Always wanted to get involved in a pottery studio, but didn't know where to start? This class is a great intro to the studio in 5 short weeks!

This class is intended to get you familiar with the basics of wheel-throwing and hand-building. Students will have 2 weeks of throwing instruction, one week of trimming, one week of hand-building, and one week of glazing. This class is ideal for those who have limited experience and want to learn the basics of the potty studio, with a short instructor demo and hands-on assistance each week.

Please note: This class does not include Open Lab hours or additional clay.

Ages 16+ to register

Class meets weekly on SUNDAYS.

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

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

Join us for an intensive 2-day masterclass where Teacher Kwak will share and teach the traditional techniques of Korean wheel throwing in a focused and engaging format. Classes will be taught by Teacher Kwak with his two apprentices, providing an excellent teacher to student ratio. Experience a unique and immersive opportunity designed for pottery enthusiasts.

An Exclusive Masterclass Led by Teacher Kwak

This masterclass welcomes participants of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced potters. While the core curriculum is accessible to everyone, we provide personalized 1:1 guidance to cater to each individual’s level and aspirations throughout the class.

This course distills the essence of Korean throwing philosophy and deconstructs each step in the making process to provide a clear, direct, and repeatable framework for participants to follow. Participants are encouraged to ask questions and will be given the opportunity to see the master demonstrate a form they are interested in outside of our curriculum.

Topics covered:

• History and context of the Korean approach to clay sourcing, storage and preparation
• Spiral wedging (Gomak-milgi) and closing the spiral into a cylindrical form for more efficient centering
• Fundamentals of centering a large mass of clay for throwing off the hump, with emphasis on relaxing the clay for better clay response
• Exploration of sabal (teabowl) making, with a breakdown of steps to better understand each phase of the making process and finger placements
• Korean style trimming demo using handmade tools and understanding the harmonic relationship between throwing and trimming in relation to the final form
• Developing a more discerning “eye” for line and form by separating the structural and shaping phases of throwing
• Demo of cylinders, plates, and teapots off the hump with advanced techniques
• Large sabal (bowl), hangari (Jars), dalhangari (Moon Jar, 2 piece joining technique)
• Buncheong decorating techniques: Dipping Buncheong and Brushing Buncheong
• Discussion on developing a ‘practice’ on your own and progression outline for self-study.

Daily Schedule: 
10:00am-1:00pm
Lunch Break
2:30pm-5:30PM

Masterclass Includes:

• High-quality stoneware clay
• A comprehensive tool set valued at $50 for each student, including 4 wooden tools, 2 metal ribs, and 1 shammy tool
• Translation by Teacher Kwak’s apprentice
• Basic communal tools (feel free to bring your own)
• Snacks, coffee, and tea available throughout the day

Please Note: Firing service is not included; if you wish to fire your pieces an additional fee will apply based on the size of the items.

This class takes place at Groundworks East (3063 E. Sterling Cir.)

Ages: 16+

Come explore the intriguing world of mixed media.  We will be utilizing coil and slap built clay forms embellished with carved and sculpted wooden elements to create an  animal like mask to hang on the wall.  The clay forms can be decorated with a variety of techniques that will be covered in class.  The finished wooden elements will be cleverly attached after firing. Students are encouraged to bring in other mixed media elements to add to their sculptural pieces to make them truly unique.  This 8 week class will take place in the clay and wood studios,  beginning with clay mixing in wood carving days and finishing with assembly.

This class will be co-taught by Margaret Josey-Parker (Clay) and Julia German (Wood)

Open Lab: The clay portion of this class does not come with additional open lab time. Once the class switches into the wood studio, students will have access to the wood studio during open lab times. 

What to wear to the wood studio?  

Safety First: Long pants, and closed-toe, closed-heel shoes with socks that protect up to the ankle.  Shirts and tops should be easy to tuck in, with sleeves that can be rolled up as needed.  Tie back long hair to ensure safety.  We offer safety goggles, dust masks and ear protection, and they must be worn in the wood studio.  Feel free to bring your own if you are more comfortable with them.  Jewelry, loose-fitting clothing, or any other items that could dangle will need to be secured while using machines.

Safety Information:

• Closed-toed, closed-heel shoes
• Long Pants
• Shirts should be easily tucked and sleeves pulled up, Hair tied back
• Eye and lung protection are provided and must be worn in the studio

Ages: 16+

Class will be available for registration Monday, February 2 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)

Ages: 16+

Class meets weekly on MONDAYS

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, February 2 at 8:00am.

This beginner-friendly course invites students to explore the creative possibilities of clay through sculptural handbuilding techniques. Participants will learn the fundamentals of coil, slab, and pinch construction while gaining confidence in shaping three-dimensional forms. The course also introduces surface design methods such as carving, texturing, and glazing to enhance finished pieces. Whether you're interested in making abstract forms, figures, or decorative objects, this class provides a supportive space to develop your skills and express yourself through clay. No prior experience is needed. All are welcome.

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.

Ages: 16+

Class meets weekly on MONDAYS

All pieces will be fired to Cone 6 in an oxydation kiln.

Will be available to register on Monday, February 2 at 8:00am.

This class is focused towards intermediate/advanced students that want to learn more technical skills and studio processes.

The demonstrations for this class will show more advanced techniques, such as how to make larger and more complicated pieces. You will learn more about materials and different processes. Students with individual learning goals or special projects are welcome to join this class.

(Please check the class prerequisites before registering for this class.)

Ages: 16+

Class meets weekly on MONDAYS

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.

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

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, February 2 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 MONDAYS

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, February 2 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 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

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

Will be available to register on Monday, February 2 at 8:00am.