This beginner-friendly course invites students to explore the creative possibilities of clay through sculptural handbuilding techniques. Participants will learn the fundamentals of coil, slab, and pinch construction while gaining confidence in shaping three-dimensional forms. The course also introduces surface design methods such as carving, texturing, and glazing to enhance finished pieces. Whether you're interested in making abstract forms, figures, or decorative objects, this class provides a supportive space to develop your skills and express yourself through clay. No prior experience is needed. All are welcome.

This class takes place at Groundworks EAST 3063 Sterling Circle, Boulder, CO. The EAST studio has a separate classroom for the hand-building class.

PLEASE NOTE: This 8-week class runs for 2.5 hours each class. You will not have access to the studio outside of the scheduled class time and all work will be completed during class time. You will also not have access to our other locations.

Ages: 16+

Class meets weekly on MONDAYS

All pieces will be fired to Cone 6 in an oxydation kiln.

No class the week of Thanksgiving (Nov. 24 - Nov. 30)

Will be available to register on Monday, September 22 at 8:00am.

This class is focused towards intermediate/advanced students that want to learn more technical skills and studio processes.

The demonstrations for this class will show more advanced techniques, such as how to make larger and more complicated pieces. You will learn more about materials and different processes. Students with individual learning goals or special projects are welcome to join this class.

(Please check the class prerequisites before registering for this class.)

Ages: 16 and above

Class meets weekly on MONDAYS

Note: This class will meet at the Hill location at 1010 Aurora Avenue. You will only have open lab access at the same studio as your class.

All pieces will be fired to Cone 6 in a reduction kiln.

Does NOT include Firing Fees. For details on our Firing Fees, please click here: https://www.groundworksartlab.org/firing-fees

No class the week of Thanksgiving (Nov. 24 - Nov. 30)

Will be available to register on Monday, September 22 at 8:00am.

Please join us for the Wonderful World of Raku! A class specializing in Handbuilding and Raku techniques from different parts of the world. We will be doing firings based on Japanese, Western (Horsehair/Natural) and Eastern European (Obvara) reduction firing techniques. You can't miss this!

Class does NOT include additional open lab time or clay. All work must be completed during class time.  

Ages 16+ to register

Class meets weekly on MONDAYS

No class the week of Thanksgiving (Nov. 24 - Nov. 30)

Willl be available to register on Monday, September 22 at 8:00am.

For students that have never touched clay to those still learning the basics.

This class will cover the basic “how tos” of pottery. Students will learn the foundations of throwing, including how to confidently center, pull, and trim pots on the wheel. The class will also cover basic glazing techniques, attaching handles, and how to track your pieces through the studio.

Ages: 16 and above

Class meets weekly on MONDAYS

Note: This class will meet at the MAIN location at 3750 Canfield Street. You will only have open lab access at the same studio as your class.

Does NOT include Firing Fees. For details on our Firing Fees, please click here: https://www.groundworksartlab.org/firing-fees

This class is Pay What You Can with a suggested price of $285

All pieces will be fired to Cone 6 in a reduction kiln.

No class the week of Thanksgiving (Nov. 24 - Nov. 30)

Will be available to register on Monday, September 22 at 8:00am.

This class is great for students who already have some experience with clay and are looking to take the next step.

The demonstrations for this class go beyond the basics. Students will learn how to make more complex forms and techniques including: altered forms, lidded jars, throwing off-the-hump, sgraffito, and more.

(Please check the class prerequisites before enrolling)

Ages: 16+

Class meets weekly on TUESDAYS

Note: This class will meet at the Hill location at 1010 Aurora Avenue. You will only have open lab access at the same studio as your class.

Does NOT include Firing Fees. For details on our Firing Fees, please click here: https://www.groundworksartlab.org/firing-fees

All pieces will be fired to Cone 6 in a reduction kiln.

No class the week of Thanksgiving (Nov. 24 - Nov. 30)

Will be available to register on Monday, September 22 at 8:00am.

This class is focused towards intermediate/advanced students that want to learn more technical skills and studio processes.

The demonstrations for this class will show more advanced techniques, such as how to make larger and more complicated pieces. You will learn more about materials and different processes. Students with individual learning goals or special projects are welcome to join this class.

(Please check the class prerequisites before registering for this class.)

Ages: 16+

Class meets weekly on TUESDAYS

Note: This class will meet at the MAIN location at 3750 Canfield Street. You will only have open lab access at the same studio as your class.

Does NOT include Firing Fees. For details on our Firing Fees, please click here: https://www.groundworksartlab.org/firing-fees

All pieces will be fired to Cone 6 in a reduction kiln.

No class the week of Thanksgiving (Nov. 24 - Nov. 30)

Will be available to register on Monday, September 22 at 8:00am.

Mix it up with Mixed Monotype! Monotype is a unique one-and-done, never to be recreated style of printmaking where you create a brand new image every time you roll out the ink. This beginner-friendly, but all levels welcome 4-week class will dive into how!

Using a variety of techniques, students will learn to compose and produce multicolored, multilayered monotype prints. We will begin by inking plexiglass plates to produce color flats, patterns, shapes and textures to which we will add other imagery, abstract layers, stenciled shapes or impressions of found materials depending on each student’s artistic goals. Over the course of the class it will be possible to produce a number of finished artworks or just to learn how to use and combine various processes including drypoint etching and linoleum or Speedy-Cut block relief prints. Consider bringing some materials for inspiration such as photographs, sketches, or ideas that you would like to work from or explore.

Ages: 16+ 

All supplies and materials will be provided. 

Will be available to register on Monday, September 22 at 8:00am.

Embark on a transformative journey into the world of hand tools, where precision, creativity, and mindfulness converge. This 4 week class is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge to master a range of essential hand tools, from planes and chisels to saws and scrapers.

This class has no prerequisites and is open to beginners and seasoned woodworkers alike, but our Wood Studio has some safety basics before anyone is allowed to join in the fun (failure to meet these requirements will result in not being granted access to the equipment): 

• Please come dressed in close-toed shoes, a shirt that can be tucked in and either short sleeves, or sleeves that can be rolled up past your elbows. 
• No loose or dangling jewelry.
• If you have long hair, please have it securely tied back from your face.
• We will provide safety goggles and/or full face shields, but if you have your own and would like to bring them, please do!

Ages: 16+

All supplies will be provided. 

Will be available to register on Monday, September 22 at 8:00am.