“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

All Wednesday and Thursday classes will be available to register on Wednesday, February 5 at 8:00 am.

Welcome to the Wooden Bench Class! Unleash your inner craftsman and transform your woodworking skills in this comprehensive course. From selecting the perfect lumber to applying the final touches, you'll learn every step of the process to create a stunning, handcrafted wooden bench.

Key Skills and Techniques:

• Material Selection: Discover the art of choosing the right wood for your project, considering factors like strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal.
• Power Tool Mastery: Gain confidence in operating essential woodworking tools, including the planer, jointer, table saw, and crosscut miter saw, to achieve precise cuts and smooth surfaces.
• Sanding and Finishing: Perfect your sanding techniques to create a flawless finish that highlights the natural beauty of the wood.
• Joinery Techniques: Master essential joinery methods, such as mortise and tenon, dovetail, and pocket hole joints, to ensure the structural integrity of your bench.
• Customization and Design: Learn how to personalize your bench with unique designs, finishes, and additional features.

Beyond the Bench:

This class is more than just a woodworking workshop; it's an opportunity to:

• Relax and Recharge: Experience the therapeutic benefits of woodworking as a creative and mindful hobby.
• Connect with Others: Join a community of woodworking enthusiasts and share your passion.
• Develop Practical Skills: Gain transferable skills that can be applied to various DIY projects and home improvement tasks.

Whether you're a beginner or an experienced woodworker, this class will empower you to build a beautiful, functional bench and ignite your creativity.

Prerequisites: This is a level 2 class, students should have some level of woodworking experience to participate.

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 Monday, February 3 at 8:00am.

Drypoint printmaking is a fascinating intaglio technique where images are scratched into a plate with a hard-pointed needle or tool. The scratches create burrs (raised edges) that hold ink, making it easy to get started with printing your design.

There will be instruction and hands-on assistance each week. Students will learn about the techniques of printmaking, engage with tools and materials, and design and print a drypoint plate.

Drypoint printmaking combines meticulous technique with creative freedom, offering endless possibilities for unique and expressive artwork. Enjoy the process, and let your creativity flow!

Ages: 16+ 

All supplies and materials will be provided. 

Will be available to register on Monday, February 3 at 8:00 am.

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.

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. 

SPRING BREAK March 24th - 30th. No youth classes.

All Monday and Tuesday classes will be available to register on Monday, February 3 at 8:00 am.

Woodworking Fun for Kids! Spark your child's creativity and introduce them to the exciting world of woodworking! In this fun and safe class, young learners will learn basic woodworking skills while crafting their own unique projects.

What to Expect:

• Safety First: We'll start by learning essential safety rules for working with tools and materials.
• Tool Time: Kids will be introduced to basic woodworking tools like hammers, saws, and drills (under adult supervision).
• Creative Projects: We'll work on a variety of age-appropriate projects, such as birdhouses, toy cars, or decorative signs.
• Finishing Touches: Kids will learn how to sand, paint, and stain their projects to create personalized masterpieces.

All tools and materials will be provided.

Let your child's imagination soar as they discover the joy of woodworking!

All supplies and materials will be provided. 

SPRING BREAK March 24th - 30th. No youth classes.

Will be available to register on Monday, February 3 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 TUESDAYS

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, Feb. 3 at 8:00am.

This unique class will provide an overview of the role of color in any visual medium, while using hands-on printmaking methods as a practical and expressive means for exploration. Students will gain an understanding of how we see, perceive, interpret and manipulate color as artists.

We'll practice color theory and concepts that cover the fundamentals of color theory. Participants will walk away with their exercises as reference to guide their own work.

Then we will put theory into practice! Each participant will create a multi-color reduction print edition. Starting with a plain linoleum block, you'll design, carve, print, and then repeat - on the same block - to create a unique print, applying the color theory concepts along the way.

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

Ages: 16+ 

All supplies and materials will be provided. 

Will be available to register on Monday, February 3 at 8:00 am.

Japanese stoneware is renowned for its humble, rustic simplicity, and embrace of imperfection. In this class we will create beautiful functional pottery inspired by the forms, handbuilding methods, and decorating techniques common to Japanese stoneware traditions. These include: handforming, coiling and pinching, kurinuki, slab construction, mishima, and surface texturing.

This class takes place at Groundworks EAST 3063 Sterling Circle, Boulder, CO. The EAST studio has a separate classroom for the hand-building class.

PLEASE NOTE: This 8-week class runs for 2.5 hours each class. 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.

Your pieces will be fired in our electric kilns to Cone 6 Oxidation.

Ages: 16 and above

Class meets weekly on TUESDAYS

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, Feb. 3 at 8:00am.