Intro to Wheelthrowing

This is a six-week course designed to introduce students to the fundamental skills of wheel throwing. Students will learn foundational techniques including centering, opening, pulling walls, trimming, and glazing while creating functional ceramic forms. Each class includes a demonstration of a new technique that build upon previous lessons. By the end of the six weeks, students will have a strong foundation in wheel throwing and the built confidence through demonstrations, guided practice, and individualized instruction to continue practicing independently or advance to an intermediate-level course.

10/30/2026 Class 1: Introduction

Class will begin with introductions and studio rules. We will share our previous clay experiences and the goals we hope to meet in this class. We’ll start by reviewing the different types of clay bodies and the stages of clay. Students are then introduced to the wheel, and its functions. The goal of the first class is to focus on centering clay on the wheel which is the first important step to set the tone for the rest of your experience in this course.

11/6/2026 Class 2: Cylinders

Students will practice pulling walls by creating 3-5 cylinders on the wheel. A demonstration will be provided at the start of class and one- on- one help will be provided throughout. This is also a great time to continue practicing centering clay.

11/13/2026 Class 3: Mugs & Bowls

Students will use skills from the previous class to make mugs and given a demonstration on handle making. A step by step demonstration will also be provided for throwing bowls.

11/20/2026 Class 4: Trimming

Students will be shown how to use trimming tools to refine the surface of their pieces and create foot rings.

11/27/2026 - BREAK WEEK

12/4/2026 Class 5: Free Work day

We will review the do’s and don’ts of glazing and glaze our first set of projects. A brief introduction to glaze chemistry will also be provided to explain how glazes work, including why some are food safe while others are not. A wheel demonstration on throwing plates will be included, and wheel time will be available. Students will also have the opportunity to dive deeper into the methods taught in previous classes or explore other projects of interest. This is a great time for students to improve their throwing technique. Last wet clay day.

12/11/2026 Class 6: Finishing up

Students will complete the course by glazing any incomplete projects and taking home pieces that are complete.

Students are given Open Studio access for free during the course. Open Studio is uninstructed work time that allows students to continue refining their work outside of class time.

Open Studio takes place every Thursday from 5pm - 8pm and every Saturday from 12pm - 4pm.

Kiln firings for anything made during the class and Open Studio are included in the course fees. Students are given 25lbs of new Standard 112 clay to work with through the course. Additional clay may be purchased.

The studio does have communal tools available for use. A tool recommendation list will be send prior to the first day of classes, which can be purchased locally or shipped.

Kiarra Williams is a Philadelphia-based visual artist specializing in ceramics and portraiture. Her ceramic practice centers on functional forms, often finished in earthy, grounding tones that reflect warmth and utility. Her portraiture explores the richness of Black culture and emotional depth through both grayscale and vibrant color palettes. Rooted in storytelling, Williams' work captures lived experiences and inner narratives. Working across clay and soft pastel, her practice seeks to create artwork that resonates, reflects, and connects.

• Everyone is welcome at this workshop! You do not have to have a MakerSpace membership or any affiliation with Utility Works. These tickets are $390 for a 6 week course.
• This Workshop is has special pricing for MakerSpace and Utility Works Members. Reach out to our Programs Coordinator, LEE at [email protected] to receive your member access code. If you are interested in a membership check out our membership page here.

• Street Parking is metered on the side and front of the building.
• The Highland avenue parking lot behind Dunkin Doughnuts is also available for parking, which is also metered.

Please note that this workshop takes place in the Utility Works basement, which is only accessible via stairs. The class requires participants to be able to sit and/or stand for at least three hours and use their hands for two hours. You must be able to lift 25lbs. There are two gender-neutral bathrooms available for students, including one that is ADA accessible. If you have specific accessibility needs or questions, please contact us in advance so we can discuss potential accommodations.