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 WEDNESDAYS

This class is Pay What You Can with a suggested price of $270.

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

Will be available to register on Monday, July 28 at 8:00am.

In this 4 week class, you will learn hand-building techniques to create wind chimes and objects that resonate and ring. From bells, to more sculptural approaches/ interpretations, students will have the opportunity to explore it all. Although the particularities of creating a ceramic instrument can be complex, this class is styled to make it approachable for all levels. Students will be able to experiment with shapes, learning about how form affects sound throughout the 4 Weeks, in order to make one or multiple wind chimes by the end of the class.

This class takes place at Groundworks HILL at 1010 Aurora Ave., Boulder, CO

This class meets weekly for 4 weeks on WEDNESDAYS.

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 28 at 8:00am.

Here at Groundworks, we’re all about making our art forms accessible to everyone. We know metal studios can often be male dominated spaces, but we really want to change that. That’s why we’re so excited to offer Women’s Welding Night! 

Join other like minded women and femmes for four weeks to learn the basics of shop safety and terminology, and an introduction to welding equipment and how to properly and safely use it. Our hope is that by the end of this class, you’ll feel comfortable and confident in not just our metal studio, but any other you find yourself walking into.

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 and heel shoes, and natural material clothing, i.e. cotton or linen, long pants are recommended. 

• For welding, you must wear a shirt with long sleeves that fully covers your chest. We recommend a long sleeved button down.

• 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 and other PPE, 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, July 28 at 8:00am.

Welcome to the Wooden Bench Class! Unleash your inner craftsman and transform your woodworking skills in this comprehensive course. From selecting the perfect lumber to applying the final touches, you'll learn every step of the process to create a stunning, handcrafted wooden bench.

Key Skills and Techniques:

• Material Selection: Discover the art of choosing the right wood for your project, considering factors like strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal.
• Power Tool Mastery: Gain confidence in operating essential woodworking tools, including the planer, jointer, table saw, and crosscut miter saw, to achieve precise cuts and smooth surfaces.
• Sanding and Finishing: Perfect your sanding techniques to create a flawless finish that highlights the natural beauty of the wood.
• Joinery Techniques: Master essential joinery methods, such as mortise and tenon, dovetail, and pocket hole joints, to ensure the structural integrity of your bench.
• Customization and Design: Learn how to personalize your bench with unique designs, finishes, and additional features.

Beyond the Bench:

This class is more than just a woodworking workshop; it's an opportunity to:

• Relax and Recharge: Experience the therapeutic benefits of woodworking as a creative and mindful hobby.
• Connect with Others: Join a community of woodworking enthusiasts and share your passion.
• Develop Practical Skills: Gain transferable skills that can be applied to various DIY projects and home improvement tasks.

Prerequisites: This is a level 2 class, students should have some level of woodworking experience to participate.

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.

Ages: 16+ 

All supplies and materials will be provided. 

Will be available to register on Monday, July 28 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 WEDNESDAY

This class is Pay What You Can with a suggested price of $285.

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 28 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 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

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

Will be available to register on Monday, July 28 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.

This class will be co-taught by Margaret Josey-Parker and Molly Hoverstock.

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 28 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