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, 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.

Please join us for the Wonderful World of Raku! A class specializing in Handbuilding and Raku techniques from different parts of the world. We will be doing firings based on Japanese, Western (Horsehair/Natural) and Eastern European (Obvara) reduction firing techniques. You can't miss this!

Class does NOT include additional open lab time or clay. All work must be completed during class time.  

Ages 16+ to register

Class meets weekly on WEDNESDAYS

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

Create a complete 4 place sushi set, including chopsticks. Learn how to use pyrography (wood burning) and wood carving to decorate your work. Choose your wood, and design your own unique set.

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, May 28 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, 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

This class is Pay What You Can with a suggested price of $145.

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

Will be available to register on Wednesday, May 28 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 and above

Class meets weekly on WEDNESDAYS

Note: This class will meet at the Hill location at 1010 Aurora Avenue. 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.

Summers are always muggy, so why not come learn how to make a beautiful hand-built mug? This adult camp will spend the first part of the week focusing on what it takes to construct a functional hand-built mug. The ins and outs of weight, drinking lips, handle placement and more and how that can affect your finished pieces. The second half of the camp will turn to surface decoration and ways to decorate beyond just glazing. Students will have the opportunity to make 2 or 3 mugs a piece to explore their different ideas and try out the different techniques. Pieces will be fired by the studio and ready for pick up a few weeks after the camp ends. 

This class will take place in the hand-building classroom upstairs at Groundworks Hill, 1010 Aurora Ave. Boulder, CO

Ages 16+

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

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