Pottery Workshops
and private instruction
Try-It-Out Mini Session
Private 90 Minute Pottery Wheel Experience
Not ready or able to commit to a full class, but just want to try making something on the pottery wheel? This 90 minute pottery wheel experience is the perfect way to simply try-it-out. I'll start with a short, mini-demo on what to do, and the rest of the time is yours to experience what it's like to sit at the pottery wheel. I can offer as much or as little hands-on help as desired. You'll have the option at the end to choose one piece to keep and leave with me for finishing (trimming, bisque-firing, glazing, and glaze-firing). Finished work is generally ready for pick-up three weeks later (sometimes sooner), or it can be mailed to you for a small fee. I am able to host two people at a time during these mini-sessions, and you'll each have your own wheel.
Virtual Live-Help Sessions
For beginner wheel-throwers with their own space
I've been teaching novice wheel-throwers for many years, and have helped fix thousands of wobbly pots. If you have your own wheel and are just getting started, but need coaching through the basics (hand positioning, pressure on the clay, how to correct when things get wobbly, how to trim and finish your pots, etc), I can help! We can set up an hour session over Zoom or Facetime where I can watch you throw and help make suggestions or corrections where needed. I can also demonstrate from my end if it helps (Kickwheel or Electric) $35/Hour
10 Hour Beginner Course
In-Person Private Lessons for Adults and Teens
One-on-one instruction for ages 16 and older. Have you ever wanted to learn how to use the potter's wheel? Or maybe you've tried it before but did not feel successful? I can help! In this 10-hour course, I will cover all of the basics of centering the clay, opening, raising the walls, shaping your pot, and how to trim and prepare your pottery for the kiln.
If you prefer to work off-wheel, our time will be used to explore hand-building construction techniques. Beautiful pottery can be made without the use of the wheel, and I'll show you how!
Thyme to Teach
LOVE AT FIRST TURN (on the wheel): I took my first Ceramics class while I was in college and was immediately hooked. I knew from the start that it would be a life-long relationship. I was at school to become a teacher, but I applied for and received a semester-exchange opportunity at Buckinghamshire University in England in their Ceramics and Glass program. I graduated from Kutztown University of Pennsylvania with a Major in (Art) Education and a Minor in Ceramics.
TEACHING EXPERIENCE: I have enjoyed teaching art for 20+ years. I spent over 10 years in a public high school that had a full ceramics program with throwing and hand-building as part of the curriculum. I also ran my business, Art with Miss Melissa, and taught local art classes and organized art-parties for children ages Pre-K through 8th grade. Now, along with making and selling my own work, I still love to share this passion for art and the making-process and help others create their own mark with clay.
CERTIFICATION: I hold active teaching certificates in Pennsylvania and New Jersey for grades K-12 and have up-to-date teaching clearances. My business is insured through Chubb.
A much younger version of myself in my first Ceramics course at Kutztown University. 1996