Introduction to Clay on the Wheel: Tea Bowls and Tool Crocks

In the Introduction to Clay on the Wheel course, we will begin our exploration of stoneware clay and clay manipulation on a powered pottery wheel, resulting in a fully formed and glazed vessel for you to take home. Beginning with understanding the clay body and the physical laws of nature influencing our work at the wheel, we will shape clay into functional vessels and then refine our shapes by trimming on the potter’s wheel. In our final two sessions, we will focus on one-step surface decoration and applying glazes to prepare for the final firing of the students’ wares. No experience with clay or the potter’s wheel is required for this course. Instruction will be hands-on at the wheel, and sometimes hands-on-hands. The finished product will be 1-3 unique vessels in the time-honored shapes of Tea Bowls and Tool Crocks, crafted by you to take home!

Attendees should arrive wearing clothes that are acceptable for getting dirty and possibly wet. Clay splashing from head to toe is possible, so please dress accordingly. Aprons (regular washable kitchen aprons) are helpful but not required. Hair longer than chin-length will need to be tied back for safety.

Additional Materials Needed: One 25-lb brick of cone 6 clay, Laguna 50. Cone 6 glazes are worth $50.

Open to ages 18 and up

Instructor: Joann Kern

Instructor Bio: Joann has worked with clay and the wheel for 25 years and has studied at the college level and with production potters. She has remained an active hobbyist in functional and sculptural pottery, focusing on creating unique vessels and objects formed by the union of hand, heart, and nature's elements. Joann is the principal potter at Kittery Point Potters.

Registration closes 3 days before the event.

Attendees can receive refunds up to 7 days before your event's start date.

Active members receive 25% off using their discount code or Member Discount ticket.

Host or Publisher Events at Port City Makerspace