Ever wonder what goes on inside a metalworking studio? Come and try out a selection of metalworking techniques in our classroom studio! Sample practicing a variety of cold-work and hot-work processes! Students will try their hand at welding, blacksmithing, fabrication, and sheet-metal along with a highly experienced Metal-Fabricator!

What to Wear in the Metals Studio?  

You must dress safely and appropriately. Arrive for class in all-natural fiber clothing, long pants, and closed-toe, closed-heel shoes with socks that protect up to the ankle. Long hair must be tied back. Nylon, polyester, spandex, or other synthetics are not allowed around machines, equipment, or processes that can produce hot fragments, sparks, or flames. Layers are encouraged, as the studio can be very cold or very hot. 

Welding students are recommended to wear long sleeve shirts to prevent arc-flash burns. Additional protective gear shall be provided as needed. 

Personal Property: 

Personal materials will need to go home with you at the end of each class. We do not provide storage. 

All supplies and materials will be provided.

All Wednesday and Thursday classes will be available to register on Wednesday, February 5 at 8:00 am.

Great for students that are brand new to the wheel as well as those that are working to improve their throwing skills!

Students will practice wheel-throwing on the potter's wheel as well as create hand-built pieces using the slab roller and extruder. On the final class, students will learn about glazing their pieces. Classes take place downstairs at our Main location (3750 Canfield St. Boulder, CO).

Ages: 8-11

Class meets weekly on WEDNESDAYS

SPRING BREAK March 24th - 30th. No youth classes.

This class is Pay What You Can with a suggested price of $180.


Will be available to register on Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 8:00am.

Welcome to the world of pottery! This class is designed for young children that are new to clay and working to develop their skills in hand-building. Students will create fun and unique projects in functional and sculptural forms. Children will learn to build strong, hollow pieces and will slip and paint their own work. Join us for these weekly classes where kids can get messy, learn about clay, and make new friends!

Bring imagination into form through basic clay techniques and creative problem-solving. Instructors will encourage students to try new things and make vibrant works of art. Students will slip and paint their own work.

Ages: 5 - 9

This class is Pay What You Can with a suggested price of $75.

Will be available to register on Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 8:00am.

This class is great for teenagers that are new to the wheel as well as those that are further developing their throwing skills.

Classes will include both hand-building and wheel-throwing, trimming of thrown pots, slip decorating, and glazing of bisqued pieces. These classes are a great chance for students to learn a variety of techniques, ask questions, and play with clay!

Ages: 12-16

Class meets weekly on WEDNESDAYS

SPRING BREAK March 24th - 30th. No youth classes.

This class is Pay What You Can with a suggested price of $210.

Will be available to register on Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 8:00am.

Learn the basics of relief printmaking using linoleum. This course provides an introduction to carving a block and making a successful print.

This class is great for those who have limited experience and to try their hand at linoleum printmaking. Linoleum does not have a grain and is a different experience than carving wood.

There will be a short instructor demo and hands-on assistance each week. Students will try introductory techniques, including carving a linoleum block, mixing and rolling ink, and making a print using the press. Come have some fun in our new printmaking studio!

Ages: 16+ 

All supplies and materials will be provided. 

Will be available to register on Wednesday, February 5 at 8:00 am.

This footrest nests into and completes your Adirondack chair for the “ultimate seating experience,” and it looks even better.   Join us for a hands-on class where you'll learn to craft your own Adirondack stool. In this class, you'll gain the skills and knowledge to build a sturdy, comfortable, and stylish stool that complements your outdoor space.

What You'll Learn:

• Wood Selection: Discover the best types of wood for outdoor furniture and how to choose high-quality materials.
• Cutting and Joining Techniques: Master essential woodworking techniques, including cutting, shaping, and joining wood pieces.
• Assembly Process: Learn how to assemble the stool, ensuring a strong and durable structure.
• Finishing Techniques: Explore various finishing options to protect your stool from the elements and enhance its appearance.

Whether you're a seasoned woodworker or a beginner, this class is designed to be both fun and informative. You'll have the opportunity to work at your own pace and receive personalized guidance from our experienced instructors. By the end of the class, you'll have a beautiful and functional Adirondack stool that you can proudly display in your outdoor space.

Class Policies & Information:

Open Lab: This class includes access to the studio during Open Lab hours. Open Lab is exclusively for students who are currently enrolled in the program. You are allowed to attend one Open Lab session per week, totaling 3 hours during the duration of your class. You may only attend the Open Lab session for the class in which you are registered. This time is intended for independent work on your class project. While studio staff will be present, they are there to ensure you are using the tools safely, not to provide instruction.

Class Make-Up:  Our studios are full with adult and youth classes 7 days a week, 48 weeks a year. Typically, every class is full, which means there is simply no space for students to make up classes. If we cancel an entire class due to weather or other emergencies, we can not guarantee we will be able to schedule a make-up class. Individuals who miss a class will not be able to make it up. Please read the Frequently Asked Questions for more information about missed classes.

Studio Clean Up: Clean-up is critical! Please help our hardworking staff and volunteers by beginning clean-up 30 minutes before the end of class, helping out with common areas, and leaving class on time. 

Ages: 16+ 

All supplies and materials will be provided. 

Will be available to register on Wednesday, February 5 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 WEDNESDAY

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

Will be available to register on Wednesday, Feb. 5 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 WEDNESDAYS

Willl be available to register on Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 8:00am.