YOUTH CLAY

Intro to Handbuilding and the Wheel
Ages 9–14


Dates + Times:

Option #1:
August 3–26 // 4 weeks
Mondays + Wednesdays 9:30 am–12 pm


Option. #2:
August 4–27 // 4 weeks
Tuesdays + Thursdays 1–3:30 pm


Tuition for 4 weeks: 

$600


Instructor: 
Helen Mills (read bio)


This workshop will introduce students to both handbuilding techniques and primary skills on the potter’s wheel. Individual attention, as well as class demonstrations will introduce us to clay as the dynamic and versatile material that it is… and everybody loves it! 


Using hand building techniques such as pinch pots, coil construction, and slabs, as well as the potter’s wheel, we will build both classic ceramic forms such as vessels, tiles and plaques, and create inventive sculptural forms from their own imaginations. 


Students can look to nature for inspiration, as well as look to traditional ceramics for ideas. Whether a student is interested in everyday objects such as mugs and bowls, or creating fantastical sculptures, they will acquire elementary skills… and have a great time! No previous experience is required.
 

All materials are provided by 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