Curious how to use milling machinery– table saw, chop saw, jointer, and plainer? This beginner-level class will focus primarily on milling: the fundamental process of measuring, cutting, and preparing wood for a project. Over the course of 4 weeks, you'll learn how to safely use several of our milling machines to cut and shape wood, as well as some of the basics of joinery (joining pieces of wood together), and shaping and finishing with hand tools. We'll walk you through the whole process of creating a simple but beautiful functional piece that you'll want to brag to all your friends about.

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!

Please note that students only have open lab access corresponding to their specific class area (e.g., milling open lab is separate from turning open lab).

Ages: 16+ 

All supplies and materials will be provided.

These classes include open studio time.

Will be available to register on Monday, September 21 at 8:00am.

Level I Hand-building for students wanting to explore the basic techniques for hand-building functional, sculptural, or decorative pieces.

Learn about the various hand-building tools, and the three basic hand-building techniques: pinching, coiling, and slab rolling through a series of self-guided projects.

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

This class is Pay What You Can with a suggested price of $270

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.

No classes Nov. 23 - Nov. 29. Studio closed for Thanksgiving. 

Will be available to register on Monday, Sept. 21 at 8:00am.

Glass fusing, also known as kiln-formed glass, involves heating multiple pieces of glass in a kiln to create a single, fused piece. It's a versatile art form with many practical and decorative applications.

Come learn and explore the basics of using glass as an artmaking medium over the course of four weeks in this introductory-level class. We’ll provide all of the materials, all you need to bring is your creativity!

This class has no prerequisites and is specifically set up for absolute beginners to this art form. Our Glass Studio does have some safety basics that must be met 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 closed-toe and closed-heel shoes, and natural material clothing, i.e. cotton or linen; long pants are recommended
• No loose or dangling jewelry, long earrings, or scarves.
• If you have long hair, please have it securely tied back from your face.
• We will provide safety goggles, but if you have your own and would like to bring them, please do!

Ages: 16+

All supplies and materials will be provided during class.

Will be available to register on Monday, September 21 at 8:00am.

Take your linoleum carving skills to the next level. In level II linoleum, we will provide guided exercises in reduction linocut and registration methods for printing multiple colors. We will also have lessons in making printed greeting cards and envelopes for the holidays! Follow along with the curriculum or come with your own ideas and treat this as an independent study for your personal project. Instructor will help you to achieve the final outcome you are seeking..

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.

No class Nov. 23 - Nov. 29. Studio closed for Thanksgiving. 

Will be available to register on Monday, September 21 at 8:00am.

Elevate your hand-building practice with an exploration in abstract forms—functional or decorative. Slabs, extrusions, coils, and pinching will get you started, then surface treatments are wide open to all the possibilities. 

Come to class with your inspirations, sketches, and a rough plan. Then, be ready to challenge the clay to become something more beautiful than you ever thought possible!

This class takes place at Groundworks MAIN at 3750 Canfield St, Boulder, CO

Does NOT include Firing Fees. For details on our Firing Fees, please click here: https://www.groundworksartlab.org/firing-fees

This class meets weekly for 8 weeks on WEDNESDAYS.

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

Ages: 16+

No classes Nov. 23 - Nov. 29. Studio closed for Thanksgiving. 

Will be available to register on Monday, Sept. 21 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 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 fired in a cone 6 reduction kiln

No class Nov. 23 - Nov. 29. Studio closed for Thanksgiving.

Will be available to register on Monday, Sept. 21 at 8:00am.

Ready to build on what you've learned? Over the course of 8 weeks, this Level II class will dive deeper into kiln-forming through combining techniques of building layers and colors, while refining shapes through cutting and grinding. Expand your glassmaking tool kit and create more complex projects.

Prerequisite: Completion of Glass Fusing Level I or equivalent prior glass fusing experience. Our Glass Studio does have some safety basics that must be met 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 closed-toe and closed-heel shoes, and natural material clothing, i.e. cotton or linen; long pants are recommended
• No loose or dangling jewelry, long earrings, or scarves.
• If you have long hair, please have it securely tied back from your face.
• We will provide safety goggles, but if you have your own and would like to bring them, please do!

Ages: 16+

All supplies and materials will be provided during class.

No class Nov. 23 - Nov. 29. Studio closed for Thanksgiving.

Will be available to register on Monday, September 21 at 8:00am.

In this course, students will learn to bend and shape steel. Students will practice traditional blacksmithing techniques, such as tapering, bending, twisting, and punching; using the forge and anvil. This class will cover shop safety, fire management, tools and equipment, and the appropriate use of the various parts of the anvil. Students will leave with valuable skills in blacksmithing while gaining self-confidence with completed projects such as a bracelet, hook, fork, or spoon.

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.
• Abandana 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: 9 - 13

All supplies and materials will be provided during class.

This class is Pay What You Can with a suggested price of $290.

Will be available to register on Monday, September 21 at 8:00am.