TYPES OF CLASSES
SEMESTER HANDBUILDING CLASSES meet twice a week for four weeks. Each class, focusing on a single building technique. The skills of pinching, slab 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.
WHEELTHROWING SINGLE SESSIONS 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.
MULTI DAY WORKSHOPS are a deeper dive on a small topic and work well for a summer traveler or someone with strong interest but a not enough time to take our semester class. This summer classes meet 9-noon, Monday-Friday so everyone can get to the beach.
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. You are welcome to use the studio during the hours we are open. If approved for this tier, you may register for a month at a time. You will have a private self for your wares. If you are a established maker or have taken enough classes with us to be independent, please apply using the link below.
PRIVATE LESSONS are available. To arrange one please contact the founder of TCW at amy@truroclayworks.com. Let her know your available dates and number of participants/interests. She will will make a lesson plan and get back to you with an estimate.
PRICING OF CLAY GLAZE AND FIRING is unique at TCW. Our philosophy encourages play. Any clay that is used but not fired is free and recycled. Completed work from the glaze fire is $6 a lbs and can be charged through Sawyer, Venmo or cash on the day of pick up.
IF YOU LIVE ELSEWHERE and are not able to join us for glaze workshop we can glaze for you and ship it to you at $10 a pound plus the cost of packing and shipping.
PARTICIPATION IN CLASSES is available to all adults 18 and older unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.
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.
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