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!

Ages: 16+

All supplies and materials will be provided during class.

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

Always wanted to try hand-building, 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 hand-building. Students will learn techniques like pinching, coiling, and building with slabs. This class is ideal for those who have limited experience, but are looking to learn more 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

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

Class meets weekly on TUESDAYS.

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

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 TUESDAYS

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 $270

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

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.

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 WEDNESDAYS.

 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.

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 new crossover class, we’re going to learn how to go from ceramic molds to fused glass bowls. The first 4 weeks will be spent in the clay studio. We’ll cover the basics of throwing both slump and hump molds on the wheel. Once our molds are bisqued, we’ll test their shapes using them to hand-build bowls. 

The last 4 weeks will be in the glass studio. We’ll cover the basics of fusing and grinding before starting our final project - creating a fused piece to drape and slump into our molds.  

Since the class will move quickly between the two studios, wheel experience is required. Beginner glass students welcome!

This class does NOT come with open lab time. All work must be completed during class.  

Ages: 16+

All supplies will be provided. 

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