If you have wondered what the craft of blacksmithing is like to practice, this class is for you. Come create fascinating forms in steel with a highly experienced Blacksmith. Find out how to experience the joy of working with glowing metal while shaping steel into objects of utility and beauty. This beginning level class will cover shop safety, fire management, tools and equipment, and appropriate use of the anvil. Beginners will learn multiple methods of shaping hot metals. Students will develop skills which are a crucial ingredient for more advanced blacksmithing projects.

In this 4-week class, you will learn the very basics of blacksmithing in a fast-paced version of the 8-week course.

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.

Ever wish you could enhance your thrown pieces?

Expand your pottery skills by playfully exploring altered forms. This class invites you to creatively push the boundaries of wheel-thrown shapes, combining hand-building techniques with wheel-thrown work to craft one-of-a-kind pieces. You'll explore altering forms through darting, fluting, and faceting, and experiment with reshaping your creations by squishing, cutting, and reassembling– all of which will enhance creative problem solving in the studio and encourage you to make unique masterpieces.

(Please check the class prerequisites before enrolling)

Ages: 16 and above

Class meets weekly on WEDNESDAYS

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

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

For students of all levels who want to focus on taking their hand-building techniques to the next level.

Learn about the various hand-building tools, create functional and sculptural pieces, and work on a variety of decoration practices.

Ages: 16+

Class meets weekly on THURSDAYS for 8 weeks.

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

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

Gas Metal Arc Welding, is the process by which an electric arc forms between a wire electrode and metal, causing fusion. Students will learn MIG wire-feed welding and the basics of creating a small box and lid from a steel bar and plate. Students will learn the basic techniques for drilling and threading holes for screws, as well as using a hand-held grinder. Students will practice techniques for putting steel together to make rectangular forms, fitting interior parts, and aesthetic sanding. Emphasis will be placed on both the welding and assembly processes.

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.

Relief printing, block carving, ink, oh my! We are offering Youth classes to one of our new studio art forms - Printmaking! There will be instruction and hands-on assistance each week. Students will learn about the techniques of printmaking, engage with tools and materials, and design and print a plate. Come have some fun in our printmaking studio!

All supplies and materials will be provided. 

SPRING BREAK March 24th - 30th. No youth 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 Hill location (1010 Aurora Ave. Boulder, CO).

Ages: 8-11

Class meets weekly on THURSDAYS

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

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

Embark on a transformative journey into the world of hand tools, where precision, creativity, and mindfulness converge. This immersive 8-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.

Key Skills and Techniques:

• Tool Sharpening: Learn the art of sharpening tools to perfection, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency.
• Hand Tool Mastery: Develop a deep understanding of each tool's unique capabilities and applications.
• Traditional Joinery: Explore classic joinery techniques, such as dovetails, mortise and tenon, and finger joints.
• Woodworking Fundamentals: Gain a solid foundation in essential woodworking skills, including measuring, marking, and cutting.
• Finishing Techniques: Learn how to apply various finishes to enhance the beauty and durability of your projects.

Beyond the Workshop:

This class is more than just a woodworking workshop; it's an opportunity to:

• Relax and Recharge: Experience the therapeutic benefits of woodworking as a mindful and creative practice.
• Connect with Tradition: Immerse yourself in the rich history of woodworking and honor the craft of generations past.
• Develop Practical Skills: Gain transferable skills that can be applied to various DIY projects and home improvement tasks.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced woodworker, this class will empower you to create stunning, handcrafted pieces and ignite your passion for traditional woodworking.

Prerequisites: This is a level 2 class, students should have some level of woodworking experience to participate.

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.

PLEASE NOTE: This class runs for 3.5 hours, which includes 1 hour of work time at the end of each class period. You will not have access to the studio outside of the scheduled class time. You will also not have access to the Groundworks other locations.

Ages: 16 and above

Class meets weekly on THURSDAY

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 $265.

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