Gas Metal Arc Welding, is the process by which an electric arc forms between a wire electrode and metal, causing fusion. Students will learn MIG wire-feed welding and the basics of creating an enclosed form. Students will practice techniques for putting steel together, fitting interior parts, and aesthetic sanding with a hand held grinder. Emphasis will be placed on both the welding and assembly processes.

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!

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

Ages: 16+

All supplies and materials will be provided during class.

Will be available to register on Monday, July 27 at 8:00am.

This class goes beyond the basics and explores more complex wheel-thrown forms and surface decorations that emphasize the unique qualities of a Bourry Box wood-firing. As the wood burns, the ash travels throughout the kiln leaving a subtle yet distinctive trace on the pots therein.

The Bourry Box kiln is at an off site location in Longmont. Participation in the loading and firing of the Bourry Box wood fire kiln is a required component of the class. If you don't participate in the loading process, we can't guarentee your pieces will make it into the kiln. Kiln loading will be Thursday, October 15th starting at 9:30am. Kiln firing will be Saturday, Octover 17th. 

Ages: 16+

Class meets weekly on TUESDAYS

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.

Will be available to register on Monday, July 27 at 8:00am.

Channel your inner Andy Warhol and come try screen printing, also known as silk screen printing. This class is great for those who have limited printmaking experience and will provide an introduction from design conception to making a stencil, transferring it to the screen, and making a successful print.

Each week, the instructor will walk students through a different step of the technical screen printing process, breaking it down to its basics and opening your world to the myriad possibilities of this fun and adaptable printing process.

Ages: 16+

All supplies and materials will be provided.

Will be available to register on Monday, July 27 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.

PLEASE NOTE: This class runs for 3.5 hours, which includes 1 hour of work time at the end of each class period. You will not have access to the studio outside of the scheduled class time. You will also not have access to the Groundworks other locations.

Ages: 16 and above

Class meets weekly on WEDNESDAYS

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 an oxydation kiln.

Will be available to register on Monday, July 27 at 8:00am.

In this class, students will learn about the basics and varieties of intaglio printmaking, a process in which ink is pushed into the recesses of a plate and wiped away from the surface before printing, which allows for interesting textures, fine lines, and a high degree of detail. This class will cover drypoint, collagraph, Tetrapak printmaking, and copper etching techniques.

Ages: 16+

All supplies and materials will be provided.

Will be available to register on Monday, July 27 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 WEDNESDAY

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 27 at 8:00am.

•  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).

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.

Will be available to register on Monday, July 27 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.

PLEASE NOTE: This class runs for 3.5 hours, which includes 1 hour of work time at the end of each class period. You will not have access to the studio outside of the scheduled class time. You will also not have access to the Groundworks other locations.

Ages: 16 and above

Class meets weekly on WEDNESDAYS

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 an oxydation kiln.

Will be available to register on Monday, July 27 at 8:00am.