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.

Take your linoleum carving skills to the next level.  In level II linoleum, we will provide guided exercises in reduction linocut and registration methods for printing multiple colors.  Follow along with the curriculum or come with your own ideas and treat this as an independent study for your personal project.  Instructor will help you to achieve the final outcome you are seeking.

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 Monday, July 27 at 8:00am.

Inspired by the show The Great Pottery Throw Down, this class is designed for intermediate students who want to break out of their comfort zones, be challenged, and have a ton of fun doing it.

Each week will bring 2 prompts:

• The Technical Challenge: A fast-paced surprise designed to test your skills. Think speed-throwing a teapot, throwing blindfolded, or racing to create five identical bowls.

• The Main Make: A focused project where you can let your creativity shine. You’ll tackle complex, multi-piece creations like nesting bowl sets, thematic tile collections, full dinnerware sets, or tea sets.

Is this class for you? If you have the basics down and are looking for a unique, high-energy challenge, absolutely. This class thrives on community and shared experience - it's at its best when everyone jumps into the challenges together.

(Please check the class prerequisites before enrolling)

Ages: 16 and above

Class meets weekly on WEDNESDAYS

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, July 27 at 8:00am.

For students of all levels who want to focus on taking their hand-building techniques to the next level.

Learn about the various hand-building tools, create functional and sculptural pieces, and work on a variety of decoration practices.

Ages: 16+

Class meets weekly on THURSDAYS for 8 weeks.

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

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

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

In this Level II welding sculptures class, students will explore the construction of geometric forms by combining various fabrication processes to assemble a complex steel sculpture. The course guides students through the entire creative cycle, from initial design, layout, and joint-preparation techniques to final detailing. Participants will expand their cutting skills using a bandsaw, plasma cutter, and cutoff wheel, while studying how materials intersect in different structural configurations. By building upon foundational welding skills, students will learn to fit and weld multiple pieces together, finishing their multi-faceted forms with handheld grinders and sanding equipment to create smooth, clean surfaces. These versatile techniques can be used to fabricate steel sculptures and complex objects of any scale for both indoor and outdoor display.

This is a level II class and and welding experince is needed. 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.

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 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.