Upcycling is like, so in right now. This intermediate to advanced level metal class will teach students how to identify and prepare found objects/materials to incorporate into small sculptures. Over the course of eight weeks, students will explore a number of practical skills and techniques in our Metal Studio such as forging/blacksmithing, MIG welding and riveting to alter found objects and create new custom parts for their pieces. 

In conjunction, the class will cover the study of asymmetry and balance in design and concept and will investigate adding a kinetic element by making a simple device for adding wind-driven motion into your sculpture.

This class will build on the basics MIG welding, and as such we require students to have some experience with that particular skill/equipment. 

Additionally, 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, and long pants. 
• Sparks fly in this studio, so please wear long sleeves and a shirt that covers your whole chest. We recommend long sleeved button down shirts.
• 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!

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, September 22 at 8:00am.

Woodblock printing has a rich history, particularly in East Asian cultures, where it was used to create both text and images on the same block. Also known as woodcut, woodblock printing is a relief printmaking technique where areas of the wood block that are not meant to be printed are carved away, leaving the image areas raised. 

This 8-week intermediate to advanced level relief print class expands on the basics of relief and will include weekly instruction on techniques including carving, mixing and rolling ink, measuring and tearing paper, using the printing press, and making an edition of prints.

This is a level 2 class, students are recommended to have some level of printmaking experience to participate.

Ages: 16+ 

All supplies and materials will be provided. 

Will be available to register on Monday, September 22 at 8:00am.

Great for students that are brand new to the wheel as well as those that are working to improve their throwing skills!

Students will practice wheel-throwing on the potter's wheel as well as create hand-built pieces using the slab roller and extruder. On the final class, students will learn about glazing their pieces. Classes take place at our MAIN location (3750 Canfield St Boulder, CO)

Ages: 8-11

Class meets weekly on WEDNESDAYS

This class is Pay What You Can with a suggest price of $205

No class the week of Thanksgiving (Nov. 24 - Nov. 30)

Will be available to register on Monday, September 22 at 8:00am.

This class is great for teenagers that are new to the wheel as well as those that are further developing their throwing skills.

Classes will include both hand-building and wheel-throwing, trimming of thrown pots, slip decorating, and glazing of bisqued pieces. These classes are a great chance for students to learn a variety of techniques, ask questions, and play with clay!

Ages: 12-16

Class meets weekly on WEDNESDAYS

This class is Pay What You Can with a suggested price of $240.

No class the week of Thanksgiving (Nov. 24 - Nov. 30)

Will be available to register on Monday, September 22 at 8:00am.

Why should adults have all the fun? This class will spend four weeks going over low-fire glassworking techniques like kiln fusing, sheet glass cutting and coldwork (working with unheated glass), and hot glass / hot sculpting (reshaping heated glass with either torches or kilns). The projects will be simple and may vary depending on the material and technique being covered that week. 

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 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. 
• 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!

Will be available to register on Monday, September 22 at 8:00am.

Impress your friends and family by making your own cards, whether for an upcoming holiday, birthday, or some other fun event!

Learn the basics of relief printmaking using linoleum. This course provides an introduction to carving a block and making a successful print.

This class is great for those who have limited experience and to try their hand at linoleum printmaking. Linoleum does not have a grain and is a different experience than carving wood.

There will be a short instructor demo and hands-on assistance each week. Students will try introductory techniques, including carving a linoleum block, mixing and rolling ink, and making a print using the press. Come have some fun in our new printmaking studio!

Ages: 16+ 

All supplies and materials will be provided. 

Will be available to register on Monday, September 22 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

This class is Pay What You Can with a suggested price of $265

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

No class the week of Thanksgiving (Nov. 24 - Nov. 30)

Will be available to register on Monday, September 22 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.

No class the week of Thanksgiving (Nov. 24 - Nov. 30)

Will be available to register on Monday, September 22 at 8:00am.