ( especially while wheelthrowing) it is not generally
very messy. If you come wearing comfortable clothes any drips or splatters of clay can be wiped off with a damp cloth
and easily washed.
very messy. If you come wearing comfortable clothes any drips or splatters of clay can be wiped off with a damp cloth
and easily washed.
Is making pottery a good stress reliever?
Yes! Working with clay is a mindful activity that requires you to be present in the moment and offers the opportunity to interact and participate in the creative process. Making Pottery is practicing the art of letting go and embracing the experience of learning something new! Do I need to have artistic abilities to learn pottery?
Do I need to have artistic abilities to learn pottery?
Good news! Everyone can learn how to make pottery. We teach all ages, abilities and skill levels. Come with an open mind to try something new and you are sure to have some fun and your time.
Do you teach children's classes?
Yes, we do offer children's classes for groups of 2-5, contact Kelly to discuss options.
Please note all class participants under the age of 18 need to be accompanied by an adult or guardian for the duration of the classes.
Please note all class participants under the age of 18 need to be accompanied by an adult or guardian for the duration of the classes.
