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, February 2 at 8:00am.

Learn to turn! This class will be an introduction to using the lathe - a machine used for shaping all manner of cylindrical forms (think bowls, vases,  furniture legs, even pens!). 

Over the course of four weeks, you will learn about the tools directly associated with the lathe and their primary uses. From practicing spindle turning to learning how to make bowls, we will learn the two major turning techniques that can be explored to no end with further practice.  This class will be as hands on as any class can, wasting no time before getting students turning with tool in hand (don’t worry, we’ll go over safety basics too). Beyond the basics we will practice, practice, practice. You will not want to turn your machines off!

This class has no prerequisites and is open to beginners and seasoned woodworkers alike, but our Wood Studio has 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-toed shoes, a shirt that can be tucked in and either short sleeves, or sleeves that can be rolled up past your elbows. 
• No loose or dangling jewelry.
• If you have long hair, please have it securely tied back from your face.
• We will provide safety goggles and/or full face shields, ear protection, and face masks to cover nose and mouth, but if you have your own PPE you would prefer to use, please do!

Ages: 16+ 

All supplies and materials will be provided. 

Will be available to register on Monday, February 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 THURSDAYS

Note: This class will meet at the HILL location at 1010 Aurora Ave. 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, February 2 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 THURSDAYS

Note: This class will meet at the MAIN location at 3750 Canfield St. You will only have open lab aaccess at the same studio as your class.

Will be available to register Monday, February 2 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, February 2 at 8:00am.

The Book Arts League is excited to announce that we will now offer open studio hours! Our shop will be available monthly for you to print your work. Below are the upcoming open studio dates. BAL board members will be your hosts and will assist you with your printing projects. Please bring your own paper and get ready to print! Book Arts League Members please RSVP to bal.workshops@gmail.com. If you are not a Book Arts League Member, register here!

THURSDAY Mar. 12th — 4:30-6:30PM

THURSDAY April 9th — 4:30-6:30PM

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, February 2 at 8:00am. 

Love the look of ceramic jewelry? Join us for this specialty wood-fired jewelry class. Students will learn different techniques to make one-of-a-kind jewelry you can't find anywhere else. The last week of class, students will help load/fire the Bourry Box (woodkiln) and see how the atmospheric firing gives their pieces a truely unique finish. 

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 April 23rd at 9:30am. Kiln firing will be April 25th. 

Students will be limited to making jewelry sized pieces. If you want to make larger pieces for the wood firing, please take our Bourry Box class instead. 

Ages: 16+

Class meets weekly on THURSDAYS

Note: This class will meet at the MAIN location at 3750 Canfield Street. This class does not include any additional open lab time. All pieces must be completed during class. 

Will be available to register on Monday, February 2 at 8:00am.