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 TUESDAY

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.

All pieces will be fired to Cone 6 in an oxydation kiln.

Will be available to register on Monday, Mar. 31 at 8:00am.

Join us as we explore the intricate nature of realistic animal sculpture. This course will study anatomy, pose and textures to reflect life like representations of animal forms. We will mostly be focusing on cats and dogs, so feel free to bring reference photos of your pets, however,  we can accommodate similar types of animals (4 legged and furry!) if you have a different critter in mind.

This class takes place at Groundworks HILL at 1010 Aurora Ave, Boulder, CO in the upstairs hand-building classroom. 

This class meets weekly for 4 weeks on TUESDAYS.

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, Mar. 31 at 8:00am.

This class goes beyond the basics and explores more complex wheel-thrown forms and surface decorations that emphasize the unique qualities of a Bourry Box wood-firing. As the wood burns, the ash travels throughout the kiln leaving a subtle yet distinctive trace on the pots therein.

The Bourry Box kiln is at an off site location in Longmont. Participation in the loading and firing of the Bourry Box wood fire kiln is a required component of the class. If you don't participate in the loading process, we can't guarentee your pieces will make it into the kiln. Kiln loading will take place June 19th. Kiln firing will take place Saturday June 21st. 

Ages: 16+

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

Will be available to register on Monday, Mar. 31 at 8:00am.

This class will be a comprehensive overview of the table, Inclinding: 

• Review of individual components and proper set up (Adjusting blade height and angle - Fence adjustments, ect)

• Execution of the different types of cut (Rip cut, Cross cut, Miter cuts)

• Safety Procedures (From how and where to stand, to hand placement, to board manipulation,  we will be offering an in depth look at safe and repeatable operations while on the table saw during all of its varying cuts. Students will practice without the blade at first, to gain comfort and so they can review their execution of the process before moving on to actually making cuts.      

The main focus of this class is to provide a safe and fun experience on a machine that when operated properly can elevate a woodworker's capabilities going forward. From cutting joinery to dimensioning boards to finished lengths and width, the table saw is paramount to becoming an all around woodworker. 

Class Policies & Information:

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.

Ages: 16+ 

All supplies and materials will be provided. 

Will be available to register on Monday, March 31 at 8:00am.

This class is great for students who already have some experience with clay and are looking to take the next step.

The demonstrations for this class go beyond the basics. Students will learn how to make more complex forms and techniques including: altered forms, lidded jars, throwing off-the-hump, sgraffito, and more.

(Please check the class prerequisites before enrolling)

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 other Groundworks locations.

Ages: 16 and above

Class meets weekly on WEDNESDAYS

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.

Will be available to register on Wednesday, April 2 at 8:00am.

“Totem” stems from the Algonquian meaning “kinship group”

Kinship between the earth (materials- clay and metal) and with one another. In this unique class you will be designing and creating your own totem.  These stacked forms will consist of clay and metal forms.  We suggest you bring in found wire such as copper, brass or steel if you would like to incorporate this kinetic movement into your totem.  

We will look at several examples and have demos on different construction methods (slab, pinch, coil, and ribbon) as well as the surface treatment of your individual beads for your totem.  There also will be an opportunity to make several pieces and exchange pieces with other students to create a different look to your totem, if you so desire.

The first 2-3 weeks of class we will be hand building clay beads of all shapes and sizes including spacers and totem toppers (birdhouse, birdbath, animal or other forms).  

We will have glaze demos, including: wax, tape, decals, and painting.  We will be spending part of week 3 and all of week 4 glazing.  A few questions to ponder:  will your pieces be glazed differently or will they all have similar textures, colors and designs? Do they tell a story or are they a mixture? Are they for inside your home or for your garden/yard?

The next three weeks will be in the metal studio making the base, metal beads, spacers and or toppers.  There will be demos and discussions throughout the classes on how these two materials work together creating an overall flow to your piece.

The last week we will be assembling your totems which will tell the story of your interests, creativity, experiences, influences and curiosities.  

Bring your ideas, sketches or images of what you would like to build.  

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.

This class takes place in the hand building studio and metal shop at the new Groundworks Studio Space at 3750 Canfield Street Boulder 

Age 16+

Level 2 Hand building - Must have Level 1+ clay experience

Clay- first 4 weeks of class

Metal- second 4 weeks of class

Fusion of clay and metal will be the assembly of your totem the final week of class with potluck and discussion of work

Will be available for registration Wednesday, April 2 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

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

Will be available to register on Wednesday, April 2 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 Wednesday, April 2 at 8:00 am.