Classes

  • Explore clay as an expressive medium in this 8 week sculptural handbuilding course.  Learn pinching, coiling and slab construction then combine techniques for complex three-dimensional forms.  Through hands on problem solving you'll discover how to build structurally sound sculptural pieces, trouble shoot common challenges like cracking and warping, and develop your own creative voice in clay.  The course culminates in a self-directed sculptural project with individualized guidance on design, scale and technical execution.

    Demonstrations, coaching, fun assignments and sketchbook reflection prompts are suitable for beginners, experienced hand builders and those returning to clay after time away.​

    $320 plus $50 for each bag of sculptural clay

    Winter 2026

    February 5 - March 26, Thursdays 7-9pm

    @ Wheelhouse Clay Center in Brattleboro VT

    email meg@md-ceramics.com to register

  • What is glaze? Is this food safe? What changes a glaze texture or color? What are the best ways to apply glaze? In this workshop you will learn the basics of what glaze is, how it works, how to apply it and how to start making adjustments to ready-mixed glazes. We will run three glaze experiments: layering glazes, combining ready-mixed glazes, and adjusting color. This class will offer you a few ways to play with your studio's glazes even if you don't have access to a glaze mixing lab.

    See below for tips on how to prepare for class.

    Spring 2026

    April 11, 18 & 25, 9a-12p

    @ Wheelhouse Clay Center in Brattleboro VT

    ​$250

    email meg@md-ceramics.com to register

  • Learn essential skills for creating pinched sculptural and functional forms. Students will learn strategies for each step of designing and building a complex pinched object: drawing and designing, pinching and joining, shaping and finishing. Students will watch demos, then practice skills with instructor guidance. Students will leave class with a new set of skills and 2-5 lbs. of clay. Some hands on clay experience is helpful, but all skills will be introduced from a beginner's perspective. ​

    Summer/Fall 2025

    TBA

    Wheelhouse Clay Center in Brattleboro VT

    $115

  • Critique is an essential part of an artist’s process. Join the Clay Critique to get kind and considered feedback on your work. Practice looking at others’ work with a critical eye. Learn language to offer feedback to others.

    Quarterly in 2024

    Second Saturdays in March, June, September, and December

    7-830p

    Wheelhouse Clay Center in Brattleboro, VT

    by donation

Tips for Exploring Glazes Students

  • Test Tiles

    Bring 25 bisque-fired test tiles.

    Test tiles come in all shapes and sizes. They can be hand-built, thrown, slab-rolled, or extruded. Here are some things to consider when designing your tiles:

    SHAPE. ​Choose a shape and style that matches your work. Design a test tile that shares some of the elements of your favorite wares: a favorite curve, a specific angle.

    CLAYBODY. Lighter claybodies will show qualities of a glaze more readily. But choose the claybody you work with most often.

    SURFACE. Include textures you usually work with. Also include some smooth flat surface to label your tile.

    FOOTPRINT. Your test tile needs to fit into a community kiln. Consider your tile's base width and height. Your tile should stand on it's own and not take up too much space.

    COOKIES. Design your test tiles with feet that will catch running glaze. Design a catch into the base of your test tile, or build cookies to place under the tile to protect the kiln shelf.

  • Containers

    Bring 15 deli containers with lids.

    16 oz containers are the easiest to manage. You can purchase these online, save them from your local takeout adventures, or ask at a local deli or restaurant. Bring more in sets of 5 if you'd like to do additional color run tests.

    Talenti ice cream containers are a great choice. Yogurt container lids do not make a tight enough seal

  • Mason Stains

    Bring a 1/4# bag of Mason Stain of any color.

    Purchase Mason stains at Sheffield Pottery. Avoid the Encapsulated and Ceramic Body stains. Any color will do. Prices vary. C

    Choosing colors can be overwhelming. Lighter colors will require more stain to produce heavily saturated colors. Remember that you can mix colors like paint pigment to make your own colors.