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, July 27 at 8:00am.

Elevate your hand-building practice with an exploration in abstract forms—functional or decorative. Slabs, extrusions, coils, and pinching will get you started, then surface treatments are wide open to all the possibilities. 

Come to class with your inspirations, sketches, and a rough plan. Then, be ready to challenge the clay to become something more beautiful than you ever thought possible!

This class takes place at Groundworks MAIN at 3750 Canfield St, Boulder, CO

Does NOT include Firing Fees. For details on our Firing Fees, please click here: https://www.groundworksartlab.org/firing-fees

This class meets weekly for 8 weeks on THURSDAYS.

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.

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!

Students of this class will have access to open studio on Fridays from 4:00-6:00pm starting week 2 to practice their skills. 

Ages: 16-19

Class meets weekly on THURSDAYS

This class is Pay What You Can with a suggested price of $275.

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

This class focuses on a Japanese method of throwing porcelain off-the-hump. Each gesture is designed to maximize efficiency to create beautiful tableware. The sequence of movements becomes almost meditative as you work through the clay. It’s a great class to unlearn bad habits and develop deeper intuition and confidence in your throwing.

Ages: 16+

Class meets weekly on THURSDAYS

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, 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.

Ages: 16+

Class meets weekly on FRIDAYS for 8 weeks

Note: This class will meet at the new Main location at 3750 Canfield Street in NE Boulder. 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.

Have you ever wanted to make your own underglaze transfers? This is the class for you!  

We will learn a great deal about how to make screens for screenprinting, how to use them and how to create images for the screen. We will then take our screens to the Clay studio and print both directly onto clay and use transfers. 

This class will offer some instruction for hand-building, but the main focus will be learning how to print on clay. As such, we recommend that only folks with previous hand-building experience sign up. Print newbies are encouraged!

Ages: 16+

This class meets weekly on FRIDAYS.

This class takes place at Groundworks Main at 3750 Canfield St.

This class does NOT include extra open lab time. All work must be completed during class time. 

Registration will be available Monday, July 27 at 8:00am

Designed for advanced, self-motivated printmaking students looking for studio access and minimal guidance. This class is intended to provide our experienced print students open lab time without registering for a specific class, and will not have an active teaching component. Students should understand that their work will be largely, if not entirely, self-guided.

Independent study students will have a designated time slot on Friday afternoons that is not open to other students. Week 1 will serve as an orientation session, where students should be able to demonstrate readiness to use the studio independently. After the first week, all Open Lab slots are open to Independent Study students. Students do not have to use the dedicated Friday time slot to fulfill their 6 hours of studio time (for example, one can come to multiple regular open labs and not the Friday Independent Study “class”). However, students should keep in mind that regular open lab is available to all Level I and Level II students and is first-come, first-served while the Friday slot is designated for Independent Study students only.

Students in Level III: Independent Study should meet the following requirements:

• Demonstrate ability to appropriately retrieve, apply, and clean up ink
• Demonstrate ability to use screens or electrolytic etching baths if using
• Demonstrate ability to safely and appropriately operate the press and/or screen printing equipment
• Demonstrate ability to safely use carving tools and/or drypoint tools
• Demonstrate ability to clean up and discard of waste appropriately.

This class comes with 3 hours of "class time" every Friday, plus an additional 3 hours of open lab, for a total of 6 hours each week.

Ages: 16+

All supplies and materials will be provided.

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.

Ages: 16 and above

Class meets weekly on FRIDAYS

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 Monday, July 27 at 8:00am.