CLAY HANDBUILDING

Beginner to Intermediate
Adult 18+
(Teens are invited to register)

Dates + Times:
August 3, 10, 17, 24

Mondays 4–6:30 pm 

Tuition per session:
$350 (+ Clay #25/$65 includes glazes and firing)


Instructor: 
Penny Hanson (read bio)


Handbuilding is the art of using our hands and simple tools to create clay objects.


  • class description

    Basic ceramic methods such as coiling, slab and pinch pot construction, along with a ceramic vocabulary, will be explored as students design and create effective artworks.  Becoming familiar with ceramic concepts leads us on our journey into clay.

    • Slip: watery clay mixture used as “glue” and texture 
    • Score: the act of creating a rough edge/texture to connect, close, or attach clay with slip  
    • Wedge: the act of preparing clay to reduce air bubbles and soften 
    • Slab: flatten and spread clay from a lump to an equal and even slice 
    • Coil: the fundamental act of rolling clay to use to build/create 
 

    The sculpting of cups, bowls, containers, and other simple objects will be demonstrated. These techniques are easily adapted to organic or inventive sculptural forms of your design. Surface design and simple glaze techniques will be used to finish pieces. Individual guidance and support will be provided to make it fun!


    Students purchase Clay #25 from NISDA.

enroll online
July 30, 2026
2 Day Handbuilding Workshop
August 8 + 9
10 am-12:30 pm
Registration Open
July 30, 2026
2 Day Workshop
August 4 + 6
Ages 9–14
July 28, 2026
1 Day Workshop
August 1
10 am-2 pm
Registration Open
July 27, 2026
Textile and Fiber Arts at the Heifer Barn
August 4–27
Tuesday + Thursday 4–6:30 pm
July 27, 2026
Free and Open to the Community!
August 4, 6, 11 + 13
Tuesday + Thursday 1–3 pm
July 27, 2026
2 Day Workshop at the Heifer Barn!
August 10 + 14
Registration Open
July 27, 2026
1 Day Workshop at the Heifer Barn!
Friday August 7 | 1–3:30 pm
RegistratIon Open
July 27, 2026
POTTER'S WHEEL All Skill Levels Adult 18+ (Teens are invited to register) Dates + Times: August 4, 6,11, 13, 18, 20, 25, 27 Tuesday and Thursday | 6–8:30 pm Instructor: Helen Mills (read bio) Tuition: $650 (+ Clay #25/$65 includes glazes and firing) No prior experience needed. All are welcome. We are able to adapt techniques to fit ever body of any age or skill level. Learn or expand your knowledge on the clay process as we explore techniques of wedging, throwing, trimming, and glazing. This will be a flexible class with a combination of group demonstration and personalized instruction. As these basic forms and techniques become second nature, you will be able to make more complex forms with confidence and curiosity. The final week will be dedicated to surface treatments and a variety of glazing strategies. Students purchase clay from NISDA. #25 bag for $65 which includes the cost of glaze and firing. Students with a basic knowledge of centering, trimming, etc. will expand their repertoire of forms. Demonstrations will include throwing of vase shapes, plates, lidded forms.. There will be an additional emphasis on developing a personal aesthetic and exploring surface design.
July 26, 2026
1 Day Workshop at the Heifer Barn
August 5 | 1–3:30 pm
Registration Open
Show More