Explore the art of carving. This class offers students the opportunity to develop sculptural skills through either a structured project or the realization of their own artistic concepts. We will provide materials and expert guidance to help you bring your vision to life. Carving offers a rich and repeatable artistic practice, allowing for continuous growth and exploration beyond a single project.

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.

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-toe, 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+ 

All supplies and materials will be provided. 

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

Mix it up with Mixed Monotype! Monotype is a unique one-and-done, never to be recreated style of printmaking where you create a brand new image every time you roll out the ink. This beginner-friendly, but all levels welcome 4-week class will dive into how!

Using a variety of techniques, students will learn to compose and produce multicolored, multilayered monotype prints. We will begin by inking plexiglass plates to produce color flats, patterns, shapes and textures to which we will add other imagery, abstract layers, stenciled shapes or impressions of found materials depending on each student’s artistic goals. Over the course of the class it will be possible to produce a number of finished artworks or just to learn how to use and combine various processes including drypoint etching and linoleum or Speedy-Cut block relief prints. Consider bringing some materials for inspiration such as photographs, sketches, or ideas that you would like to work from or explore.

Ages: 16+ 

All supplies and materials will be provided. 

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

No this isn’t a spell that you can cast in Dungeons & Dragons - it’s so much cooler (well, hotter, actually). This introductory four-week class will teach you how to use a torch to sculpt and manipulate hot glass into beads, small figurines, and other exciting creations.

Come learn and explore the basics of using and caring for the equipment, glass color and all of the steps of prepping, shaping, and finishing heated glass with hand tools. If you’re looking for a fun entry-level class to start your glassworking journey, look no further!

This class has no prerequisites and is specifically set up for absolute beginners to this art form. Our Glass 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 and heel shoes, and natural material clothing, i.e. cotton or linen, long pants are recommended. 

• No loose or dangling jewelry, long earrings or scarves.

• If you have long hair, please have it securely tied back from your face.

• We will provide safety goggles, but if you have your own and would like to bring them, please do!

Ages: 16+ 

All supplies and materials will be provided. 

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

Big spoon or little spoon? You don't have to pick in our very first 4-studio crossover class: Exploring Through Spoons!

In this 4-week class, you'll get a lightning fast introduction to our Clay, Wood, Metal, and Print studios. Each week, the students will be in a different studio learning the material through the ancient practice of spoon making (seriously, spoons are, like, 3,000 years old)! Weeks 1-3 will be spent making physical spoons through hand-building in clay, carving out of wood, and forging in metal. The last week will be spent learning linocut to make a one-of-kind print of their spoons, culminating in a display of craftsmanship for the ages.

Ages: 16+

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. 

 Will be available for registration Monday, December 8th at 8:00am.