This class will be a comprehensive overview of the table, Inclinding: 

• Review of individual components and proper set up (Adjusting blade height and angle - Fence adjustments, ect)

• Execution of the different types of cut (Rip cut, Cross cut, Miter cuts)

• Safety Procedures (From how and where to stand, to hand placement, to board manipulation,  we will be offering an in depth look at safe and repeatable operations while on the table saw during all of its varying cuts. Students will practice without the blade at first, to gain comfort and so they can review their execution of the process before moving on to actually making cuts.      

The main focus of this class is to provide a safe and fun experience on a machine that when operated properly can elevate a woodworker's capabilities going forward. From cutting joinery to dimensioning boards to finished lengths and width, the table saw is paramount to becoming an all around woodworker. 

Class Policies & Information:

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.

Ages: 16+ 

All supplies and materials will be provided. 

Will be available to register on Monday, March 31 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)

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 other Groundworks locations.

Ages: 16 and above

Class meets weekly on WEDNESDAYS

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 Wednesday, April 2 at 8:00am.

“Totem” stems from the Algonquian meaning “kinship group”

Kinship between the earth (materials- clay and metal) and with one another. In this unique class you will be designing and creating your own totem.  These stacked forms will consist of clay and metal forms.  We suggest you bring in found wire such as copper, brass or steel if you would like to incorporate this kinetic movement into your totem.  

We will look at several examples and have demos on different construction methods (slab, pinch, coil, and ribbon) as well as the surface treatment of your individual beads for your totem.  There also will be an opportunity to make several pieces and exchange pieces with other students to create a different look to your totem, if you so desire.

The first 2-3 weeks of class we will be hand building clay beads of all shapes and sizes including spacers and totem toppers (birdhouse, birdbath, animal or other forms).  

We will have glaze demos, including: wax, tape, decals, and painting.  We will be spending part of week 3 and all of week 4 glazing.  A few questions to ponder:  will your pieces be glazed differently or will they all have similar textures, colors and designs? Do they tell a story or are they a mixture? Are they for inside your home or for your garden/yard?

The next three weeks will be in the metal studio making the base, metal beads, spacers and or toppers.  There will be demos and discussions throughout the classes on how these two materials work together creating an overall flow to your piece.

The last week we will be assembling your totems which will tell the story of your interests, creativity, experiences, influences and curiosities.  

Bring your ideas, sketches or images of what you would like to build.  

What to Wear in the Metals Studio?  

You must dress safely and appropriately. Arrive for class in all-natural fiber clothing, long pants, and closed-toe, closed-heel shoes with socks that protect up to the ankle. Long hair must be tied back. Nylon, polyester, spandex, or other synthetics are not allowed around machines, equipment, or processes that can produce hot fragments, sparks, or flames. Layers are encouraged, as the studio can be very cold or very hot. 

Welding students are recommended to wear long sleeve shirts to prevent arc-flash burns. Additional protective gear shall be provided as needed. 

Personal Property:  Personal materials will need to go home with you at the end of each class. We do not provide storage. 

All supplies and materials will be provided.

This class takes place in the hand building studio and metal shop at the new Groundworks Studio Space at 3750 Canfield Street Boulder 

Age 16+

Level 2 Hand building - Must have Level 1+ clay experience

Clay- first 4 weeks of class

Metal- second 4 weeks of class

Fusion of clay and metal will be the assembly of your totem the final week of class with potluck and discussion of work

Will be available for registration Wednesday, April 2 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 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 Wednesday, April 2 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 Wednesday, April 2 at 8:00 am. 

This class introduces students to the fundamentals of metal fabricating processes. Techniques explored will include welding, sheet metal work, use of an oxy-fuel torch, and blacksmithing. Day one will cover the basics of sheet metal work, including: layout, punching holes, shearing, and folding to create a basic sheet metal pan. Day two; students will learn the purposes of the oxy-fuel torch with emphasis on heating metal for bending and using the cutting torch to cut out patterns in steel. On day three students will have an introduction to basic blacksmithing using the hammer and anvil to shape hot metal. The last day students will practice welding with a wire-feed welder, and have an opportunity to assemble parts. We will cover safety and essential techniques in each method. Students will gain a better understanding of basic practices in the metal studio.

What to Wear in the Metals Studio?

We wish for all students to have a safe and enjoyable learning experience. Proper safety equipment and PPE will be provided for use within the studio.

Please dress safely and appropriately. Arrive for class inall-natural fiber clothing, long pants, and closed-toe, closed-heelshoes with socks that protect up to the ankle. Long hair should betied back. Nylon, polyester, spandex, or other synthetics are notrecommended around machines, equipment, or processes that can producehot fragments, sparks, or flames. Please avoid synthetic blends, as100% cotton is recommended. Layers are encouraged, as the studio canbegin cool then become very hot.

Welding students are recommended to wear long sleeve shirts to preventarc-flash burns (much like a sunburn). 

All students participating in activities involving sparks or hot metal are encouraged to wear leather boots or older shoes.Please bring a re-fillable water bottle!

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 Wednesday, April 2 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 downstairs 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 suggested price of $180.


Will be available to register on Wednesday, April 2 at 8:00am.

Welcome to the world of pottery! This class is designed for young children that are new to clay and working to develop their skills in hand-building. Students will create fun and unique projects in functional and sculptural forms. Children will learn to build strong, hollow pieces and will slip and paint their own work. Join us for these weekly classes where kids can get messy, learn about clay, and make new friends!

Bring imagination into form through basic clay techniques and creative problem-solving. Instructors will encourage students to try new things and make vibrant works of art. Students will slip and paint their own work.

Ages: 5 - 9

This class is Pay What You Can with a suggested price of $100.

Will be available to register on Wednesday, April 2 at 8:00am.