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.

Will be available to register on Monday, July 27 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.

Ages: 16 and above

Class meets weekly on FRIDAYS

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.

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.

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 SATURDAYS

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.

Create a small, leather-bound notebook that is refillable (3.5" x 5.5"). We'll build two signatures of fine writing paper of about 30 pages each. We'll sew them with linen thread and include a pocket cut and folded from cardstock. Then we'll enclose the signatures in the leather cover with an elastic cord or a leather cord, depending on preference. Participants can emboss their initials or name on the cover.

Ages: 16+

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

Class will be available for registration Monday July, 27 at 8:00am. 

If you have wondered what the craft of blacksmithing is like to practice, this class is for you. Experience the joy of forging steel into objects of utility and beauty. This beginning level class will cover shop safety, fire management, tools and equipment, and appropriate use of the anvil, as well as an introduction to object-making using multiple methods of shaping hot metals

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 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 SUNDAYS

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

This is a pro-rated 7 week class. No class Sept. 13th. Studio closed for our annual fall event.

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

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

 BAL board members Greg and Julia once again offer a class in creative letterpress, taking the greeting card to new levels! Students both in the beginning stages of learning letterpress plus those with more experience will enjoy this playful but exciting departure from traditional card printing. The class will print cards on Crane Lettra, a cardstock that works well for letterpress. Participants will have an option to print some cards that are debossed (blind stamped) with a geometric pattern on the card front that has a blank area for the message. And participants will have an option to print some cards with a background color. Class is limited to six participants, and each person will take home 10 cards. Theme is open: birthday, fall, holiday, new year, thank you, etc

Ages: 16+

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

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