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!

Ages: 16+

All supplies and materials will be provided during class.

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

This two‑day workshop introduces students to the versatility and precision of slab construction through the use of custom templates. Designed for both functional and sculptural makers, the class emphasizes thoughtful planning, clean construction, and the creative potential of working with flat clay transformed into dimensional form.

On Day One, we'll begin with demonstrations on how to design and make effective templates using roofing felt (tar paper). Students will learn how to translate ideas into flat patterns, how to account for clay thickness and joinery, and how to use templates to create repeatable forms. The afternoon shifts into guided studio time, where participants will sketch, refine, and cut templates for their own projects—whether vessels, boxes, architectural forms, or abstract sculptural components.

On Day Two, students move from planning to building. With their templates ready, they will construct one or more pieces, gaining hands‑on experience in assembling slabs, reinforcing seams, shaping curves, and troubleshooting common structural challenges. Individual guidance will support each student’s creative direction.By the end of the workshop, participants will leave with new skills, personalized templates they can reuse in their home studios, and a deeper understanding of how slab building can expand both functional and sculptural possibilities in clay.

This is an advanced beginner workshop so some prior clay experience is recommended.

About the Instructor: 

Bebe Alexander has been a professional ceramic artist and educator for over 35 years. Her sculptural and functional works draw from both the built environment and the rural landscapes of her upbringing, referencing architecture, industrial forms, and the quiet presence of man‑made structures in the natural world.

In addition to her studio practice, Bebe has been deeply involved in ceramics education. She began teaching at the Arvada Center in 1991 and went on to lead the ceramics program as Ceramics Program Coordinator from 1996 through 2024, fostering a vibrant community of makers.

Her work is held in numerous public, private, and corporate collections, including The Kirkland at the Denver Art Museum.

To see more of Bebe Alexander's work, check out her instagram @bebealexanderclay

Please Note: Firing service is not included; if you wish to fire your pieces an additional fee will apply based on the size of the items.

This class takes place at Groundworks Main (3750 Canfield St.)

The class will run 12:00-5:00pm both days with a break for lunch. We will provide light refreshments, but please plan to pick up or bring your own lunch. 

Ages: 16+

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

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

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

Always wanted to try the potter's wheel, but didn't know where to start? This class is a great intro to the wheel in 5 short weeks!

This class is intended to get you familiar with the basics of throwing on the potter's wheel. Students will have 3 weeks of throwing instruction, one week of trimming, and one week of glazing. This class is ideal for those who have limited experience and want to learn the basics of centering, trimming and glazing, with a short instructor demo and hands-on assistance each week.

Please note: This class does not include Open Lab hours or additional clay.

Ages 16+ to register

Class meets weekly on SUNDAYS.

This class is Pay What You Can with a suggested price of $200.

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

Will be available to register on Monday, July 27 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.

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

Immerse yourself in the world of woodworking by joining our comprehensive sampler class! This workshop is perfect for beginners who are looking to familiarize themselves with a woodshop, and who aim to become comfortable with the basics of milling and hand tools. 

This sampler class is designed to build your confidence and comfort with woodworking, laying a solid foundation for any advanced classes you may choose to pursue in the future. You’ll also have the chance to connect with other passionate woodworking enthusiasts, sharing ideas and experiences in a supportive and welcoming environment. 

This Class Does NOT include Open Lab

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. 

Sampler classes DO NOT include open studio time.

This is a Pay What You Can class with a suggested price of $280

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

Always wanted to get involved in a pottery studio, but didn't know where to start? This class is a great intro to the studio in 5 short weeks!

This class is intended to get you familiar with the basics of wheel-throwing and hand-building. Students will have 2 weeks of throwing instruction, one week of trimming, one week of hand-building, and one week of glazing. This class is ideal for those who have limited experience and want to learn the basics of the pottery studio, with a short instructor demo and hands-on assistance each week.

Please note: This class does not include Open Lab hours or additional clay.

Ages 16+ to register

Class meets weekly on SUNDAYS.

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

This class is Pay What You Can with a suggested price of $200

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 and above

Class meets weekly on SUNDAYS

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

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

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

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