Inspired by the show The Great Pottery Throw Down, this class is designed for intermediate students who want to break out of their comfort zones, be challenged, and have a ton of fun doing it.

Each week will bring 2 prompts:

• The Technical Challenge: A fast-paced surprise designed to test your skills. Think speed-throwing a teapot, throwing blindfolded, or racing to create five identical bowls.

• The Main Make: A focused project where you can let your creativity shine. You’ll tackle complex, multi-piece creations like nesting bowl sets, thematic tile collections, full dinnerware sets, or tea sets.

Is this class for you? If you have the basics down and are looking for a unique, high-energy challenge, absolutely. This class thrives on community and shared experience - it's at its best when everyone jumps into the challenges together.

(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 Monday, July 27 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

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

Will be available to register on Monday, July 27 at 8:00am.

In this Level II welding sculptures class, students will explore the construction of geometric forms by combining various fabrication processes to assemble a complex steel sculpture. The course guides students through the entire creative cycle, from initial design, layout, and joint-preparation techniques to final detailing. Participants will expand their cutting skills using a bandsaw, plasma cutter, and cutoff wheel, while studying how materials intersect in different structural configurations. By building upon foundational welding skills, students will learn to fit and weld multiple pieces together, finishing their multi-faceted forms with handheld grinders and sanding equipment to create smooth, clean surfaces. These versatile techniques can be used to fabricate steel sculptures and complex objects of any scale for both indoor and outdoor display.

This is a level II class and and welding experince is needed. Our Metal Studio does have 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-toe shoes, and natural material clothing, i.e. cotton or linen, long pants are required.
• For welding, a long sleeved cotton shirt is recommended that fully covers your chest. We have long sleeve over-shirts in the studio. Please be aware that sparks can damage clothing.
• A bandana or tight cap is advised. If you have long hair, please have it securely tied back from your face.
• No loose or dangling jewelry, long earrings or scarves.
• We will provide safety goggles and other PPE, but if you have your own and would like to bring them, please do!
• Please bring a water bottle!

Ages: 16+

All supplies and materials will be provided during class.

Will be available to register on Monday, July 27 at 8:00am.

Woodblock printing has a rich history, and was used to create both text and images on the same block. Also known as woodcut, woodblock printing is a relief printmaking technique where areas of the wood block that are not meant to be printed are carved away, leaving the image areas raised.

This 4-week intermediate to advanced level relief print class expands on the basics of relief and will include weekly instruction on techniques including carving, mixing and rolling ink, measuring and tearing paper, using the printing press, and making an edition of prints.

Ages: 16+

All supplies and materials will be provided.

Will be available to register on Monday, July 27 at 8:00am.

Always wanted to get involved in a pottery studio, but didn't know where to start? This class is a great intro to the studio in 5 short weeks!

This class is intended to get you familiar with the basics of wheel-throwing and hand-building. Students will have 2 weeks of throwing instruction, one week of trimming, one week of hand-building, and one week of glazing. This class is ideal for those who have limited experience and want to learn the basics of the pottery studio, with a short instructor demo and hands-on assistance each week.

Please note: This class does not include Open Lab hours or additional clay.

Ages 16+ to register

Class meets weekly on THURSDAYS.

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

This class is Pay What You Can with a suggested price of $200

Will be available to register on Monday, July 27 at 8:00am.

Learn to turn! This class will be an introduction to using the lathe - a machine used for shaping all manner of cylindrical forms (think bowls, vases,  furniture legs, even pens!). 

Over the course of four weeks, you will learn about the tools directly associated with the lathe and their primary uses. From practicing spindle turning to learning how to make bowls, we will learn the two major turning techniques that can be explored to no end with further practice.  This class will be as hands on as any class can, wasting no time before getting students turning with tool in hand (don’t worry, we’ll go over safety basics too). Beyond the basics we will practice, practice, practice. You will not want to turn your machines off!

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, ear protection, and face masks to cover nose and mouth, but if you have your own PPE you would prefer to use, please do!

Ages: 16+ 

All supplies and materials will be provided. 

These classes include open studio time.

Will be available to register on Monday, July 27 at 8:00am.

Elevate your hand-building practice with an exploration in abstract forms—functional or decorative. Slabs, extrusions, coils, and pinching will get you started, then surface treatments are wide open to all the possibilities. 

Come to class with your inspirations, sketches, and a rough plan. Then, be ready to challenge the clay to become something more beautiful than you ever thought possible!

This class takes place at Groundworks MAIN at 3750 Canfield St, Boulder, CO

This class meets weekly for 8 weeks on THURSDAYS.

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

Ages: 16+

Will be available to register on Monday, July 27 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!

Students of this class will have access to open studio on Fridays from 4:00-6:00pm starting week 2 to practice their skills. 

Ages: 16-19

Class meets weekly on THURSDAYS

This class is Pay What You Can with a suggested price of $275.

Will be available to register on Monday, July 27 at 8:00am.