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..Upcoming Classes at Georgies


To sign up, call us at
503.283.1353 or
800.999.CLAY (2529)

and get your creativity started!

(Registration in advance is required
for all classes at Georgies.)

Yes, we're sorry to say it, but it's true. Our 8-week, all-inclusive clay classes are going up from $200 to $250. In all the years we've offered clay classes here at Georgies, we've never raised the price. Not once.
Unfortunately, time and the rising costs of materials, energy and everything else eventually catch up with everyone. We think our clay classes are still one of the best deals in town for fun, education, and the satisfaction of creativity, but we do apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause.
Do we have your
email address?

(Click this image to go to the email signup page.)
If you haven't subscribed to our email newsletters, you just might miss out! The info and schedule for our summer class session -- including the always-popular "Made With Clay" hands-on workshops -- will ONLY be sent via email this year! Last year the workshops were so popular that we had to schedule extra sessions to accomodate everyone who wanted to join the fun. We hope you'll come join us too!
CLICK HERE FOR CLASSES IN: Beginning WheelthrowingHandbuildingIntermediate CeramicsFiringMoldmakingRakuSculpting the HeadTeachers' TrainingTilemakingClasses In Eugene

We design our classes to help you find success with clay in an easy, friendly atmosphere. Each 8-week session goes by fast, so we've developed programs that focus on basic skills while you create real pieces that you can use. There's lots of wiggle room for your creativity! We keep our classes small, so there's lots of personal time, attention, and equipment to go around. Our wheelthrowing classes have one wheel per student for every class session. All our classes are repeatable, too, so you can come back to do more if you didn't fnish everything that you wanted to the first time. (Class fees apply for each subsequent class you take.)

Our clay classes are all-inclusive: the fee covers instruction and ALL the clay, glaze and firing for the pieces you'll make in class. Additional studio time is included, too, so you can come back and practice between class sessions. Our classroom studio is open during store hours, 9:00am to 5:00pm Monday through Saturday. Studio hours are subject to the class schedule. When another class is meeting, studio time is not available.

At the time of registration for our clay classes we request a $25 deposit and a credit card number to hold your reservation. The $25 deposit will not be refunded if you cancel your registration, but will be applied when you pay the rest of your class fee ($25 + $225 = $250). You will get a registration confirmation in the mail, including the supply list (if any). We normally bill your class fee to your credit card number a day or two before the first class session. If you wish, you may specify when you register that you will pay the class fee by cash or check before the day of the first class session. If you choose to pay by cash or check, please arrive before 5:00 pm on the first class day so we can complete your invoice.

Please, if you must cancel your registration, call or contact us as soon as possible. We have waiting lists for many of our classes, and your early call allows someone else to attend the class. Cancellations less than 10 days before the class date are not refunded.

 
(Available seat counts are current as of Noon on February 22nd and will change as classes fill up.)
 
Beginning Wheelthrowing
Beginning Wheel classes focus on two projects: do we ever have enough mugs and bowls? This class covers the basics of centering, bringing up cylinders, and the element of form. All classes include clay, glaze, firing, instruction, and generous studio time.
Please note: there will not be a Tuesday morning class in Session Two (March/April).
 
Session
One
TUE
January 5 -
February 23
10:00a -
Noon
SEL251
$250
- X -
TUE
January 5 -
February 23
6:00p -
8:00p
SEL252
$250
- X -
 
Session
Two
TUE
March 2 - April 20
6:00p -
8:00p
SEL259
$250
Full
THU
March 4 - April 22
6:00p -
8:00p
SEL262
$250
Full
 
Session
Three
TUE
April 27 - June 15
10:00a -
Noon
SEL264
$250
1
seats open
TUE
April 27 - June 15
6:00p -
8:00p
SEL265
$250
9
seats open
 
Handbuilding
Our handbuilding classes are designed to provide you with the basic skills of a creative spirit learning the clay experience. We'll introduce you to 'pinch', 'coil', 'slab' and extruder techniques. Beginners are encouraged to learn by completing the projects demonstrated, while intermediate and advanced students are free to explore clay at their own pace.
 
Session
One
MON
January 4 -
February 22
6:00p -
8:00p
SEL250
$250
- X -
THU
January 7 -
February 25
10:00a -
Noon
SEL255
$250
- X -
THU
January 7 -
February 25
6:00p -
8:00p
SEL256
$250
- X -
 
Session
Two
MON
March 1 - April 19
6:00p -
8:00p
SEL258
$250
Full
THU
March 4 - April 22
10:00a -
Noon
SEL261
$250
Full
 
Session
Three
MON
April 26 - June 14
(No class on May 31st)
6:00p -
8:00p
SEL263
$219
12
seats open
THU
April 29 - June 17
10:00a -
Noon
SEL267
$250
10
seats open
THU
April 29 - June 17
6:00p -
8:00p
SEL268
$250
12
seats open
 
Intermediate Ceramics (NEW!)
Just like pottery itself, our intermediate class is growing and changing! Intermediate Ceramics makes available the full clay experience: both wheelthrowing *and* handbuilding. Instruction and demonstrations will include both techniques and combinations of the two. This class has full access to all equipment in the classroom. Prerequisites: you should have both wheelthrowing and handbuilding skills before signing up for this class.
 
Session
One
WED
January 6 - February 24
6:00p -
8:00p
SEL254
$250
- X -
 
Session
Two
WED
March 3 - April 21
6:00p -
8:00p
SEL260
$250
Full
 
Session
Three
WED
April 28 - June 16
6:00p -
8:00p
SEL266
$250
12
seats open
 
Tilemaking with Susannah Lints
Handmade tile has continued to grow in popularity throughout the Northwest in the past few years. It creates a unique sense of style and self to your home. This class focuses on ways to create and transform your ideas into reality. Using lowfire clay and techniques, you will learn to cut tile from slabs, create relief tile, and make molds to make them repeatable. We'll also explore decorating techniques with underglazes, glazes and color design. Class works with bisque tile and clay.
 
Session
One
WED
January 6 - February 24
10:00a -
Noon
SEL253
$250
Cancelled
 
Firing Your Electric Kiln
Proper firing is the key to ceramic success. In this class, you can learn to operate and maintain your electric kiln for optimum results. Whether your kiln is new or used, computerized or manually controlled, we'll cover them all. Questions about firing glass are welcome, but the class focuses on firing clay. Bring your notepads and questions!
 
Session
One
FRI
January 29
10:00a -
12:30p
SEL280
$25
- X -
FRI
February 26
10:00a -
12:30p
SEL281
$25
- X -
 
Session
Two
FRI
March 19
10:00a -
12:30p
SEL282
$25
14
seats open
FRI
April 23
10:00a -
12:30p
SEL283
$25
16
seats open
 
Session
Three
FRI
May 21
10:00a -
12:30p
SEL284
$25
16
seats open
FRI
June 18
10:00a -
12:30p
SEL285
$25
16
seats open
 
Raku

There's no better way to enjoy pottery than to experience the spontaneity and serendipity of raku! Andrew Kail will lead you along "the path of fire" in an open firing workshop format. All 15 Georgies raku glazes will be available for you to experiment and discover what they'll do in interacting with your work, the flame and the smoke. You can bring pieces of your own (measuring up to 6x6x6 inches) to fire, if you'd like, but no more than one or two per person, please. (Pieces bisque fired to cone 06 or 08 work best in raku.)

Please note: we can accomodate a minimum of 3 students or a maximum of 6 students per raku workshop. If there are less than 3 students signed up for a single workshop, we may ask them to transfer their signups to the next scheduled workshop date.

 
Session
One
FRI
February 12
10:00a -
1:00p
SEL290
$50
- X -
 
Session
Two
FRI
March 12
10:00a -
1:00p
SEL291
$50
6
seats open
FRI
April 2
10:00a -
1:00p
SEL292
$50
5
seats open
 
Session
Three
FRI
May 14
10:00a -
1:00p
SEL293
$50
6
seats open
FRI
June 4
10:00a -
1:00p
SEL294
$50
5
seats open
 
Sculpting the Head with Jim Gion
We couldn't believe the response to this class when we offered it for the first time last year!

Jim is a professional sculptor, and brings all this incredible working knowledge to the classroom. Class works from a live model, learning how to measure and crate a life-size clay bust from an actual person. You can immediately take these skills back to your studio to create realistic sculptures of friends and family!

The class fee includes instruction from Jim, the live model, clay, an armature to build the head, and bisque firing of your work when it's dry. We will send you a tool and supply list, too.

Please note: opportunities to attend this class will go first to those on the waiting list for the class last fall. We are also working on scheduling more classes with Jim Gion throughout 2010.

 
Session
One
FRI -
SAT
January 29 - 30
10:00a -
4:00p
SEL270
$200
- X -
 
Session
Three
FRI -
SAT
May 14 - 15
10:00a -
4:00p
SEL271
$200
Full
 
Moldmaking with Brett Binford
Brett is one of the best moldmakes we've met yet! He brings tremendous enthusiasm for this special and detailed skill. This class is a hands-on introduction to making a plaster mold: you'll create a two-part mold from an object about the size of a coffee cup. You will learn how to create the part lines, deal with undercuts, design the pour spout, and properly mix and cast plaster for blemish-free molds. Class is limited to six students.
 
Session
One
SAT
February 13
10:00a -
4:00p
SEL257
$100
- X -
 
Teachers' Classes for the 2010 Winter Term

Georgies' unique series of Monday clay classes are designed for teachers, classroom assistants and parent helpers in K-12 school programs. We created these classes to answer basic questions like "Yikes, clay! What do I do with it?" and "I put this in there and fire it... how?" The class series has grown over the years to include more and more basic skills; each class in the series build on skills you acquired in the previous sessions. These classes are free (with registration and signed confirmation) for teachers, assistants and helpers in K-12 school programs. With all this in mind, we have two requirements for these classes: first, please them in order from 101 to 201 to 301. Second, no more than three people from any one school can attend at any one time because class space is limited. We supply all the equipment and supplies you'll need, and lunch is on us for your class day.

Please note: due to demand and space restrictions, class participants this year must be from regional K-12 school districts. We are sorry, but we can't include pre-K and home school teachers in the free program this year.

Clay 101: The Basics
This first class covers the three necessary elements of any work with clay: forming, glazing and firing. Our projects in this class are made with Wonder White lowfire earthenware clay and Duncan Concepts colors. We model clay heads to learn about forming clay and adding attachments. After that we'll design with clay colors and glaze by making tiles with Concepts underglazes and clear glaze on top. Last, we'll cover how to fire an electric kiln without fear by learning the temperatures, how to load the kiln, and how to make it all work together for great results!
MON
(Portland)
January 18
10:00a - 4:00p
SEL240
- X -
SAT
(Eugene)
January 23
10:00a - 4:00p
SEE390
- X -
 
Clay 201: Building On The Basics
Come prepared to work and have fun! We begin with basic slab work and learn to make tiles. From the slab, we move on to hump and slump forms to create birdhouses. Birdhouses are a fun, practical form that includes handbuilding basics like scoring and attaching bases, lids, and other large parts. Our slabs and tiles offer us a substrate to explore underglazes. Because we're working on raw clay, we get to use engobes and two fun techniques that include faux mosaic portraits and marbelizing. Last, but far from least, we'll build clay bugs to explore how to build hollow forms. The clay bugs are fun for all ages on their own, but this technique is also a stepping stone for the 301 class.
MON
(Portland)
February 15
10:00a - 4:00p
SEL241
- X -
SAT
(Eugene)
February 20
10:00a - 4:00p
SEE391
- X -
 
Clay 301: Beyond The Basics
In this class we'll explore a timeline of history through clay. We'll start with making clay plaques from prehistoric cave paintings, followed by a wealth of interesting projects from ancient Egypt: hieropglyphic tables and stamps, and beads from Egyptian Paste. Our travels take us next to the China of 1500 years ago to make terra cotta warrior figures. Both the Greeks and the Native Americans of the Southwest used a method of decoration called terra sigillata, and we'll give it a try too. We introduce you to copper and aluminum foils for repousse, and fun materials for bug wings too. (Remember the bugs, from Clay 201?) If time permits we have even a few more ideas, so wear your clay clothes!
MON
(Portland)
March 8
10:00a - 4:00p
SEL242
6
seats open
SAT
(Eugene)
March 13
10:00a - 4:00p
SEE392
Full

Clay Classes in Eugene (OR)
Our class teacher in Eugene has moved on to pursue other opportunities. We're sorry to say that clay classes at our Eugene store have been discontinued at this time. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. In the meantime, please contact these businesses and groups (listed in alphabetical order) in the Eugene area for information about classes, both ongoing and upcoming:
Amazon Community Center
Offering classes, recreational programs and special events as a service by the city government to the community of Eugene.

2700 Hilyard Str
(in Amazon Park)
541.682.5373

Recreational Programs
by the City of Eugene
(after clicking on this link, click on Rec Events or the Rec Calendar)
Clay Space
"Classes are offered to encourage people from the age of sixteen and up to both begin and expand their exploration in the ceramic arts. Classes are conducted by Clay Space staff and our area's well-known ceramic artists." (From their website.)

222 Polk Str
541.653.8089
(Contact Jim or Josh)

Elemental Play
Elemental Play specializes in children's art classes, with special events on no-school days and summer art camps for kids. Elemental Play also offers open studio time, with membership options available. (Website in development)

1061 West 2nd Ave • Suite 3
541.484.2529
(Contact Erica)

EMU Craft Center at the University of Oregon
"The EMU Craft Center offers a comprehensive arts program open to University of Oregon students, faculty and staff, as well as Eugene community members. The Center is both educational and recreational, and encourages all levels of interest, from beginning hobbyist to serious artist." (From their website)

(On the U of O campus)

Maude Kerns Art Center
"Founded in 1950 by a group of local artists including Maude Irvine Kerns, the Center is dedicated to serving the public through major exhibitions, art classes, lectures, workshops, outreach programs, and intimate performances. We provide affordable, on-site co-operative studio space for working artists in the Club Mud Ceramics Studio." (From their website)

1910 East 15th Ave
541.345.1571

 

Georgies Ceramic & Clay • 756 NE Lombard • Portland OR 97211 • Homepage • 503.283.1353 • 800.999.CLAY • Fax 503.283.1387