Hand-building workshop

$380 / 6 classes (3 weeks)

Mondays & Wednesdays starting September 7 from 6:30-9:00 pm

Ready to take your figures further? Folk Figures II is designed for students who have completed Folk Figures I (or have equivalent hand-building experience) and want to create more ambitious, expressive ceramic characters.

Over six classes across three weeks, you'll focus on the structural side of sculpting: building stable forms, creating strong poses, assembling figures in sections, and using texture and surface details to bring your characters to life. Along the way, you'll receive optional creative prompts to help develop original character ideas while encouraging your own style and storytelling.

In this course you'll learn:

• Building stable bases and supporting larger figures

• Creating balanced poses and strong silhouettes

• Constructing figures in separate parts for easier assembly

• Joining techniques for complex forms

• Adding texture and surface details

• Developing original characters through optional design prompts

Prerequisites:
This course is intended for students who have completed Folk Figures I or who already have a solid foundation in hand-building ceramics (more than an introductory course is recommended).

Taught by Gage Michael Wheatley (@gagemichaelwheatley)

Hand-building workshop

$380 / 6 classes (3 weeks)

Mondays & Wednesdays starting August 17 from 6:30-9:00 pm

Intermediate Hand-building is the perfect next step for anyone who has completed an introductory ceramics course and is ready to expand their skills. Over six classes, you'll move beyond the fundamentals of pinch, coil, and slab construction, focusing on larger projects, cleaner craftsmanship, and more intentional design.

Together we'll explore precision slab building, expressive organic forms, advanced coil construction for larger vessels, and refined pinch techniques, all while developing a deeper understanding of structural integrity, wall thickness, compression, drying, and finishing. We'll also spend time learning how to make thoughtful glaze choices through layering and surface design to best complement your work.

Throughout the course, the emphasis is on slowing down, refining technique, and understanding why ceramics succeed or fail. Whether you're interested in creating functional ware or sculptural pieces, you'll leave with greater confidence, stronger technical skills, and a deeper appreciation for the craft.

Prerequisites: This course is intended for students who have completed an introductory hand-building course or who have equivalent previous hand-building experience.

Taught by Gage Michael Wheatley (@gagemichaelwheatley)

Hand-building workshop

$70 / 2.5 hours

Sunday August 30 from 1:00-3:30 pm

Create your own one-of-a-kind ceramic mug in this beginner-friendly hand-building workshop. Using slab-building techniques, you'll learn how to shape, assemble, and personalize a functional mug from clay.

We'll cover the basics of working with slabs, attaching handles, refining edges, and adding texture or decorative details to make your mug uniquely yours. After the workshop, your piece will be dried, fired, glazed by us in your chosen glaze, and ready for pickup in a few weeks.

In this workshop you'll learn:

• Rolling and preparing clay slabs

• Constructing a functional mug

• Attaching sturdy handles

• Adding decorative elements

• Tips for creating durable ceramic forms

Perfect for: Beginners and anyone interested in starting ceramics. No prior clay experience is required.

Taught by Gage Michael Wheatley (@gagemichaelwheatley)

Hand-building workshop

$70 / 2.5 hours

Saturday August 29 from 1:00-3:30 pm

Create a ceramic wall hanging designed to hold a tealight candle, small keepsakes, dried flowers, crystals, or other meaningful objects. Inspired by folk art, shrines, and decorative wall pieces, this workshop encourages both creativity and personal expression.

Using slab-building techniques, you'll learn how to construct, assemble, and decorate your wall piece with textures, relief details, and sculptural elements. After the workshop, your piece will be dried, fired, glazed by us in your chosen glaze, and ready for pickup in a few weeks.

In this workshop you'll learn:

• Slab-building and assembly techniques

• Designing a functional wall-mounted piece

• Creating ledges, niches, or candle holders

• Adding texture and decorative relief

Perfect for: Beginners and anyone interested in starting ceramics. No prior clay experience is required.

Taught by Gage Michael Wheatley (@gagemichaelwheatley)

Hand-building workshop

$325 (EARLY BIRD PRICE: $295*)/ 6 weeks

Mondays starting September 28 from 6:30-9:00 pm

Our beloved Folk Figures workshop is back! This time we're doing an extended version where you can really delve into creating characters. Over six weeks, you’ll learn how to craft your figures using a variety of methods. 

We’ll walk you through the fundamentals of hand-building such as pinch, slab and coil to create expressive ceramic figures and also advanced techniques to build larger forms. (This course comprises Folk Figure I & II in one class)

This class is perfect for beginners and returning students who want to explore character-driven, playful ceramics in a supportive, creative environment.

Taught by Gage Michael Wheatley (@gagemichaelwheatley)

Hand-building workshop

$325 (EARLY BIRD PRICE: $295*)/ 6 weeks

Tuesdays starting September 29 from 6:30-9:00 pm

Our most comprehensive beginner class, only a little shorter! Over six weeks, you’ll learn the core hand-building techniques: pinch, coil, slab, sculpting, joining, and finishing, while creating functional and decorative pieces.

We’ll cover drying, firing, glazing, and how to design work that balances structure and creativity.

A great place to start if you’re new to ceramics, returning after a break, or wanting to build confidence before moving into more themed workshops.

Taught by Gage Michael Wheatley (@gagemichaelwheatley)