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, 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!

Ages: 12-16

Class meets weekly on WEDNESDAYS

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

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

In this course, students will learn to bend and shape steel. Students will practice traditional blacksmithing techniques, such as tapering, bending, twisting, and punching; using the forge and anvil. This class will cover shop safety, fire management, tools and equipment, and the appropriate use of the various parts of the anvil. Students will leave with valuable skills in blacksmithing while gaining self-confidence with completed projects such as a bracelet, hook, fork, or spoon.

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.
• Abandana 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: 9 - 12

All supplies and materials will be provided during class.

This class is Pay What You Can with a suggested price of $290.

Will be available to register on Monday, July 27 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

This class is Pay What You Can with a suggested price of $290

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

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

•  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.

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

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.

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

Learn how to build mugs with a twist of whimsy!

Add a twist of whimsy to each one-of-a kind mug in this class. Start by learning how to build a mug with slabs, followed by demos on how to make your mug come alive - facial features, handles, decoration, color - all in high fire clay. Create a fun companion for morning coffee or afternoon tea.

This class takes place at Groundworks HILL at 1010 Aurora Ave, Boulder, CO

This class meets weekly for 4 weeks on WEDNESDAYS.

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.