The 8-week Metalworking class is geared around developing and growing the skills learned during the 4-week sampler. This class is the perfect next step to learn more complex assemblies of metal objects using techniques of welding sheet, forming, forging and torch cutting.

In this class, students will learn new skills such as introductory heat treating of tool steels to make tools, riveting to assemble multiple sheet components, and more advanced layout skills.

If you’ve already taken one of our Samplers, this class is the next up if you’re looking to grow your knowledge of metal working techniques and to experience a more complex project.

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.
• 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!

Ages: 16+

All supplies and materials will be provided during class.

Will be available to register on Monday, March 30 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 THURSDAYS

Note: This class will meet at the HILL location at 1010 Aurora Ave. 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, March 30 at 8:00am.

In this Level II class students will learn about the magic of soda firing. This is the process of creating a special kiln environment which involves introducing soda ash into the kiln to make an atmosphere that will add glaze to the pieces. Since larger forms tend to warp in the soda kiln, this class will focus on creating smaller to medium sized pieces that have a better chance for survival. No large plates or bowls will be allowed in the firing due to their higher fail rate and the need to prioritize kiln space for smaller pieces. Larger pieces can still be fired in the normal cone 6 reduction kilns. Special attention will be paid to the process of atmospheric firing and how to plan accordingly throughout the class.

The firings throughout this class will be ^10 soda firings.

Ages: 16+

Class meets weekly on THURSDAYS

Note: This class will meet at the MAIN location at 3750 Canfield St. You will only have open lab aaccess at the same studio as your class.

Will be available to register Monday, March 30 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, March 30 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, March 30 at 8:00am.

Each week our instructor will lead students through introductory techniques for different types of printmaking such as relief (carving into a block), monotype (one-of-a-kind prints made by layering objects on a plate), and intaglio (scratching an image into a surface). You'll learn all this as well as how to measure and tear paper, mixing and applying ink, and the basics of using the printing press.

Ages: 16+

All supplies and materials will be provided.

Sampler classes DO NOT include open studio time.

This class is Pay What You Can with a suggested price of $250.

Will be available to register on Monday, March 30 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 FRIDAYS

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

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, March 30 at 8:00am.

Join us for this all new Raku class with guest instructor Pete Wysong. 

This class is designed for anyone who wants to learn about the exciting process of raku-fired ceramics. You will need some previous experience in either wheel throwing or handbuilding. Whether you are new to raku or want to continue your learning this class is for you. With a 500 year old history originating in Japan, this is an exciting, dynamic process involving hands-on manipulation of fire and smoke after taking pieces, glowing red hot, directly out of the kiln. Participants will learn about special raku glazes and alternative surface treatments. Raku generally has a more organic aesthetic, as glazes are not functional or food safe. 

We will meet once a week for demonstrations and a review of ideas, all involving wheel throwing, handbuilding, or tile making.  Participants will be encouraged to explore their own styles and ideas. There will be one or two final firings, depending on the group’s needs. Everyone will participate in the final raku firing and learn about special post-firing reduction techniques, while taking their pieces home the last day. 

While the class will mainly focus on the raku firing process, students are still welcome to fire additional pieces in our cone 6 reduction kiln. 

Ages: 16+

Class meets weekly on SATURDAYS

Note: This class will meet at the MAIN location at 3750 Canfield St. You will only have open lab aaccess at the same studio as your class.

Will be available to register Monday, March 30 at 8:00am.