New & Noteworthy Classes
Whether or not you’re new to Groundworks, we’ve got something new for you!
Every session we’ll be highlighting our new programs and calling out some fan favorites that are making a comeback to the schedule.
Check out our new and exciting offerings below!
Session 3 Registration
All classes will be available for registration March 30 at 8:00am.
You can view specific class information and descriptions by following the class link in the drop down menus. You can also view the entire Session 3 Catalog here.
Please review our standard refund policy before registering.
We offer scholarships!
You can apply and receive up to two scholarships annually for 50% off the cost of a class. Pay What You Can classes do not qualify (but you can save even more by signing up for one).
Please fill out a scholarship application.
New Clay Classes
Functional Hand-Building
8-Week Level II Hand-building
For students of all levels who want to focus on taking their hand-building techniques to the next level.
This class will explore hand-building techniques and tips to create and decorate functional wares. While function will be the focus of demos, sculptors are also encouraged to take this class where the methods can be used on any hand-built form.
Thursdays 9:00-11:30am
Dates: April 30 - June 18
Instructor: John Minkler
Location: Hill (1010 Aurora Ave)
Cost: $300
Ages: 16+
Raku
8-Week Level II Wheel & Hand-building
This class is designed for anyone who wants to learn about the exciting process of raku-fired ceramics. You will need some previous experience in either wheel throwing or hand-building. Whether you are new to raku or want to continue your learning this class is for you. With a 500 year old history originating in Japan, this is an exciting, dynamic process involving hands-on manipulation of fire and smoke after taking pieces, glowing red hot, directly out of the kiln. Participants will learn about special raku glazes and alternative surface treatments. Raku generally has a more organic aesthetic, as glazes are not functional or food safe.
Saturdays 9:00-11:30am
Dates: May 2 - June 20
Instructor: Pete Wysong
Location: Main (3750 Canfield St)
Cost: $335
Ages: 16+
Soda-Fired Jewelry
4-week All level Hand-building
Love the look of ceramic jewelry? Join us for this specialty soda-fired jewelry class. Students will learn different techniques to make one-of-a-kind jewelry you can't find anywhere else. The last week of class, students will help load the Soda kiln and see how the atmospheric firing gives their pieces a truely unique finish.
Students will be limited to making jewelry sized pieces. If you want to make larger pieces for the soda firing, please take our Soda Fire class instead.
Thursdays 6:30-9:00pm
Dates: April 30 - May 21
Instructor: Ella Mernyk
Location: Main (3750 Canfield St)
Cost: $140
Ages: 16+
Session 3A
Thursdays 6:30-9:00pm
Dates: May 28 - June 18
Instructor: Ella Mernyk
Location: Main (3750 Canfield St)
Cost: $140
Ages: 16+
Session 3B
Soda Fire
8-Week Level II Wheel
In this Level II class students will learn about the magic of soda firing. This is the process of creating a special kiln environment which involves introducing soda ash into the kiln to make an atmosphere that will add glaze to the pieces. Since larger forms tend to warp in the soda kiln, this class will focus on creating smaller to medium sized pieces that have a better chance for survival. No large plates or bowls will be allowed in the firing due to their higher fail rate and the need to prioritize kiln space for smaller pieces. Larger pieces can still be fired in the normal cone 6 reduction kilns. Special attention will be paid to the process of atmospheric firing and how to plan accordingly throughout the class.
The firings throughout this class will be ^10 soda firings.
Thursdays 7:00-9:30pm
Dates: April 30 - June 18
Instructor: Sam Watkins
Location: Main (3750 Canfield St)
Cost: $335
Ages: 16+
New Print, Wood, Metal, and Glass Classes
4-week Level I intaglio printmaking
Copper Etching
We're making "etch" happen! Copper etching is an intaglio (incising a plate) technique that typically requires harsh chemicals and acids. But at Groundworks, we're all about bucking tradition and trying new methods and are excited to offer an acid-free alternative.
Join us for a captivating 4-week printmaking class, where creativity and craftsmanship intertwine! Perfect for curious printmakers, this class offers a hands-on exploration of our chemical-free etching technique, engage with tools and materials, and design and print a copper plate.
Thursdays 6:00-8:30pm
Dates: May 28 - June 18
Instructor: Aaron Winston
Location: Main (3750 Canfield St)
Cost: $250
Ages: 16+
Session 3B
8-Week Level I All Metal Studio
Intro to Metalworking
The 8-week Metalworking class is geared around developing and growing the skills learned during the 4-week sampler. This class is the perfect next step to learn more complex assemblies of metal objects using techniques of welding sheet, forming, forging and torch cutting. In this class, students will learn new skills such as introductory heat treating of tool steels to make tools, riveting to assemble multiple sheet components, and more advanced layout skills.
If you’ve already taken one of our Samplers, this class is the next up if you’re looking to grow your knowledge of metal working techniques and to experience a more complex project.
Thursdays 6:00-8:30pm
Dates: April 30 - June 18
Instructor: Stuart Shirley
Location: Main (3750 Canfield St)
Cost: $720
Ages: 16+
Intro to Woodturning: Turning a Pen
1-Day Woodturning intensive
Create a custom, handcrafted writing instrument while learning the fundamentals of woodturning. This beginner-friendly, one-day class introduces students to the wood lathe through the rewarding process of pen turning.
Students will learn: lathe safety and tool handling, preparing and drilling pen blanks, mounting and turning between bushings, sanding, polishing, and applying a friction finish, and assembling the pen hardware
You’ll leave with a beautifully finished pen and a solid understanding of basic woodturning techniques. This class is perfect for newcomers or anyone interested in a practical, gift-worthy project.
Saturday 9:00am-3:00pm
Dates: May 2
Instructor: Noah Dukler
Location: Main (3750 Canfield St)
Cost: $275
Ages: 16+
Solid to Liquid and Back Again
1-Day Flameworking Intensive
Participants will learn how to utilize tools for flame sculpting borosilicate. Students will begin with glass rods and form them into leaves and hearts. This process will introduce beginners how to evenly rotate glass and guide it into shapes utilizing heat from a bench torch. Well run through the steps for turning on your equipment, achieving the right flame chemistry for what you’re doing, and how to use gravity, heat, and timing all to your advantage when creating an object.
This class has no prerequisites and is specifically set up for absolute beginners to this art form.
Sunday 1:00-4:00pm
Dates: May 3
Instructor: Tim Farrell
Location: Main (3750 Canfield St)
Cost: $175
Ages: 16+
Crossover Clay Classes
Garden Totems
+
8-Week Clay & Metal Crossover
“Totem” stems from the Algonquian meaning “kinship group”. Kinship between the earth (materials- clay and metal) and with one another. In this unique class you will be designing and creating your own totem. These stacked forms will consist of clay and metal forms.
This class will spend 8 weeks moving between the Metal and Clay Studios, first forming the base and then hand-building clay and blacksmithing metal beads of all shapes and sizes including spacers and totem toppers (birdhouse, birdbath, animal or other forms). This class is beginner-friendly for metal, but some clay hand-building experience is recommended.
Wednesdays 6:00-8:30pm
Dates: April 29 - June 17
Instructor: Molly Hoverstock (Clay) & Sresht Rengesh (Metal)
Location: Main (3750 Canfield St)
Cost: $355
Ages: 16+
Curious about what else we offer?
See the whole course catalog for each studio by clicking on the icon below.
