Learn how to build mugs with a twist of whimsy!

Add a twist of whimsy to each one-of-a kind mug in this class. Start by learning how to build a mug with slabs, followed by demos on how to make your mug come alive - facial features, handles, decoration, color - all in high fire clay. Create a fun companion for morning coffee or afternoon tea.

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

This class meets weekly for 4 weeks on THURSDAYS.

Class does NOT include additional open lab time or clay. All work must be completed during class time. 

Ages: 16+

No class Nov. 23 - Nov. 29. Studio closed for Thanksgiving. 

Will be available to register on Monday, Sept. 21 at 8:00am.

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.

No class Nov. 23 - Nov. 29. Studio closed for Thanksgiving. 

Will be available to register on Monday, September 21 at 8:00am.

Designed for advanced, self-motivated printmaking students looking for studio access and minimal guidance. This class is intended to provide our experienced print students open lab time without registering for a specific class, and will not have an active teaching component. Students should understand that their work will be largely, if not entirely, self-guided.

Independent study students will have a designated time slot on Friday afternoons that is not open to other students. Week 1 will serve as an orientation session, where students should be able to demonstrate readiness to use the studio independently. After the first week, all Open Lab slots are open to Independent Study students. Students do not have to use the dedicated Friday time slot to fulfill their 6 hours of studio time (for example, one can come to multiple regular open labs and not the Friday Independent Study “class”). However, students should keep in mind that regular open lab is available to all Level I and Level II students and is first-come, first-served while the Friday slot is designated for Independent Study students only.

Students in Level III: Independent Study should meet the following requirements:

• Demonstrate ability to appropriately retrieve, apply, and clean up ink
• Demonstrate ability to use screens or electrolytic etching baths if using
• Demonstrate ability to safely and appropriately operate the press and/or screen printing equipment
• Demonstrate ability to safely use carving tools and/or drypoint tools
• Demonstrate ability to clean up and discard of waste appropriately.

This class comes with 3 hours of "class time" every Friday, plus an additional 3 hours of open lab, for a total of 6 hours each week.

Ages: 16+

All supplies and materials will be provided.

No class Nov. 23 - Nov. 29. Studio closed for Thanksgiving. 

Will be available to register on Monday, September 21 at 8:00am.

In this course, students will learn to bend and shape steel. Students will practice traditional blacksmithing techniques, such as tapering, bending, twisting, and punching; using the forge and anvil. This class will cover shop safety, fire management, tools and equipment, and the appropriate use of the various parts of the anvil. Students will leave with valuable skills in blacksmithing while gaining self-confidence with completed projects such as a bracelet, hook, fork, or spoon.

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.
• Abandana 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: 12 - 16

All supplies and materials will be provided during class.

This class is Pay What You Can with a suggested price of $290.

No class the week of Thanksgiving (November 23-November 29)

Will be available to register on Monday, September 21 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 that must be met 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 closed-toe and closed-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.

No class Nov. 23 - Nov. 29. Studio closed for Thanksgiving. 

Will be available to register on Monday, September 21 at 8:00am.

The Family Clay Class is a great opportunity for children to work together with an adult to make hand-built pottery!

In this extended class students will learn a variety of hand-building techniques, using tools, textures, stamps, and molds. Instructor will lead students in both functional and sculptural pottery projects and students will paint each finished piece with colored slips. Emphasis is on working on a project as a family. This is a fun class, built around community and creativity!

Please note registration is for 1 child and their adult. If you have more family members that want to get involved, please send an email to registration-clay@groundworksartlab.org! 

Ages: 5+

This class is Pay What You Can with a suggested price of $170.

No classes Nov. 23 - Nov. 29. Studio closed for Thanksgiving. 

Will be available to register on Monday, Sept. 21 at 8:00am.

Curious how to use milling machinery– table saw, chop saw, jointer, and plainer? This beginner-level class will focus primarily on milling: the fundamental process of measuring, cutting, and preparing wood for a project. Over the course of 4 weeks, you'll learn how to safely use several of our milling machines to cut and shape wood, as well as some of the basics of joinery (joining pieces of wood together), and shaping and finishing with hand tools. We'll walk you through the whole process of creating a simple but beautiful functional piece that you'll want to brag to all your friends about.

This class has no prerequisites and is open to beginners and seasoned woodworkers alike, but our Wood Studio has 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-toed shoes, a shirt that can be tucked in and either short sleeves, or sleeves that can be rolled up past your elbows. 
• No loose or dangling jewelry.
• If you have long hair, please have it securely tied back from your face.
• We will provide safety goggles and/or full face shields, ear protection, and face masks to cover nose and mouth, but if you have your own PPE you would prefer to use, please do!

Please note that students only have open lab access corresponding to their specific class area (e.g., milling open lab is separate from turning open lab).

Ages: 16+ 

All supplies and materials will be provided. 

These classes include open studio time.

No class Nov. 23 - Nov. 29. Studio closed for Thanksgiving.

Will be available to register on Monday, September 21 at 8:00am 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.

No class Nov. 23 - Nov. 29. Studio closed for Thanksgiving. 

Will be available to register on Monday, September 21 at 8:00am.