Hump day lasts all week in this low-attachment, high-impact camp focusing on taking your “off the hump” skills to the next level. In this week-long adult summer camp, students will learn how to improve their method and understanding of throwing pieces “off the hump” - a pottery technique where a large mound of clay is centered on a potter's wheel, and multiple small pots or bowls are thrown from the top of the mound. Whether you’re a seasoned pro looking for more practice, or fairly new to the studio and looking to learn a new technique, this camp is for you! 

This camp is all about practice and repetition without the stress of needing pieces to be perfect. Students will spend the week honing their throwing skills. Please note, this camp will only focus on throwing “off the hump”. At the end of each class, the pieces will be recycled so students can start fresh the next day. No pieces will be kept, taking the pressure off and leaving students free to experiment. 

This class will take place at Groundworks Main, 3750 Canfield St. Boulder, CO

Ages: 16+

Available for registration Tuesday, May 27th at 8:00am

Letterpress printing with LegosTaught by Brenda Gallagher and Julia Seko

Combine the beauty of letterpress printing with the fun of setting legos! Students will be given a type high lego baseplate on which to design their lego printing with lego tiles. Plates will then be locked up in the Vandercook letterpress to print. Students will learn printing with two different colors in two passes on the press. Multiple prints are encouraged for a print swap on the last day of class. If time allows, students can make a soft case to hold the collection.

This is a one month drop in course, held 4x, on four consecutive Wednesdays. Students can attend all 4 classes or just which ones work with the summer family calendar. This class is open to students ages 9+.

July 23 

July 30 

August 6

This week-long, beginner-friendly Adult Summer Camp is an introduction to the wide variety of printmaking styles--all using materials found in the kitchen that would normally go to waste. In this class, you'll learn how to reuse Tetrapak boxes, plastic containers, and other found materials to create beautiful prints using DIY and accessible methods. We will cover basic techniques for several major printmaking methods: relief, intaglio, and lithography, as well as how to handle ink, operate the press, and compose compelling pieces of art. 

Ages: 16+ 

All supplies and materials will be provided. 

Will be available to register on Tuesday, May 27 at 8:00 am.

Letterpress printing with LegosTaught by Brenda Gallagher and Julia Seko

Combine the beauty of letterpress printing with the fun of setting legos! Students will be given a type high lego baseplate on which to design their lego printing with lego tiles. Plates will then be locked up in the Vandercook letterpress to print. Students will learn printing with two different colors in two passes on the press. Multiple prints are encouraged for a print swap on the last day of class. If time allows, students can make a soft case to hold the collection.

This is a one month drop in course, held 4x, on four consecutive Wednesdays. Students can attend all 4 classes or just which ones work with the summer family calendar. This class is open to students ages 9+.

July 16

July 30 

August 6

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, and how to track your pieces through the studio in 4 short weeks! Ideal for people with busy summer schedules that can’t commit to a full 8 week class.

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, May 28 at 8:00am.

It carves smooth and gives you clean lines - that's what makes linoleum block printing so dang satisfying. This 4-week introduction to relief printmaking is great for those who have limitied experience, but an appreciation for ASMR.

Each week, students will get instruction in introductory techniques, including carving a linoleum block, mixing and rolling ink, and making a print using the press. Get in on the fun!

Ages: 16+ 

All supplies and materials will be provided. 

Will be available to register on Wednesday, May 28 at 8:00 am.

Discover the joy of crafting beautiful, functional wooden spoons in this hands-on 4 week class. You'll learn essential wood carving techniques, from selecting the right wood to shaping and finishing your spoons.

What You'll Learn:

Elevate Your Kitchenware

As you shape and carve, you'll have the chance to adorn your creations with intricate details, transforming them into exquisite pieces that will not only enhance your kitchen but also impress your guests during dinner parties. This is not just a project; it's an opportunity to create custom, one-of-a-kind kitchenware that tells your story and elevates your culinary experience.

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.

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. 

Will be available to register on Wednesday, May 28 at 8:00am.

Come make a wall piece to cherish for years to come! In this adult cross-studio camp we will spend the first part of our week bringing our tiles to life in the ceramic studio. For these terracotta tiles we will use a variety of decorative techniques including slip, inlay, wax resist, underglaze, and additive and subtractive techniques. In the second half of the week, students will move into the metal studio learning how to forge and weld their tile’s custom frame! We’ll have two set sizes (one square, one rectangular) to make the time in the metal studio a little easier given the short time constraints. By the end of the week, you’ll have a beautiful wall hanging to show off to all your friends!

This class will take place at Groundworks Main, 3750 Canfield St. Boulder, CO

Ages: 16+

Available for registration Tuesday, May 27th at 8:00am