This class introduces students to the fundamentals of metal fabricating processes. Techniques explored will include welding, sheet metal work, use of an oxy-fuel torch, and blacksmithing. Day one will cover the basics of sheet metal work, including: layout, punching holes, shearing, and folding to create a basic sheet metal pan. Day two; students will learn the purposes of the oxy-fuel torch with emphasis on heating metal for bending and using the cutting torch to cut out patterns in steel. On day three students will have an introduction to basic blacksmithing using the hammer and anvil to shape hot metal. The last day students will practice welding with a wire-feed welder, and have an opportunity to assemble parts. We will cover safety and essential techniques in each method. Students will gain a better understanding of basic practices in the metal studio.

What to Wear in the Metals Studio?

We wish for all students to have a safe and enjoyable learning experience. Proper safety equipment and PPE will be provided for use within the studio.

Please 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 should be tied back and synthetic hair should be covered with all-natural fiber fabric.  Nylon, polyester, spandex, or other synthetics are not recommended around machines, equipment, or processes that can produce hot fragments, sparks, or flames. Please avoid synthetic blends, as 100% cotton is recommended. Layers are encouraged, as the studio can begin cool then become very hot. 

Welding students are recommended to wear long sleeve shirts to preventarc-flash burns (much like a sunburn). 

All students participating in activities involving sparks or hot metal are encouraged to wear leather boots or older shoes.Please bring a re-fillable water bottle!

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 Tuesday, May 27 at 8:00am. 

Woodblock printing has a rich history, particularly in East Asian cultures, where it 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 8-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.

This is a level 2 class, students are recommended to have some level of printmaking experience to participate.

Ages: 16+ 

All supplies and materials will be provided. 

Will be available to register on Tuesday, May 30 at 8:00 am. 

First, take a deep breath… Have you ever sat down at the wheel and for whatever reason, just couldn’t get your clay properly centered? Don’t worry, we’ve all been there.

Pottery is often referred to as a meditative process and we’re taking that concept one step further with this immersive experience in which students will alternate centering their clay with centering themselves. This workshop will provide students with a clay centering demo, after which we’ll alternate centering on the wheel with guided mediation and sound bath. See how feeling centered in your body can transform you and your work!

This class is only going to focus on centering technique and practice - no pieces will be completed. Mind, body, clay.

The meditative/sound bath portion of this class will be taught by Betsy Workman. Betsy is a certified Sound Healer, Master Gong Practitioner, Kundalini Yoga Teacher and Breathwork Facilitator. As a former local restaurant owner, she used to love creating cozy spaces for the community to dine in and enjoy music. Since then, she has found her true peace and calling in creating these spaces for people like you to come find deep rest and healing. Her grounded presence and energetic attunement help create transformative experiences, connecting you to your most authentic self. She is a long time resident of beautiful Boulder, CO. Learn more about Betsy's practice here.  

This class takes place at Groundworks EAST 3063 Sterling Circle, Boulder, CO. 

PLEASE NOTE: This one-time class runs for 2 hours. 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+

Available for registration Tuesday, May 27th at 8:00am

MIG Welding 101: This introductory welding course is designed for individuals with little to no experience in welding, providing the essential skills and knowledge to safely and effectively work with a wire-feed welder to join steel. Through hands-on practice and expert guidance, students will learn the fundamentals of welding with a MIG welder, including proper equipment use, safety procedures, and key welding techniques. By the end of the course, participants will have the confidence to perform basic welding tasks and create simple metal projects.

What to Wear in the Metals Studio?

We wish for all students to have a safe and enjoyable learning experience. Proper safety equipment and PPE will be provided for use within the studio.

Please 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 should be tied back and synthetic hair should be covered with all-natural fiber fabric.  Nylon, polyester, spandex, or other synthetics are not recommended around machines, equipment, or processes that can produce hot fragments, sparks, or flames. Please avoid synthetic blends, as 100% cotton is recommended. Layers are encouraged, as the studio can begin cool then become very hot. 

Welding students are recommended to wear long sleeve shirts to preventarc-flash burns (much like a sunburn). 

All students participating in activities involving sparks or hot metal are encouraged to wear leather boots or older shoes.

Please bring a re-fillable water bottle!

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 Tuesday, May 27 at 8:00am. 

Join us for a dynamic, interactive class making botanical paper prints from gelatin plates, aka "Gelli" plates.This non-toxic form of printmaking utilizes color and texture to create one of a kind (mono)prints. We will print a variety of plants & flowers, while exploring composition development with the use of layering techniques. Gelli printing offers instant access to a form of playful self-expression that helps to develop free associative thinking in a fun and supportive environment.

Ages: 16+ 

All supplies and materials will be provided. 

Will be available to register on Tuesday, May 30 at 8:00 am. 

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 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.

Will be available to register on Tuesday, May 27 at 8:00am.

Letterpress printing with LegosTaught by Brenda Gallagher and Julia Seko

Combine the beauty of letterpress printing with the fun of setting legos! Students will be given a type high lego baseplate on which to design their lego printing with lego tiles. Plates will then be locked up in the Vandercook letterpress to print. Students will learn printing with two different colors in two passes on the press. Multiple prints are encouraged for a print swap on the last day of class. If time allows, students can make a soft case to hold the collection.

This is a one month drop in course, held 4x, on four consecutive Wednesdays. Students can attend all 4 classes or just which ones work with the summer family calendar. This class is open to students ages 9+.

July 16

July 30 

August 6

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, and how to track your pieces through the studio in 4 short weeks! Ideal for people with busy summer schedules that can’t commit to a full 8 week class.

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

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

Will be available to register on Wednesday, May 28 at 8:00am.