CLASSES
SEMESTER CLASSES meet twice a week for four weeks equaling a total of 24 hours. Each class, focusing on a single building technique. The skills of pinching, slab construction, Kurinuki and coiling are all essential. Each one of these classes will give you the foundation to integrate these building methods into your growing practice when needed. We encourage students to take each of the four fundamental classes before becoming an independent study student. Independent study is a class where you become an independent maker on a quest to develop a body of work all your own. During this class, the job of your instructor shifts to a creative coach. Their focus is to support your practice and amplify the classroom community. Demonstrations and critiques will be upon demand.
WHEELTHROWING SINGLE SESIONS are on going. You can register for the dates that work best for you. It is advised to work twice a week to develop a strong practice. Classes fill at four. You can book with your friends or make it a date night. After five sessions you will start to feel confident with this skill. All levels are welcome.
FREE SINGLE SESSIONS are offered for the “clay curious” to try out the skills in the upcoming semester long class. These 2 hour session are exploratory play time and all the clay is recycled.
MULTI DAY WORKSHOPS are a deeper dive on a small topic and work well for a traveler or someone with strong interest but a not enough time to take our semester class.
GLAZE WORKSHOPS are included in the cost of each class. These will be announced through our newsletter. At these workshops students from all classes join together to glaze their work. Instruction is given at the start of every workshop so new students are encouraged to come on time. These workshops will be listed as single sessions and require registration.
INDEPENDENT STUDY is like a membership. If you are a established maker please apply using the link below.
Completed work is $6 a lbs. and will be charged through Sawyer.
Students must be 18+ to register and participate in a class at Truro Clay Works.
Class Descriptions
Pinch Techniques
The mechanics of touch and the evidence of human connection to the clays surface is at the center of pinched forms. Pinching is slow and meditative. The most basic and therefore the most complex of all the building methods. Come and learn a variety of pinch techniques to create functional or sculptural pottery. This class is open to all skill levels no prior ceramic experience is required. Students must be 18+ to register and participate in a class at Truro Clay Works.
Slab Construction
This class dives deep into slab construction as a building technique. Through the use of bisque molds, paper templates, and cutouts, students will learn to make unique functional and sculptural ceramics. Surface design techniques and glazing demonstrations will be introduced to help the students complete their creative vision. All skill levels are welcome and no prior ceramic experience is required. Students must be 18+ to register and participate in a class at Truro Clay Works.
Coil Building
Coiling is a hand building technique that is used to make curves in both functional and sculptural work. Come learn how to make objects that change shape and diameter as you build taller. Surface design using coils is both decorating and building at the same time. All skill levels are welcome. No prior ceramic experience is required. Students must be 18+ to register and participate in a class at Truro Clay Works.
Kurinuki
This technique is the Japanese style of working in solid clay. It addresses the exterior form first and hollowing it out second. Exploring the simplest geometry such as the box and graduating to more complex forms, such as the figure, this class will get you thinking from the outside in. This class is open to all skill levels. Students must be 18+ to register and participate in a class at Truro Clay Works.
Wheel Throwing
Wheel throwing lessons are now being offered on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays from 5-8. You can register for the days that work for you. With only 4 spots you must register to reserve a wheel. Instruction will be offered to all levels. Your skills will improve the more you practice. Demonstrations and hands on learning will be provided in this 3 hour intensive. Please bring an apron and towel. Must be 18+ to register and participate at Truro Clay Works
Independent Study
This open studio time is for a self-directed student who is well trained in the basic techniques of building and has taken enough classes with us to be confident exploring a body of work on their own. An instructor will be present for advice or demonstrations offered upon demand. The main role of the instructor is to facilitate a community environment where students will learn from each other. Students must be 18+ to register and participate in a class at Truro Clay Works. Fill out the questionnaire below if you think you are a candidate.
Join our clay community
Registration is open! Classes are ongoing.
