The Beginning Wheel 2 class is an intermediate pottery course designed for students who have successfully completed one or more beginner pottery courses and feel confident and competent working with one to two pounds of clay on the wheel. Before enrolling, you should have developed foundational knowledge of essential techniques, including wedging clay properly, centering on the wheel, and throwing a basic cylinder form. All pieces created in this course will be fired to Cone 10, which produces durable, fully vitrified ware.
This course systematically builds upon and refines your existing techniques while introducing additional finishing methods and sophisticated approaches to elevate your throwing skills to the next level. The four-week progression is carefully structured as follows, with each session building on previous learning:
First Session: Focus on centering techniques and creating simple forms such as cylinders on the wheel.
Second Session: Learn how to trim pieces from the first session while continuing to throw additional pieces and expand your form repertoire.
Third Session: Develop additional throwing and trimming techniques. Please note that this is the final session during which you may throw new pieces; any work thrown after this point will not be fired.
Fourth Session: Master glazing techniques and apply finishes to your bisque-fired pieces. All pieces should be ready to glaze by this session.
Important Course Requirements and Guidelines:
Clay is not included in your course fee and must be purchased separately before your first class. Non-members are personally responsible for taking their clay home at the end of each session. The studio is not responsible for tools, clay, or other materials left behind after class concludes.
- You must be 18 or older to enroll independently. Participants ages 14 through 17 may enroll with an accompanying adult member or student.
- Arrive 10 to 15 minutes early to set up
- Wear casual, comfortable clothes and shoes that can tolerate clay; while clay washes out of most fabrics, glazes and other studio materials may not
- Bring an apron and a towel if you have them
- Keep fingernails trimmed, as long nails make wheel work and clay shaping more difficult and reduce your ability to work effectively
- Remove jewelry, including rings, watches, and bracelets, as these will interfere with your work at the wheel
- If you have long hair, bring an elastic or hair tie and wear it up during class to prevent accidents while working with the wheel
