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!

Click the button below to view all class offerings

Craft After Hours: Making a Mug

Ceramics Workshop
Level: Beginner / All Levels
Duration
1 Day
Tuition
$69
Member Tuition
$59
Studio Fee
$25
More Info

Unwind and get creative in this evening workshop where you’ll craft a personalized ceramic mug using handbuilding techniques.

Using slab construction and simple coil methods, you’ll shape, assemble, and refine a functional mug perfect for your morning coffee or tea. Learn how to construct the body, add a comfortable handle, and explore surface decoration options to make your mug uniquely yours. Instruction includes tips on form, balance, and glazing to ensure your piece is both beautiful and practical. This workshop is open to all levels, welcoming beginners and experienced makers alike.

Sessions

    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 6/19/2026
    End: 6/19/2026
    Time
    Friday
    6:00 PM-9:00 PM
    Status
    Closed
    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 7/17/2026
    End: 7/17/2026
    Time
    Friday
    6:00 PM-9:00 PM
    Status
    Open
    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 8/14/2026
    End: 8/14/2026
    Time
    Friday
    6:00 PM-9:00 PM
    Status
    Open

Craft After Hours: Making a Planter

Ceramics Workshop
Level: Intermediate
Duration
1 Day
Tuition
$66
Member Tuition
$57
Studio Fee
$15
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! Safety Note: This workshop is for ages 16+. If you require special accommodation for this workshop, please contact grant.benoit@craftalliance.org. All materials are included in your materials fee. Students should be aware that they may get messy while participating in class and must wear closed toed shoes—aprons are available in the studio.

Sessions

    Ages
    16+
    Date
    6/12/2025
    Time
    Friday
    6 pm - 9 pm
    Status
    Closed
    Ages
    16+
    Date
    7/10/2026
    Time
    Friday
    6 pm - 9 pm
    Status
    Open
    Ages
    16+
    Date
    8/7/2026
    Time
    Friday
    6 pm - 9 pm
    Status
    Open

Craft After Hours: Making a Set of Cups

Ceramics Workshop
Level: Intermediate
Duration
Tuition
$66
Member Tuition
$57
Studio Fee
$15
More Info
Ready to make your very own handmade cups? In this fun, beginner-friendly workshop, you’ll learn the art of handbuilding as you create two custom ceramic cups. We’ll start by shaping slabs of clay into tall, unique forms and then get creative by adding personal details with stamps and carving tools. Once your cups are crafted, you'll choose your favorite glaze color to give them that final touch. After they’re fired by our expert technicians, you’ll be able to pick up your one-of-a-kind drinking cups in just two weeks – perfect for sipping your favorite drinks and sharing with friends! No prior experience needed—just bring your creativity and have fuGet 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! Safety Note: This workshop is for ages 16+. If you require special accommodation for this workshop, please contact grant.benoit@craftalliance.org. All materials are included in your materials fee. Students should be aware that they may get messy while participating in class and must wear closed toed shoes—aprons are available in the studio.

Sessions

    Ages
    16+
    Date
    6/5/2026
    Time
    Friday
    6 pm - 9 pm
    Status
    Closed
    Ages
    16+
    Date
    7/31/2026
    Time
    Friday
    6 pm - 9 pm
    Status
    Open
    Ages
    16+
    Date
    8/28/2026
    Time
    Friday
    6 pm - 9 pm
    Status
    Open

Girl Dinner: Trays and Bowls

Ceramics Workshop
Level: Beginner / All Levels
Duration
1 Day
Tuition
$69
Member Tuition
$59
Studio Fee
$25
More Info
Celebrate the art of the perfect snack spread in this lighthearted handbuilding workshop inspired by the viral charm of “girl dinner.” You’ll create a custom serving tray, a set of little bowls, and even a few ceramic spoons—ideal for olives, berries, dips, sauces, or your favorite tiny bites. Using slab-building and pinching techniques, you’ll learn how to shape, assemble, and decorate each piece with textures, stamps, and creative flair that reflect your personal style. Whether you go elegant, earthy, or playful, you’ll leave with a one-of-a-kind ceramic snack set that’s as functional as it is delightful. No clay experience? No problem—this workshop is perfect for beginners and snack lovers alike! Note: This workshop is for ages 16+. If you require special accommodation, please contact grant.benoit@craftalliance.org. All materials included. Closed-toe shoes required. Aprons are available in the studio. Finished work will be glazed and fired, ready for pickup approximately two weeks after class.

Sessions

    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 6/26/2026
    End: 6/26/2026
    Time
    Friday
    6:00pMM-9:00PM
    Status
    Open
    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 7/24/2026
    End: 7/24/2026
    Time
    Friday
    6:00 PM-9:00PM
    Status
    Open
    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 8/21/2026
    End: 8/21/2026
    Time
    Friday
    6:00 PM-9:00PM
    Status
    Open

Handbuilding

Ceramics Class
Level: Beginner / All Levels
Duration
6 Weeks
Tuition
$271
Member Tuition
$231
Studio Fee
$25
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!    

Sessions

    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 7/19/2026
    End: 8/23/2026
    Time
    Sunday
    1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    Instructor
    Michele Reichlin
    Status
    Open
    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 7/20/2026
    End: 8/24/2026
    Time
    Monday
    6:00 PM-9:00 PM
    Instructor
    Pam Stanley
    Status
    Open
    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 7/21/2026
    End: 8/25/2026
    Time
    Tuesday
    6:00 PM-9:00 PM
    Instructor
    Alisha Porter
    Status
    Open
    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 7/22/2026
    End: 8/26/2026
    Time
    Wednesday
    6:00 PM-9:00 PM
    Instructor
    Alisha Porter
    Status
    Open
    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 6/1/2026
    End: 7/6/2026
    Time
    Monday
    6:00 PM-9:00 PM
    Instructor
    Pam Stanley
    Status
    Closed
    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 6/2/2026
    End: 7/7/2026
    Time
    Tuesday
    6:00 PM-9:00 PM
    Instructor
    Alisha Porter
    Status
    Closed
    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 6/3/2026
    End: 7/8/2026
    Time
    Wednesday
    6:00 PM-9:00 PM
    Instructor
    Alisha Porter
    Status
    Closed
    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 5/31/2026
    End: 7/5/2026
    Time
    Sunday
    1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    Instructor
    Michele Reichlin
    Status
    Closed

Soda Glazing in the Kiln Workshop

Ceramics Class
Level:
Duration
1 Day
Tuition
$71
Member Tuition
$61
Studio Fee
$25
More Info
Discover the unique beauty of soda firing, a dynamic ceramic process where soda ash (sodium carbonate) is introduced into the kiln at high temperatures, creating stunning, unpredictable glaze effects. As the soda interacts with the silica in your clay, it forms a natural glaze, enhancing textures and bringing out rich, varied colors. Students should bring work that has already been bisqued for this workshop. In this workshop, you'll learn how to prepare your bisqueware for soda firing, experiment with glaze testing and development in a soda atmosphere, and witness firsthand how flame and vapor transform the clay’s surface. Perfect for ceramic artists looking to expand their firing techniques, this class offers an exciting opportunity to push the boundaries of traditional glazing and create one-of-a-kind finishes.  

Sessions

    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 7/25/2026
    End: 7/25/2026
    Time
    Saturday
    1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    Instructor
    Dan Barnett
    Status
    Open
    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 8/29/2026
    End: 8/29/2026
    Time
    Saturday
    1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    Instructor
    Dan Barnett
    Status
    Open
    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 6/18/2026
    End: 6/18/2026
    Time
    6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
    Instructor
    Dan Barnett
    Status
    Closed

Sustainable Woodfire Workshop

Ceramics Workshop
Level: Beginner / All Levels
Duration
Tuition
167.00
Member Tuition
167.00
Studio Fee
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+. If you require special accommodation for this workshop, please contact grant.benoit@craftalliance.og. 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 close-toed shoes and natural fiber clothing,and tie backlong 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: 4/4/2026
    End: 4/4/2026
    Time
    Saturday
    12:30 pm - 3:30 pm
    Instructor
    Dan Barnett
    Status
    Closed
    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 6/13/2026
    End: 6/14/2026
    Time
    Saturday
    12:00pm - 5:00pm
    Instructor
    Dan Barnett
    Status
    Closed

Wheel 1

Ceramics Class
Level: Beginner / All Levels
Duration
6 Weeks
Tuition
$271
Member Tuition
$231
Studio Fee
$25
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: 7/20/2026
    End: 8/24/2026
    Time
    Monday
    6:00 PM-9:00 PM
    Instructor
    Tom Wiggins
    Status
    Open
    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 7/15/2026
    End: 8/19/2026
    Time
    Wednesday
    6:00 PM-9:00 PM
    Instructor
    Mary Henderson
    Status
    Open
    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 7/23/2026
    End: 8/27/2026
    Time
    Thursday
    6:00 PM-9:00 PM
    Instructor
    Tom Wiggins
    Status
    Open
    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 7/24/2026
    End: 8/28/2026
    Time
    Friday
    6:00 PM-9:00 PM
    Instructor
    Alisha Porter
    Status
    Open
    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 7/25/2026
    End: 8/29/2026
    Time
    Saturday
    2:00 PM-5:00 PM
    Instructor
    Pam Stanley
    Status
    Open
    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 6/1/2026
    End: 7/6/2026
    Time
    Monday
    6:00 PM-9:00 PM
    Instructor
    Tom Wiggins
    Status
    Closed
    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 6/3/2026
    End: 7/8/2026
    Time
    Wednesday
    6:00 PM-9:00 PM
    Instructor
    Mary Henderson
    Status
    Closed
    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 6/4/2026
    End: 6/9/2026
    Time
    Thursday
    6:00 PM-9:00 PM
    Instructor
    Tom Wiggins
    Status
    Closed
    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 6/5/2026
    End: 7/2/2026
    Time
    Friday
    6:00 PM-9:00 PM
    Instructor
    Alisha Porter
    Status
    Closed
    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 6/6/2026
    End: 7/11/2026
    Time
    Saturday
    2:00 PM-5:00 PM
    Instructor
    Pam Stanley
    Status
    Closed

Wheel 2

Ceramics Class
Level: Intermediate
Duration
6 Weeks
Tuition
$271
Member Tuition
$236
Studio Fee
$25
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: 7/14/2026
    End: 8/25/2026
    Time
    Tuesday
    6:00 PM-9:00 PM
    Instructor
    Mary Henderson
    Status
    Open
    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 7/19/2026
    End: 8/23/2026
    Time
    Sunday
    2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
    Instructor
    Tom Wiggins
    Status
    Open
    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 7/25/2026
    End: 8/29/2026
    Time
    Saturday
    10:00 AM-1:00 PM
    Instructor
    Pam Stanley
    Status
    Open
    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 6/2/2026
    End: 7/7/2026
    Time
    Tuesday
    6:00 PM-9:00 PM
    Instructor
    Mary Henderson
    Status
    Closed
    Ages
    16+
    Dates
    Start: 6/6/2026
    End: 7/11/2026
    Time
    Saturday
    10:00 AM-1:00 PM
    Instructor
    Pam Stanley
    Status
    Closed