Member Studio

Ceramics - Where Clay Meets Creativity

From wheel-throwing to handbuilding, our clay classes offer something for everyone. Professional ceramic artists lead you through every step of the creative process.

Browse ceramics classes below to learn more and sign up!

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Craft After Hours: Making a Fairy House

Ceramics Workshop
Level: Beginner / All Levels
Duration
1 Day
Tuition
$110
Member Tuition
$90
Studio Fee
Included
More Info
Explore handbuilding techniques to shape, texture, and refine your own whimsical fairy house from clay. Learn how to build unique architectural details, add texture and character, and create a one-of-a-kind piece that makes a charming addition to your home or garden. No prior clay experience is necessary.

Sessions

Craft After Hours: Making a Planter

Ceramics Workshop
Level: Beginner / All Levels
Duration
1 Day
Tuition
$110
Member Tuition
$90
Studio Fee
Included
More Info

Get ready to create your very own unique ceramic planter in this hands-on workshop!

Whether you’re a total beginner or have some experience, this class will guide you step-by-step through the process of designing, building, and decorating your very own planter and drip tray. You’ll learn how to work with clay using easy techniques like coils and slabs to build the perfect shape for your new plant companion. As you shape your planter, you’ll get to add fun textures and personal touches to make it totally your own. Then, you’ll finish it off with a beautiful glaze of your choice to give your planter that perfect pop of color. Plus, throughout the workshop, the instructor will share expert tips and tricks to help you get the most out of working with ceramic materials. By the end, you’ll have a one-of-a-kind planter ready to show off, plus the skills to continue exploring the world of ceramics!

Sessions

Craft After Hours: Making Berry Bowls

Ceramics Workshop
Level: Beginner / All Levels
Duration
1 Day
Tuition
$110
Member Tuition
$90
Studio Fee
Included
More Info
Explore handbuilding techniques to shape, texture, and refine your own berry bowl from clay. Learn how to create a functional vessel with drainage holes and unique surface details, perfect for washing and serving fresh berries or displaying on your table. No prior clay experience is necessary.

Sessions

Craft After Hours: Making Ornaments

Ceramics Workshop
Level: Beginner / All Levels
Duration
1 Day
Tuition
$110
Member Tuition
$90
Studio Fee
Included
More Info
Explore handbuilding techniques to shape, texture, and refine your own clay ornaments. Create a collection of unique, handcrafted decorations using a variety of textures, patterns, and details, perfect for your tree, home, or as thoughtful handmade gifts. No prior clay experience is necessary.

Sessions

Craft After Hours: Soap Holder Gifts

Ceramics Workshop
Level: Beginner / All Levels
Duration
1 Day
Tuition
$110
Member Tuition
$90
Studio Fee
Included
More Info
During this pre-holiday workshop, students will create 3–5 unique ceramic soap holders using a variety of handbuilding techniques. Explore methods for shaping, adding texture, and refining form while designing functional, handcrafted pieces that make perfect gifts or additions to your home. No prior clay experience is necessary.

Sessions

    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 11/13/2026
    End: 11/13/2026
    Time
    Friday
    5-8PM
    Instructor
    Abby Botts
    Status
    Open

Glaze Techniques

Ceramics Class
Level: Beginner / All Levels
Duration
6 Weeks
Tuition
$340
Member Tuition
$295
Studio Fee
Included
More Info
In this class, you’ll learn the fundamentals of ceramic glazing, from understanding the components of glazes to creating your own unique recipes. You'll discover how to use a gram scale to measure materials accurately and explore the different clays, fluxes, and oxides that form the foundation of glazes. Throughout the course, we’ll dive into the effects of oxidation (where the glaze is exposed to oxygen during firing) and reduction (where the oxygen is reduced in the kiln atmosphere) and observe how these processes affect the final look of your pieces in both gas and electric kilns. You’ll also receive hands-on demonstrations of different glazing techniques, including dipping, pouring, brushing, and spraying, to help you apply glazes like a pro.

Sessions

    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 10/29/2026
    End: 12/10/2026
    Time
    Thursday
    1-4PM
    Instructor
    Bev Aroh
    Status
    Open

Handbuilding

Ceramics Class
Level: Beginner / All Levels
Duration
6 Weeks
Tuition
340
Member Tuition
295
Studio Fee
Included
More Info
Explore the endless possibilities of clay in this six-week introductory course! Perfect for beginners, this class teaches fundamental handbuilding techniques, including coiling, slab construction, and pinching, to create both functional tableware and sculptural forms. You'll also experiment with surface design techniques such as glazing, slips, sgraffito, resist, and carving to personalize your pieces. With hands-on instruction and creative exploration, you'll gain confidence in shaping and decorating clay while developing a strong foundation in ceramics. Whether you're new to clay or looking to expand your artistic skills, this class offers a supportive and engaging environment to bring your ideas to life!
  • Note: This course is for adults 16+. All materials are provided—additional materials or kits can be purchased: https://app.donorview.com/ZQ5w5 Students should wear closed-toe shoes in the studio and aprons are available in the studios.  
 

Sessions

    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 10/25/2026
    End: 11/29/2026
    Time
    Sunday
    1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    Instructor
    Michele Reichlin
    Status
    Open
    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 10/27/2026
    End: 12/1/2026
    Time
    Tuesday
    6:00 PM-9:00 PM
    Instructor
    Alisha Porter
    Status
    Open
    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 10/29/2026
    End: 12/3/2026
    Time
    Thursday
    6:00 PM-9:00 PM
    Instructor
    Alisha Porter
    Status
    Open
    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 11/2/2026
    End: 12/7/2026
    Time
    Monday
    6:00 PM-9:00 PM
    Instructor
    Pam Stanley
    Status
    Open

Making a Ceramic Menorah

Ceramics Workshop
Level: Beginner / All Levels
Duration
1 Day
Tuition
$110
Member Tuition
$90
Studio Fee
Included
More Info
Family opportunity to create a personal family menorah. Ages 5 and up are welcome to explore ceramic clay and make an original menorah that can be fully functional for the holiday.  

One menorah per family unit.

Sessions

    Ages
    6+
    Dates
    Start: 11/1/2026
    End: 11/1/2026
    Time
    Sunday
    9am - Noon
    Instructor
    Elisa Roth
    Status
    Open

Slab Built Dinnerware

Ceramics Class
Level: Beginner / All Levels
Duration
6 Weeks
Tuition
$340
Member Tuition
$295
Studio Fee
Included
More Info
Create your own beautiful, functional tableware—no wheel required! In this 6-week class, you'll explore the fundamentals of slab construction to design and build a custom set of hand-built dinnerware, including plates, bowls, cups, and serving pieces. Using rolled clay slabs, students will learn techniques for shaping, joining, and refining forms with an emphasis on clean design, consistency, and utility. The class also covers surface treatments such as texturing, stamping, and glazing, so you can personalize your pieces from top to bottom. Perfect for beginners or experienced handbuilders looking to focus on functional design, this course will leave you with a handmade dinnerware collection ready to serve and impress.
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Sessions

    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 10/28/2026
    End: 12/2/2026
    Time
    Wednesday
    1-4PM
    Instructor
    Bev Aroh
    Status
    Open

Sustainable Woodfire Workshop

Ceramics Workshop
Level: Beginner / All Levels
Duration
Tuition
$215
Member Tuition
$185
Studio Fee
Included
More Info
Experience the magic of atmospheric wood firing in this special off-site workshop at Watermark Studios in Worden, IL, led by ceramic artist Dan Barnett. This unique firing method—Burning wood creates ash, creating unpredictable and organic surface effects forming a natural glaze.  Dan has designed a high-efficiency, fast-fire wood kiln that reaches peak temperature in just 12 hours, using a minimal amount of sustainably harvested wood from his land. As the flames move through the kiln, wood ash settles onto the pottery, melting into a one-of-a-kind glaze finish.  What to Bring: 
  • 8–15 bisque-fired pieces (minimum) prepared for the firing. 
  • An open mind—atmospheric firing is an exciting process with unexpected and beautiful results! 
Don’t miss this opportunity to fire your work in a sustainably designed kiln and explore the rich, varied surfaces that only wood firing can create!  Safety Note: This workshop is for ages 16+.  Woodfiring involves high heat and active participation, so safety will be our top priority. To ensure your safety while working at Watermark Studio, please wear closed-toe shoes and natural-fiber clothing, and tie back long hair. This workshop takes place off-site at Watermark Studio in Alton, IL. Participants must sign a waiver before attending.  

Sessions

    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 11/14/2026
    End: 11/21/2026
    Time
    Saturday
    12:00pm - 3:00pm
    Instructor
    Dan Barnett
    Status
    Open

Try the Wheel

Ceramics Workshop
Level: Beginner / All Levels
Duration
1 Day
Tuition
$110
Member Tuition
$90
Studio Fee
Included
More Info
Curious about the pottery wheel? This fun and approachable 3-hour workshop is the perfect way to give it a spin—literally! Whether you’ve always wanted to try ceramics or are just looking for a creative night out, you’ll learn the basics of centering clay, pulling walls, and shaping simple forms on the wheel.

Sessions

Wheel 1

Ceramics Class
Level: Beginner / All Levels
Duration
6 Weeks
Tuition
$340
Member Tuition
$295
Studio Fee
Included
More Info

Discover the art of throwing clay on the wheel in this beginner-friendly, six-week class designed for adults ready to get their hands dirty and dive into ceramics! Whether you're completely new to clay or looking to refresh your skills, Wheel 1 will guide you through the fundamentals of centering, pulling walls, and shaping forms like cylinders, bowls, and small plates.

Each class includes instructor demonstrations, hands-on practice, and supportive individual guidance to help you build confidence and control at the wheel. You’ll also learn basic finishing techniques, including trimming and glazing, to complete your own functional pottery pieces.

Come ready to learn, create, and explore a new craft in a relaxed studio setting!

Sessions

    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 10/26/2026
    End: 12/7/2026
    Time
    Monday
    6:00 PM-9:00 PM
    Instructor
    Tom Wiggins
    Status
    Open
    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 10/28/2026
    End: 12/2/2026
    Time
    Wednesday
    1:00 PM-4:00 PM
    Instructor
    Mary Henderson
    Status
    Open
    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 10/28/2026
    End: 12/2/2026
    Time
    Wednesday
    6:00 PM-9:00 PM
    Instructor
    Mary Henderson
    Status
    Open
    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 10/29/2026
    End: 12/10/2026
    Time
    Thursday
    10:00AM - 1:00PM
    Instructor
    Pam Stanley
    Status
    Open
    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 10/29/2026
    End: 12/10/2026
    Time
    Thursday
    6:00 PM-9:00 PM
    Instructor
    Tom Wiggins
    Status
    Open
    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 10/31/2026
    End: 12/12/2026
    Time
    Saturday
    1:00 PM-4:00 PM
    Instructor
    Pam Stanley
    Status
    Open

Wheel 2

Ceramics Class
Level: Intermediate
Duration
6 Weeks
Tuition
$340
Member Tuition
$295
Studio Fee
Included
More Info
Take your wheel throwing skills to the next level in this six-week intermediate course designed for students with prior experience in Wheel 1 or equivalent. This class focuses on refining form, improving consistency, and expanding your ability to create more complex functional pieces. Through guided practice, demonstrations, and individual feedback, you'll work on taller forms, sets, lidded vessels, trimming techniques, and surface refinement. Wheel 2 is ideal for students who are comfortable centering clay and throwing basic cylinders and bowls, and are ready to strengthen their control and expand their clay vocabulary. You’ll build confidence, develop your personal style, and have the opportunity to explore glazing and finishing with greater intention. You can take this course multiple times to continue advancing at your own pace.

Sessions

    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 10/25/2026
    End: 12/6/2026
    Time
    Sunday
    1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    Instructor
    Tom Wiggins
    Status
    Open
    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 10/27/2026
    End: 12/1/2026
    Time
    Tuesday
    6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    Instructor
    Mary Henderson
    Status
    Open
    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 10/31/2026
    End: 12/12/2026
    Time
    Saturday
    9:00 AM - Noon
    Instructor
    Pam Stanley
    Status
    Open

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