Introduction to the Pottery Wheel - Thursday Morning

Duration of Class:
Class will be held as a six-week series beginning the first day of your first class. If you have any questions about dates, holidays, or absences please speak to the instructor on your first day of class.
Dates for 6 week class:

3/19, 3/26, 4/2, 4/9, 4/16, 4/23

Classes will consist of six sessions held on the same day and time each week and will focus on developing the basic skills needed to make one-of-a-kind vessels.

This class will teach the fundamentals of wheel throwing and beyond. Focusing on finishing work and finding your style.

Each week will begin with instructor demo.

Week 1.) Foundations:

Wedging, setting up the wheel, centering, pulling walls, shaping from a cylinder, wiring off, storage and studio etiquette and clean up.

Week 2.) Shaping and various forms. Bowl, planter, plate and mugs.

Week 3.) Trimming, carving and textures. Tools exploration.

Week 4.) Attachments, handles, feet and spouts. Scoring, slip and appliques.

Week 5.) Glaze room 101. Finishing work for glaze fire.

Week 6.) Instructor demo throwing a pot and darting. Student/instructor discussion and critique of finished work.

Enrolled students will have access to the studio at any time to work on their ceramic projects as long as there is a member present to let them in.

Students will be working with stoneware clay and glazes. They are the same materials used in the production of high-fired stoneware which is fired to 2118 to 2165 degrees Fahrenheit, resulting in pieces that are all food, microwave, dishwasher, and oven safe.

The class fee includes all the tools and materials (including one 25-lb bag of clay), shelf storage and the ability to fire 10 finished pieces. Additional pieces may be fired at the usual studio rate based on the size of the object.

IMPORTANT: Class is open to ages 16 and up, though minors must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times. The adult must purchase an additional ticket to attend the class.

Please wear appropriate clothing for getting clay on, trim your fingernails, tie back long hair and remove any hand accessories. It is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that participants bring a towel to drape across their lap, apron and basic pottery tool kit.

Pottery pieces not picked after 30 days will be discarded.

Class may be canceled due to low enrollment in which case a full refund will be issued.

Refund Policy:

• Transfers to another class follow the same refund rules as your original date.
• 14+ days before the first class: Full refund.
• 7–13 days before the first class: Refund minus a 50% administrative fee.
• Fewer than 7 days before the first class: No refunds.
• Seat transfer: If you find a replacement who pays for and takes your seat before the first class begins, you are eligible for a full refund.

To cancel or request a transfer, please email [email protected]. For general questions, you’re welcome to visit MakerSpaceCharlotte on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM. For urgent, time-sensitive issues with your reservation, contact Steve at (704) 353-3300.

Pottery pieces not picked up after 30 days will be discarded.

Class may be canceled due to low enrollment in which case a full refund will be issued.
Cancellation Policy:

MakerSpace reserves the right to cancel any class with insufficient enrollment. If a class is canceled by MakerSpace, fees are 100% refundable.

About the Instructor:
Dominique Chavez

Dominique Chavez is a Charlotte local potter specializing in unique and colorful functional ceramics. She began her ceramic journey in 1994, with 32 yrs experience creating, she attends around thirty markets a year selling her work. Teaching is her passion and feels giving back her knowledge to students to help them grow fulfills her. She includes hand building and wheel thrown methods and is highly focused in finishing techniques like carving and surface design as well as experimental glazing.

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