9-Hour Beginner Course

Service Description

One-on-one, personalized 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 3-day/9-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. The difference in taking a one-on-one class with me will be clear with the amount of work you will keep during our time together. Most students take 6-10 finished pieces home with them, depending on whether they are true beginners or refresher-course students. Beginners in large studio settings often get frustrated... learning how to throw on the pottery wheel is not easy! My goal is to help you find success, and often that means helping to make small corrections before the process goes off-track. This is what is missing from large studio classes. It's hard for one teacher to help that many people at one time. If, however, the course price is a barrier for you, find a friend or family member who would also like to learn... I can take two students at a time, usually with the same success rate. If two students enroll for the same days and times together, the price per student is $375. Included in the price: are clay (up to 25 lbs per student), kiln-firing of all work, and the choice of four pre-mixed glazes that I will add for you after the work has been bisque-fired. If you would like to participate in the glazing of your pots, we can schedule a separate 1-hour class to go over the basics of glazing. The turn-around for finished work to be picked up is usually 4-5 weeks. Please contact me, by using the form at the bottom of this page, and we can figure out the days that will work for both of our schedules. We will need to choose three class days, 3 hours each day, preferably close together so that your work does not dry out in between throwing sessions. To secure your dates, I will invoice you and ask for payment within three days. A quick final note: This class takes place in my private home studio, which is inside our house. We have two very friendly, older dogs that have access to my studio area. I can shut them out of the studio area during the class in case there is a fear of dogs, and I do try to keep the studio clean of excess dog hair, but if you have an allergy to dogs I cannot guarantee you won't react.