Description

This specialized 6-week course for middle and high school homeschoolers is designed to transform you from a complete beginner into a confident wheel-thrower. Over six sessions, we will dive deep into the fundamentals of the potter’s wheel, mastering the core techniques: wedging, centering, opening, and, most importantly, pulling a successful cylinder. We believe that true mastery comes from repetition and focus; the cylinder is the building block for almost every form in wheel-thrown pottery, from mugs and bowls to vases and jars. To deepen your understanding of the medium, we'll also include a fascinating primer on the science of ceramics—exploring how minerals transform through the firing process—and trace the rich history of pottery from ancient cultures to the modern studio. This class is structured for serious skill-building in a fun, focused environment. By the end of our journey, you will not only be able to throw a balanced cylinder consistently, but you'll also learn essential trimming and finishing techniques. We provide all the clay, tools, and personalized instruction you need to achieve this key milestone. Prepare for a uniquely engaging, hands-on experience that will build real craft skills, increase focus, and leave you with beautiful, finished ceramic pieces to take home. Join us and discover the satisfying challenge of shaping soft clay into perfect form! 

MATERIALS LIST

Students should wear clothes they don’t mind getting dirty. Aprons and all throwing supplies will be provided by the BCA. Students should bring a hand towel of their own to wipe their hands while working on the wheel. 

INSTRUCTOR BIO

Olivia first discovered the transformative joy of pottery in 2024, and it quickly blossomed from a casual interest into a profound passion. The immediate connection she felt to the earth-based medium and the process of creation was captivating, leading her to fall deeply in love with the art form. This passion now drives her studio practice, where she spends countless hours refining her skills. Her primary focus is on throwing functional pottery, creating pieces like mugs, bowls, and plates designed to be used and cherished every day. While the wheel is her main tool, Olivia also greatly enjoys the tactile freedom of hand building and occasionally crafts a unique, decorative piece that serves purely as art. She is fortunate to be able to share her creations with others by selling her finished work both through her online store and at various local markets. One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been teaching several pottery classes at the Bower Center, an experience she truly enjoys. What makes pottery so special to Olivia is the deep connection it gives us to the people who came before us, linking her to a craft thousands of years old, as well as its inherent sustainability. Working with simple, natural materials like clay allows her to create beautiful, lasting objects that celebrate both history and our environment.

CANCELLATION POLICY

• Cancellations made 1 week or more in advance of the class date will receive a 100% refund. Cancellations made within 3 - 6 days will receive a 50% refund. Cancellations made within 48 hours to the class will not be refunded.
  • Students will have the option to transfer registration to another class in place of receiving a refund.
  • Special consideration will be given to cancellations due to health-related issues and family emergencies.
• If you plan miss a session of class, please inform your instructor, or email our Program Coordinator, Lauren Hood, at L.hood@bowercenter.org
  • There will be no refunds or discounts given for missed classes.