 |
|
Clay Classes in Portland
Click for
info about
these classes: |
|
|
Wheel and Handbuilding Classes
All of these classes are in our Portland store with a maximum 12 students.
Call 503.283.1353 to sign up: no online class registration.
Welcome to Georgies' Community Classroom! It's a place to learn and explore this ancient craft while you also explore your personal expression and possibly make a friend or two.
Georgies offers adult (18 & over) clay classes which focus on two specific clay forming skills: throwing on the potter's wheel and hand-building techniques. While watching an experienced potter, it looks so easy, but clay work is actually a blend of art and learned skill. Our eight week series classes are designed for both beginning and continuing students. It's rare that any beginning class will have only novice students as it takes multiple sessions to form the skill to be able to accomplish many of the steps that go into a finished glazed piece.
For most of Georgies' employees and instructors, clay and its many facets are a lifetime pursuit. There are endless ways to form the clay and decorate the surface. Explore form, function, texture, color, and design. An eight week class is a freckle in time: it may be something you want to explore further but it won't be enough time to become a master potter or make all your Christmas presents if you have never worked in clay before.
Open studio times are uninstructed, but valuable
in developing the skills you are learning in your class.
Beginning Wheel
Beginning wheel classes focus on the primary skill of working on the potter's wheel. These skills are centering clay, learning to control this spinning long to raise the walls in both a vertical matter to form a mug, and pulling it out to form bowl shapes. Completing these forms requires another skill that is explored, and that is trimming. Glazing is addressed in the simplest method, by dipping with a wide variety of Georgies cone 6 glazes.
Beginning students can expect to complete several small (cereal-size) bowls and a mug or two (though perhaps not to perfection!). Continuing students will be able to explore these basic forms further, and expand their scale with greater control to larger bowls and more complex cylindrical forms.
The more time you spend in open studio, the faster you will develop your skills and control. Many students repeat a class simply because it fits their schedule. Our wheel classes are small, with 12 students per class session, and you are guaranteed a wheel in your class.
Tool Supply List you can purchase separately or we have a kit available
- part #PTK |
 |
Click the thumbnails for larger images of these class projects:
July 10 -
August 21
|
Wil Labelle |
SEL165
$325** |
10
seats available |
** 7 week class - will not meet on Independence Day Eve, July 3, 2023 **
|
July 11 -
August 22
|
Wil Labelle |
SEL167
$325** |
1
seat available |
** 7 week class - will not meet on Independence Day Eve, July 3, 2023 **
|
July 11 -
August 22 |
Katie Sandeen |
SEL168
$325** |
FULL |
** 7 week class - will not meet on Independence Day, July 4, 2023 **
|
July 6 -
August 24 |
Eli Pilkington |
SEL171
$350 |
8
seats available |
 |
Click here to see "The Fine Print" for clay classes at Georgies. |
Intermediate Wheel
Intermediate wheel classes are open to all students who were proficient on the wheel, able to center and throw both bowls and mugs without further instruction. This class explores more advanced wheel forms, like covered and lidded pots, teapots, altered forms, and incorporating elements of handbuilding with wheelthrown work. The intermediate class is also able to explore more advanced glaze techniques, making use of wax resist design as well as decorative painting.
Click the thumbnails for larger images of these class projects:
July 5 -
August 23 |
Wil Labelle |
SEL169
$350 |
|
|
Click here to see "The Fine Print" for classes at Georgies. |
Handbuilding
Hand-building is often the best place to start your clay experience. Hand building explores many popular methods of clay forming including slab building, pinch pots, and building with coils. By touching and forming clay with these simple unaided methods, you learn the fundamentals of joining clay into cohesive forms. Our hand-building class is open to beginning and continuing students. When we present a specific technique, such as 'soft slab' work, we introduce it with a specific project that teaches the skills needed for that type of work. As you begin to develop your skills, you are able to bring your ideas to fruition. Again, basic glazing skills are explored.
Click the thumbnails for larger images of these class projects:
July 10 -
August 21 |
Stephanie B. |
SEL166
$325** |
8
seats available |
** 7 week class - will not meet on Independence Day Eve, July 3, 2023 **
|
July 6 -
August 24 |
Stephanie B. |
SEL170
$350 |
6
seats available |
|
Click here to see "The Fine Print" for clay classes at Georgies. |
2023 Friday Summer Workshops
These classes are meant not only to answer the many questions we are asked on a daily
basis, but to also provide
the opportunity for you to try new tools or new techniques that we
find intriguing. All class fees are charged in full when you sign up and all fees are
NON-REFUNDABLE. Pre-registration by phone is required (no online registration). Firing is NOT included in the class fees,
unless otherwise noted. Custom firing is available - please ask us about it! Fees include materials and instruction for the designated project. Most classes require basic pottery tools and brushes as listed. You must be 16 years old to register. Click Summer Workshop PDF to print for your use.
June 16th & 23rd - Glaze Decorating - $125.00
 |
This two-part class will cover ways to use glaze for decorating bisque ware. Megan and Jared will discuss what glaze is, decorating techniques, and application methods. They will also touch on firing techniques. The cost covers both class sessions. Please be available for both classes! All materials are provided. You will take home an assortment of brushes and test tiles. Firing is not included.
07/16 & 07/23 • SUM276 ~ 2pm-4:30pm ~ 5 seats open |
June 30th - Thrown & Altered - $50.00
  |
This workshop, taught by Eli, combines wheel throwing and hand building to make unique forms. Several forms will be demonstrated, including baking dishes and planter boats. Skill level is Intermediate to Advanced.
All materials are provided. You can take home whatever you make. Firing is not included in the price.
06/30/23 • SUM275 ~ 2pm-5pm ~ 5 seats open |
July 7th - Raku 1 - $85.00
 |
This hands-on workshop will feature the basics of raku using our trash can quick fire Raku kiln and our glazes developed for the raku process. Wil will show you lots of "flash" from the copper present in the glaze and help you experience the flame and excitement of raku. Bring a couple of bisque pieces to fire (best if fired to ^08-^06). Glaze will be provided for your use! You will take home your finished work.
07/07/23 • SUM277 ~ 10am-2pm ~ 3 seats open |
July 7th - Mold Making - $190.00
 |
During this class you will make a 2-part mold and Brett Binford will assist you throughout the entire process including checking for undercuts, using cottles and plaster mixing. Now’s your chance to ask an expert moldmaker about the complicated process of mold making!
Please bring 2-4 simple objects and Brett will help you decide which one to use. You will leave at the end of the day with a mold suitable for slip casting!
07/07/23 • SUM278 ~ 10am-4pm ~ 5 seats open |
July 14th - Sgraffito & Mishima Decoration - $50.00
|
Let Aaron show you how to decorate with two clay carving techniques! Sgraffito is an Italian word meaning to carve into a clay surface revealing a different color underneath. Mishima is a Japanese term for a Korean-style of carving into wet clay and inlaying color into the carved lines and grooves. You will get 2 greenware ^6 coasters to carve, decorate, and take home. We will provide carving tools, but you can bring your own if you have them.
07/14/23 • SUM279 ~ 2pm-5pm ~ 6 seats open |
July 14th - Raku 1 - $85.00
|
This hands-on workshop will feature the basics of raku using our trash can quick fire Raku kiln and our glazes developed for the raku process. Wil will show you lots of "flash" from the copper present in the glaze and help you experience the flame and excitement of raku. Bring a couple of bisque pieces to fire (best if fired to ^08-^06). Glaze will be provided for your use! You will take home your finished work.
07/14/23 • SUM280 ~ 10am-2pm ~ 4 seats open |
July 21st - 3D Printing used in Mold Making - $75.00
 |
This workshop will show you the practical application of 3D printing in relation to ceramic mold making through a mold demonstration. Ross & Eli will go over a few tools and programs that can be accessed, several of which are source platforms. There will be several pre-made back plates for you to try out and a 3D printer here to discuss some of the working applications of this tool. All materials are provided. You will take home a list of resources and a 1-piece cup back plate to try out.
07/21/23 • SUM281 ~ 2pm-4pm ~ 11 seats open |
July 21st - Raku 2 - $85.00
  |
This hands-on workshop will explore several of the hot new techniqes in the raku world, "Naked" and "Horsehair" raku. Wil will have slip made up for the Naked raku along with his recipe that he will share. Bring a couple of bisque pieces to fire (best if fired to ^08-^06). Glaze will be provided for your use. You will take home your finished pieces!
07/21/23 • SUM282 ~ 10am-2pm ~ FULL |
July 28th - Large Wheel Thrown Platters - $50.00
 |
This Demonstration will go over how to throw several large platters ranging from 1½ feet to 3½ feet diameter. Eli will discuss making and firing techniques. Skill level is Intermediate to Advanced. This is a demonstration only workshop. You will take home a complimentary 25lb bag of ^10 Three Finger Jack clay. (Sorry, no substitutions)
07/28/23 • SUM283 ~ 2pm-5pm ~ 11 seats open |
August 4th - Recycle and Use It! - $40.00
 |
Interested in being less wasteful in the studio? Megan will show you methods for recycling old glazes and unlabeled containers by mixing glazes. All materials are provided. You will take home an assortment of unfired test tiles to try out.
08/04/23 • SUM284 ~ 2pm-5pm ~ 11 seats open |
August 11th - 3D Printing Texture Tools for Ceramics - $50.00
 |
In this workshop, Eli & Ross will discuss the process of creating custom, 3D printed textures and stamps for use in ceramics. They will go over programs, equipment techniques, and other resources to get the most out of your creativity. There will be tools and clay for you to experiment with. All materials are provided.
08/11/23 • SUM285 ~ 2pm-4pm ~ 10 seats open |
August 18th - Slip Casting 101 - $75.00
 |
Are you interested in slip casting but don't know where to start? In this workshop, Robert will show you the basics of slip casting, including working with slip, pouring, draining and cleaning up your piece. All materials are provided.
08/18/23 • SUM286 ~ 2pm-5pm ~ 11 seats open |
August 25th - Testing the Waters - $40.00
 |
Fascinated by the magic of the potter's wheel and never had a chance to try it? Now is your chance before commintting to a class. Katie will lead you through the basics of centering and pulling up cylinders. All materials are provided. You can take home whatever you make. Firing is not included in the fee.
08/25/23 • SUM287 ~ 10am-12pm ~ 9 seats open |
August 25th - Testing the Waters - $40.00
|
If the morning class doesn't fit your schedule, maybe this one will. Now is your chance to experience working on the wheel before commintting to a class. Megan will lead you through the basics of centering and pulling up cylinders. All materials are provided. You can take home whatever you make. Firing is not included in the fee.
08/25/23 • SUM288 ~ 2pm-4pm ~ 12 seats open |
September 1st - Mold Making - $190.00
|
During this class you will make a 2-part mold and Brett Binford will assist you throughout the entire process including checking for undercuts, using cottles and plaster mixing. Now's your chance to ask an expert moldmaker about the complicated process of mold making!
Please bring 2-4 simple objects and Brett will help you decide which one to use. You will leave at the end of the day with a mold suitable for slip casting!
09/02/22 • SUM289 ~ 10am-4pm ~ 2 seats open |
Firing Your Electric Kiln
Whether your kiln is new or used, computerized or manual, we will cover it all. Learn the nuts and bolts of firing, and how to operate and maintain your electric kiln for optimum results to achieve ceramic success with the proper firing. Questions about firing glass are welcome, but the class focuses on firing clay. Bring your notepads and questions! Your fee includes a booklet which covers a wide range of firing information that you can use for later reference. You can take the class again, at no charge, as often as needed, once you pay for the first class.
Jun 22, 2023 |
Katie S. |
SEL717
$35 |
FULL |
Jul 20, 2023 |
Katie S. |
SEL718
$35 |
11
seats available |
Aug 24 , 2023 |
Katie S. |
SEL719
$35 |
11
seats available |
Sep 21 , 2023 |
Katie S. |
SEL720
$35 |
12
seats available |
Oct 19 , 2023 |
Katie S. |
SEL721
$35 |
12
seats available |
Nov 16 , 2023 |
Katie S. |
SEL722
$35 |
12
seats available |
Dec 21 , 2023 |
Katie S. |
SEL723
$35 |
12
seats available |
|
The FINE PRINT for eight-week clay classes:
At the time of registration for our clay classes we request a $50 deposit and a credit card number to hold your reservation. The $50 deposit will NOT be refunded if you cancel your registration, but will be applied when you pay the rest of your class fee; $50 + $300 = $350 (or for the 7 week classes, $50 + $275 = $325).
You will get a registration confirmation via email. We normally bill your class fee to your credit card about one week before 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. Call or email us as soon as possible if you have to cancel your registration. We have wait lists for many of our classes, and your early call allows someone else to attend.
The fee for our clay classes includes Georgies classroom clay, use of Georgies glazes on your work, studio time to practice between class sessions (when there is not another class using the studio space), and firing your classroom work. Other clays and glazes are not included in the class fee. You'll have to purchase those on your own if you wish to use them. Cone 06 lowfire clays are NOT allowed in our classroom area for any reason.
|
|
|
Portland Follow Us! Eugene
