classes at claysculpture pottery

Clay is one of those magical materials that can be made into practically any shape or form. Yet, it is also an unsurpassed educational medium, whether you are an adult or child. Clay teaches patience, understanding, strength, control, risk-taking, creativity, and confidence. Often a student of mine will say, 'I'm not creative at all," or "I haven't touched clay since grade school, and I couldn't make anything then!"....but after a few classes the magic of this earth material sets in and the student begins to understand how to work with the clay, how to allow the clay to be a partner in what they are creating, and how to not judge themselves while they are working.

One of the teaching tools I use with students working on the potters wheel is have them throw while they are blindfolded. What the student learns is that the language for clay is in your hands and fingers----not your eyes. Throwing with your fingers as your eyes teaches a whole new way of dealing with the clay, but more importantly, it teaches you to listen to and trust yourself. It is, indeed, a magic material. My hand building and wheel throwing classes are on-going, and they all take place in my studio, claysculpture pottery, at 20 Washington Street, Ballston Spa. Come and visit a class and see for yourself!

Adult and After-School Classes
(All classes meet once a week, except for "Girls' Night Out" which is a one-time class of two hours.)

My classes at claysculpture pottery are small and informal, and students at every level of experience are welcome. All instruction is individualized.
Beginning students learn the fundamentals of handbuilding and wheel throwing, with an emphasis on understanding, working, and exploring this most magical of materials.
Intermediate and advanced students work on refining their throwing and handbuilding skills, as well as their glazing techniques.

• Morning and evening classes
mornings: 10am–12:30 [offered M, Tues, W, Thurs];
evenings: 6:30 – 9pm [offered Tues, Wed, Thurs ]
class size is limited to 6 students
$180 for 6-week sessions [cost includes all firing and materials]

• After-School classes
Tuesdays: 4 – 5 pm
Wednesdays: 4 – 5 pm
class size depends on ages of students
$55 for 4-week sessions [cost includes all firing and materials]