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 an enclosed form. Students will practice techniques for putting steel together, fitting interior parts, and aesthetic sanding with a hand held grinder. Emphasis will be placed on both the welding and assembly processes.

This class has no prerequisites and is specifically set up for absolute beginners to this art form. 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!

Please note that students only have open lab access corresponding to their specific class area (e.g., blacksmithing open lab is separate from welding open lab).

Ages: 16+

All supplies and materials will be provided during class.

No class Nov. 23 - Nov. 29. Studio closed for Thanksgiving.

Will be available to register on Monday, September 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!

Please note that students only have open lab access corresponding to their specific class area (e.g., milling open lab is separate from turning open lab).

Ages: 16+ 

All supplies and materials will be provided. 

These classes include open studio time.

Will be available to register on Monday, September 21 at 8:00am.

In this class, students will learn about the basics and varieties of intaglio printmaking, a process in which ink is pushed into the recesses of a plate and wiped away from the surface before printing, which allows for interesting textures, fine lines, and a high degree of detail. This class will cover drypoint, collagraph, Tetra Pak printmaking, and copper etching techniques.

Ages: 16+

All supplies and materials will be provided.

No class Nov. 23 - Nov. 29. Studio closed for Thanksgiving. 

Will be available to register on Monday, September 21 at 8:00 am.

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 $105.

Will be available to register on Monday, Sept. 21 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

This class is Pay What You Can with a suggested price of $240.

No classes Nov. 23 - Nov. 29. Studio closed for Thanksgiving. 

Will be available to register on Monday, Sept. 21 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+

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.

No class Nov. 23 - Nov. 29. Studio closed for Thanksgiving.

Will be available to register on Monday, Sept. 21 at 8:00am.

Curious how to use milling machinery– table saw, chop saw, jointer, and plainer? This beginner-level class will focus primarily on milling: the fundamental process of measuring, cutting, and preparing wood for a project. Over the course of 4 weeks, you'll learn how to safely use several of our milling machines to cut and shape wood, as well as some of the basics of joinery (joining pieces of wood together), and shaping and finishing with hand tools. We'll walk you through the whole process of creating a simple but beautiful functional piece that you'll want to brag to all your friends about.

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!

Please note that students only have open lab access corresponding to their specific class area (e.g., milling open lab is separate from turning open lab).

Ages: 16+ 

All supplies and materials will be provided.

These classes include open studio time.

Will be available to register on Monday, September 21 at 8:00am.

Level I Hand-building for students wanting to explore the basic techniques for hand-building functional, sculptural, or decorative pieces.

Learn about the various hand-building tools, and the three basic hand-building techniques: pinching, coiling, and slab rolling through a series of self-guided projects.

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 WEDNESDAYS

This class is Pay What You Can with a suggested price of $270

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 an oxydation kiln.

No classes Nov. 23 - Nov. 29. Studio closed for Thanksgiving. 

Will be available to register on Monday, Sept. 21 at 8:00am.