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Become a Member and receive $20 off of your class and other classes you purchase in the next year! |
Where to Begin
Try It!
A one-day three-hour Saturday or Sunday session for adults who are interested in experimenting with hand building clay for the first time! Before venturing into one of our regular classes, find out if you want to learn more while having fun in our relaxed classroom environment. Invite your friends to join you; a great way to spend a weekend afternoon.
STAFF
TI6 – Saturday, 2 – 5pm, August 16
Fee: $40 Member/Non-member
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Special Topic Short Courses
Fearless Surfaces: an Intensive Surface Workshop
Do you go blank when you look at the surface of your pot? Wondering what glaze to use and how to apply it... This workshop will help you get over your fears and take out some of the mystique of glazing. You will learn some new slip and glaze techniques! We'll begin with brushes, tape, and wax resists methods to achieve some interesting and varied visual surfaces on pots. Spot spray glazing using a manual glaze atomizer will be demonstrated along with latex and wax resist. You will learn how to apply several glazes and slips to add color and depth to your work. Students are asked to bring green-ware for wet surface work and bisque-ware, either porcelain or stoneware, and experiment with the classroom reduction glazes. A complete supply list will accompany your registration confirmation.
Collette Smith
ST9 - Saturday and Sunday, 10-4pm, August 23 & 24
Fee: $120 Members; $140 Non-members
Noborigama: community wood firing

Sign up now to experience the fun and flash of the new Clayworks Noborigama! Your pots may take on a rich variety of colorful flashing and deposits from wood ash or salt depending on which chamber you choose. We fire into the evening on Saturday into Sunday morning which allows plenty of time for shared conversation and food. Everyone will have an opportunity to choose shifts in preparation and during the firing process that are appropriate. One share constitutes kiln space equal to 12” x 12” x 60”. Participants are encouraged to contact Clayworks with questions regarding appropriate clay bodies, slips or glazes for use in the Noborigama.
Jim Dugan
CW7 - Friday, August 15 – load
Saturday, August 16 & Sunday, August 17 – fire
Fee: $140 Members; $160 Non-members
Jim Dugan
CW8 - Friday, September 19 – load
Saturday, September 20 & Sunday, September 21 – fire
Fee: $140 Members; $160 Non-members
Ceramic sampler: a taste of clay
This course offers new students a 6-week introduction to clay. This class is designed for those students who are undecided or cannot commit to a full length class but still want to have an extended studio clay experience. Participants will sample various construction methods used in ceramics – from hand building to the potter’s wheel. This is a terrific way to discover if clay is something you want to get into. Ages 16 and up.
Volker Schoenfliess
CS1 – Sunday, 6:30-9:30pm, September 14 – October 19
Fee: $155 Members; $175 Non-members
Volker Schoenfliess
CS2 – Sunday, 6:30-9:30pm, November 2 – December 7
Fee: $155 Members; $175 Non-members
Try It!: Hand-building
One day. Three hours. A creative way to spend the afternoon! Experiment and explore in one of these weekend sessions for adults who are curious about clay. Participants will learn the basics of hand building while having fun in our relaxed classroom environment. Students will decorate finished pieces using commercial under-glaze and glaze. Invite your friends to join you – the perfect use of a weekend afternoon. Ages 16 and up. Please allow a minimum of 2 weeks for drying and firing of finished work.
Pamela Theis
TI7 – Sunday, 2 – 5pm, October 12
Fee: $40 member/non-member
Trisha Kyner
TI8 – Sunday, 2:30 – 5:30pm, November 16
Fee: $40 member/non-member
Try It!: Potter’s Wheel
One day. Three hours. A creative way to spend the afternoon! Experiment and explore in one of these weekend sessions for adults who are curious about the potter’s wheel. Participants will cover methods of centering clay and throwing bowl and cylinder forms. Invite your friends to join you – the perfect use of a weekend afternoon. Students will decorate finished pieces using commercial under-glaze and glaze. Ages 16 and up. Please allow a minimum of 2 weeks for drying and firing of finished work.
Sarah House
TI9 – Saturday, 2 – 5pm, October 11
Fee: $40 member/non-member
Pamela Theis
TI10 – Sunday, 2 – 5pm, November 9
Fee: $40 member/non-member
Clay: An Introduction
If you are interested in working with clay but have little or no experience with the medium then this 12-week class for novice level clay students is the course for you. This course will cover 6 weeks of hand-building and 6 weeks of potter’s wheel methods. It will acquaint students with the clay forming process and basic glazing procedures. Beginners and those with no experience are encouraged to take this class.
Yoshi Fujii
IC1 – Thursday, 10-1pm, September 11 – December 11
(no class 10/9 & 11/27)
Fee: $300 Members; $320 Non-members
Heather Johnson
IC2- Sunday, 6:30 – 9:30pm, September 14 – November 30
Fee: $300 Members; $320 Non-members
Sarah House
IC3 – Tuesday, 7-10pm, September 16 – December 9
(no class 9/30)
Fee: $300 Members; $320 Non-members
Basic Wheel: the Learning Curve
A 12-week class for students who have never used the potters wheel or for those who are continuing to build their basic skills. Participants will cover methods of centering clay and throwing bowl and cylinder forms, such as mugs, vases and planters. Students will also learn how to finish their pots using standard decorating and glazing techniques. If you have taken this course before please let us know when registering.
Joann Kandel
BW1 – Sunday 11-2pm, September 14 – November 30
Fee: $300 Members; $320 Non-members
Sarah House
BW2 – Monday, 7-10pm, September 15 – December 8
(no class 9/29)
Fee: $300 Members; $320 Non-members
Faye Menis
BW3 – Tuesday, 10-1pm, September 16 – December 9
(no class 9/30)
Fee: $300 Members; $320 Non-members
Pamela Theis
BW4 – Tuesday, 7-10pm, September 16 – December 9
(no class 9/30)
Fee: $300 Members; $320 Non-members
Gary Slavinsky
BW5 – Wednesday, 7 – 10pm, September 10 – December 10 (no class 10/8 & 11/26)
Fee: $300 Members; $320 Non-members
Weekend Wheel: Basic & Intermediate Wheel
This 12-week course is for students who have taken Intro to Clay or Basic Wheel and want to focus on extending their throwing skills. This course provides students with the opportunity to continue refining their skills while moving toward developing their personal “voice” in clay. Participants will continue to develop basic skills such as trimming and pulling handles yet challenged to throw forms such as serving bowls, plates and lidded forms. Use of slips, oxide washes and glaze will be demonstrated.
Laurel Peck
WW1 - Friday, 7 - 10pm, September 12 – December 5
(no class 11/28)
Fee: $300 Members; $320 Non-members
Intermediate Wheel
This 12-week course is for students who have completed Basic Wheel, Intermediate or Advanced wheel and wish to refine their throwing skills. This class provides participants the opportunity to work at their own skill level and progress to at their own rate. The instructor will challenge participants to push current comfort levels through individual or group critiques while providing appropriate demonstrations for all students in the class. Surface techniques and glaze application will also be emphasized and expanded upon for those who are curious and ready.
Michelle Brooks
IW1 – Sunday, 5:30-8:30pm, September 14 – November 30
Fee: $300 Members; $320 Non-members
Collette Smith
IW2 – Wednesday, 10-1pm, September 10 – December 3 (no class 11/26)
Fee: $300 Members; $320 Non-members
Jim Dugan
IW3 – Wednesday, 7-10pm, September 10 – December 10 (no class 10/8 & 11/26)
Fee: $300 Members; $320 Non-members
Advanced Wheel
This 12-week course is for students who have taken Basic Wheel, Basic II, Intermediate or Advanced wheel and wish to advance their throwing skills. This class provides participants the opportunity to work at their own skill level and advance at their own rate. The instructor will challenge participants to push current comfort levels through individual or group critiques while providing appropriate demonstrations for all students in the class. Surface techniques and glaze application will also be emphasized and expanded upon for those who are curious and ready.
Yoshi Fujii
AW1 – Monday, 10-1pm, September 15 – December 1
Fee: $300 Members; $320 Non-members
Joe Vitek
AW2 – Monday, 7 - 10pm, September 15 – December 8
(no class 9/29)
Fee: $300 Members; $320 Non-members
Hand-building & Sculpture
The goal of this 12-week class is for participants to gain both facility and flair in clay and to learn fundamental hand-building skills: pinch, coil, soft and hard slab construction. Through a series of demonstrations, informal discussion and critique of work, each student will further develop their hand-building skills and creative voice. Some projects may involve the use of stamps, found objects and other media to enhance the sculptural surface. All forms of expression will be encouraged, including figurative, functional and abstract.
Dina Weston-Snead
HB1 – Wednesday, 10-1pm, September 10 – December 3
(no class 11/26)
Fee: $300 Members; $320 Non-members
Ceramic Sculpture
Students will experiment with methods of creating content while learning basic building skills in this 12 week exploration of ceramic sculpture. The instructor will cover coil, soft slab, leather hard construction and simple mold making. Students will produce wall reliefs, abstract sculptural forms and a cat or toddler sized figure. The class will include frequent technical demonstrations and slides of works by contemporary ceramic sculptors. Special attention will be paid to exploring how surface and form combine to create visual meaning. The class will conclude with high fire glazing and a pit-firing. No experience necessary.
Trisha Kyner
HB2 – Thursday, 7-10pm, September 11 – December 11
(no class 10/9 & 11/27)
Fee: $300 Members; $320 Non-members
Figure in Clay
All skill levels are welcome in this 12-week exploration of the human form in clay. Students will work primarily from live models but also use their imaginations as they sculpt figurines, portrait busts and body fragments. Emphasis will be placed on anatomical study and the expressive potential of gesture and pose. Basic hand-building skills will be taught throughout the course and students will have the opportunity to experiment with a variety of surface finishing techniques. The class will conclude with raku and high temperature reduction firings.
Trisha Kyner
HB3 – Sunday, 11-2pm, September 14 – November 30
Fee: $300 Members; $320 Non-members
Model Fee: $25
Jamaican Coil Building: An Aerobic Experience
Come dance around your pot with Sam Wallace in this 12-week exploration of Maryland native clays. Participants will gain insight into traditional Jamaican folk art hand-building techniques employed by Sam for building his large-scale vessels. Combining both the coil and pinch methods of hand-building students will create a wide variety of forms, from vases to the famous “pineapple pot”. Students will be using a variety of clays in this class, including hand processed natural clay. This is a wonderful cultural opportunity in which you will learn a different and unique method of working in clay.
Sam Wallace
HB4 – Thursday, 7 - 10pm, September 11 – December 11 (no class 10/9 & 11/27)
Fee: $300 Members; $320 Non-members
How Low Can You Go: low fire glaze
In this 12-week course, participants will learn a wide array of surface treatments and applications available in electric cone 04 glazes. Recipes will be provided for testing in order to encourage students to mix unique glazes for their works. Through this pallet of dynamic textural glazes students will be inspired to find their creative voice for their hand-built functional or sculptural projects. Hand-building techniques will be demonstrated, including the use of simple plaster molds. Useful handouts will supplement the demonstrations and studio time.
Lars Westby
HB5 – Thursday, 10-1pm, September 11 – December 11
(no class 10/9 & 11/27)
Fee: $300 Members; $320 Non-members
Handmade Tile and Mosaics
In this 12-week class for all skill levels, students will enjoy an enriching and supportive environment in which they will learn the basics of tile making. Students will learn foundational tile making skills through the construction and use of simple one piece press molds created by the student from original, hand-sculpted tile. Participants will also learn the basics of mosaic design, layout, and installation. Students are welcome to bring their own mosaic pieces which may include the following: broken china, tile, marble, colored glass, smooth pebbles, etc (we will have some tile on hand for purchase). No previous clay experience is necessary.
Amanda Pellerin
HB6 – Wednesday, 10-1pm, September 10 – December 3
(no class 11/26)
Fee: $300 Members; $320 Non-members
Amanda Pellerin
HB7 – Wednesday, 7-10pm, September 10 – December 10 (no class 10/8 & 11/26)
Fee: $300 Members; $320 Non-members
Surface Work: glaze exploration
In addition to making pots on the potters wheel, students in this 12-week session will explore, surface and texture, glaze application techniques, and glaze relationship to form. Students will use a variety of green and bisque decoration techniques including: slip, underglaze, stamping, scraffito, wax masking and latex. Throwing demonstrations will focus on simple open forms such as bowls and plates to be used as decorating canvas. This course is for wheel students comfortable working at an intermediate skill level.
Joann Kandel
ST1 – Tuesday, 10-1pm, September 16 – December 9
(no class 9/30)
Fee: $300 Members; $320 Non-members
Architectural Ceramics for the Home
This 12-week course will focus on the creation of ceramic work that may be incorporated into the home as both architectural embellishment and functional design. Projects may include cabinet knobs, backsplash tile, sinks, planters and wall sconces to name but a few. Students will utilize simple plaster press and slump molds supplemented with hand-built and thrown embellishments to realize their designs. Students should come prepared with project ideas which the instructor will help them to realize. The glaze palette will utilize both cone 6 oxidation and cone 10 reduction classroom glazes. This course is open to both hand building and wheel students, previous clay experience is required.
Lars Westby
ST2 – Tuesday, 7-10pm, September 16 – December 9
(no class 9/30)
Fee: $300 Members; $320 Non-members
XXL: Working Large
In this class you will push the limits of your skill using techniques on and off the wheel to create vessels or sculpture that are of a scale larger than you have worked before. Several techniques will be demonstrated and worked through for creating large vases, planters, bowls, jars, platters, and anything else you would like to attempt in clay. Throwing and coiling, stacked vessels, and handling large masses of clay on the wheel will be covered. Surface treatment for large pieces including slipping and glazing will also be covered.
Jim Dugan
ST3 – Thursday, 7-10pm, September 11 – December 11
(no class 10/9 & 11/27)
Fee: $300 Members; $320 Non-members
Hand-Built Tableware
In this 12-week class, we will explore the wonderful world of function utilizing hand-building techniques. Participants will use simple bisque and plaster drape/slump molds in addition to pinch, coil and slab methods to construct an array of utilitarian works. Vessels may be embellished using bisque stamps, cone 04 under-glazes or classroom reduction slips and glazes. Demonstrations will cover a range of forms including mugs, bowls, vases, plates, salt and pepper shakers, and cream and sugar sets. All experience levels welcome in this course.
Pamela Theis
ST4 – Monday, 7 – 10pm, September 15 – December 8
(no class 9/29)
Fee: $300 Members; $320 Non-members
Introduction to Woodfire
In this 12-week course there will be an emphasis on functional wheel thrown forms designed to take advantage of the wood fired atmosphere. Students will be encouraged to explore a variety of surfaces which are possible: unglazed natural clay bodies, flashing slips, ash glazes, liner glazes and natural salt finishes. Demonstrations will focus on wheel throwing with some hand building techniques, and emphasis will be placed on seeking one’s voice with clay. Students may choose to participate in any of our Community Noborigama firing dates that best fit their schedule.
Jim Dugan
ST5 – Thursday, 10-1pm, September 11 – December 11
(no class 10/9 & 11/27)
Fee: $300 Members; $320 Non-members
Beneath the Surface
This two-day workshop will delve into the many possibilities to create unique and intriguing surfaces for your ceramic art. Demonstrations will include stamp making, carving, slips and texture development to enhance the leather-hard surface. Finishing techniques utilizing commercial under-glaze and glaze will complete the vision. Post-firing processes and mixed media will be discussed as alternatives to traditional ceramic solutions. Home-made and re-purposed tools will be demonstrated. Participants should bring bisque-ware and finished work to practice finish techniques in addition to the wet clay work completed in this class.
Mary Cloonan
ST6 – Saturday & Sunday, 10 – 4pm, October 25 & 26
Fee: $140 Members; $160 non-members
Teaching Clay to Children
This intensive weekend workshop will provide art educators the foundation needed to teach clay to children. Basic ceramic techniques will be discussed and demonstrated, promoting the development of hand building skills: pinch, coil and slab construction. Participants will use commercial materials and homemade tools to enhance the projects. Teachers will have a hands-on experience with take-home projects and hand-outs that may be modified to fit any age group.
Mary Cloonan
ST7 – Saturday & Sunday, 10 – 4pm, January 24 & 25
Fee: $120 Members; $140 non-members
Noborigama – Community Woodfire
Sign up now to experience the fun and flash of the new Clayworks Noborigama! Your pots may take on a rich variety of colorful flashing and deposits from wood ash or salt depending on which chamber you choose. We fire into the evening on Saturday into Sunday morning which allows plenty of time for shared conversation and food. Everyone will have an opportunity to choose shifts in preparation and during the firing process that are appropriate. One share constitutes kiln space equal to 12” x 12” x 60”. Participants are encouraged to contact Clayworks with questions regarding appropriate clay bodies, slips or glazes for use in the Noborigama.
Jim Dugan
CW8 – Friday, September 19 – load
Saturday, September 20 & Sunday, September 21 – fire
FEE: $140 MEMBERS; $160 NON-MEMBERS
Jim Dugan
CW9 - Friday, October 23 – load
Saturday, October 24 & Sunday, October 25 – fire
FEE: $140 MEMBERS; $160 NON-MEMBERS
Jim Dugan
CW10 – Friday, November 14 – load
Saturday, November 15 & Sunday, November 16– fire
FEE: $140 MEMBERS; $160 NON-MEMBERS
Jim Dugan
CW11 – Friday, December 12 – load
Saturday, December 13 & Sunday, December 14– fire
FEE: $140 MEMBERS; $160 NON-MEMBERS
Jim Dugan
CW01 – Friday, January 23 – load
Saturday, January 24 & Sunday, January 25 – fire
FEE: $140 MEMBERS; $160 NON-MEMBERS
Open Studio
Open Studio allows our more advanced students to work autonomously with access to our classroom equipment and facilities. We require that you have been enrolled in at least one previous class at Clayworks prior to your enrollment in this program. Registration for this program includes 4 (four) weeks of classroom space – from the first to the final day of each month – shared shelving, free bisque firing and student rates for glaze firing. You may use any of our three classrooms with the understanding that all scheduled classes, workshops and clay parties have first priority to the space.
OS– please contact our office/gallery for more information 410-578-1919 x10
Fee: $100 members; $120 non-members
Baltimore Clayworks will schedule classes in our Mt. Washington accessible classroom with a few days advance notice. Please call Matthew Hyleck (410) 578-1919 ext. 16 if your needs require this space.