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Beginner’s Handbuilding

Discover our upcoming beginner’s handbuilding classes

Adults Ages 14+ | No Prerequisite Required

Build Up Your Skills

This beginner-level class is for students with little or no experience in handbuilding pottery. Students learn how to create beautiful forms using handbuilding techniques, including pinch pottery, coiling, and slab building.

Upcoming Beginning Handbuilding Classes

View Calendar
Upcoming Events Calendar

Beginning Handbuilding: Nat Lewis

September 6 - October 25, 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Ages:
14+,

Cost:
$360

Instructors:
Nat Lewis,

Venue:
Ceramics 2

If you’re ready to explore ceramics and learn hand-building techniques, this weekly class is for you.   You’ll discover how to craft beautiful pieces using pinch, […]
Learn more

Beginning Handbuilding: Nat Lewis

September 7 - October 26, 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Ages:
14+,

Cost:
$360

Instructors:
Nat Lewis,

Venue:
Ceramics 2

If you’re ready to explore ceramics and learn hand-building techniques, this weekly class is for you.   You’ll discover how to craft beautiful pieces using pinch, […]
Learn more

Beginning Handbuilding: Nat Lewis

September 8 - October 27, 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Ages:
14+,

Cost:
$450 (Sold Out)

Instructors:
Nat Lewis,

Venue:
Ceramics 2

If you’re ready to explore ceramics and learn hand-building techniques, this weekly class is for you.   You’ll discover how to craft beautiful pieces using pinch, […]
Learn more

Ceramic Sculpture: Bob Devers

September 9 - October 28, 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Ages:
14+,

Cost:
$450

Instructors:
Bob Devers,

Venue:
Ceramics 2

In this class, you’ll explore different ways to build clay sculptures and learn what makes a successful sculptural piece.   You’ll use traditional hand-building techniques like […]
Learn more

Advanced Beginner to Intermediate Handbuilding (Prerequisite Required): Xiaosheng Bi

September 10 - October 29, 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Ages:
14+,

Cost:
$450

Instructors:
Xiaosheng Bi,

Venue:
Ceramics 2

If you’ve got the basics down and you’re ready to level up your handbuilding, this class is for you.   We’ll explore slab construction techniques to […]
Learn more

Beginning Handbuilding: Nat Lewis

September 10 - October 29, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Ages:
14+,

Cost:
$360 (Sold Out)

Instructors:
Nat Lewis,

Venue:
Ceramics 2

If you’re ready to explore ceramics and learn hand-building techniques, this weekly class is for you.   You’ll discover how to craft beautiful pieces using pinch, […]
Learn more

Ceramic Sculpture: Bob Devers

September 11 - October 30, 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Ages:
14+,

Cost:
$450

Instructors:
Bob Devers,

Venue:
Ceramics 2

In this class, you’ll explore different ways to build clay sculptures and learn what makes a successful sculptural piece.   You’ll use traditional hand-building techniques like […]
Learn more

Accessible Arts: Handbuilding Ceramics

September 12 - November 7, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Ages:
14+,

Cost:
$152 (Sold Out)

Instructors:
Hiral Joshi,

Venue:
156 Gibbs

VisArts’ Accessible Arts classes offer inclusive instruction for students with disabilities, with curricula designed to support a wide range of needs.   Instructors provide personalized assistance […]
Learn more

Advanced Beginner to Intermediate Handbuilding (Prerequisite Required): Xiaosheng Bi

September 12 - October 31, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Ages:
14+,

Cost:
$360 (Sold Out)

Instructors:
Xiaosheng Bi,

Venue:
Ceramics 2

If you’ve got the basics down and you’re ready to level up your handbuilding, this class is for you.   We’ll explore slab construction techniques to […]
Learn more

Accessible Arts: Handbuilding Ceramics

September 15 - October 27, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Ages:
14+,

Cost:
$171

Instructors:
Anna Musselman,

Venue:
Classroom 4

VisArts’ Accessible Arts classes offer inclusive instruction for students with disabilities, with curricula designed to support a wide range of needs.   Instructors provide personalized assistance […]
Learn more

Craft + Conversation: British Pottery Revival Movement

October 25, 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
Ages:
14+,

Cost:
$5

Instructors:
Ann Hobart,

Venue:
Executive Conference Suite

Ann Hobart will share stories—and pots—from the leading figures of the British Pottery Revival Movement that surged after World War II. In the late 1940s, […]
Learn more

Beginning Handbuilding: Nat Lewis

November 1 - December 20, 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Ages:
14+,

Cost:
$315 (Sold Out)

Instructors:
Nat Lewis,

Venue:
Ceramics 2

If you’re ready to explore ceramics and learn hand-building techniques, this weekly class is for you.   You’ll discover how to craft beautiful pieces using pinch, […]
Learn more

Beginning Handbuilding: Nat Lewis

November 2 - December 21, 9:30 am - 11:30 am
Ages:
14+,

Cost:
$315

Instructors:
Nat Lewis,

Venue:
Ceramics 2

If you’re ready to explore ceramics and learn hand-building techniques, this weekly class is for you.   You’ll discover how to craft beautiful pieces using pinch, […]
Learn more

Beginning Handbuilding: Nat Lewis

November 3 - December 15, 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Ages:
14+,

Cost:
$393.75

Instructors:
Nat Lewis,

Venue:
Ceramics 2

If you’re ready to explore ceramics and learn hand-building techniques, this weekly class is for you.   You’ll discover how to craft beautiful pieces using pinch, […]
Learn more

Ceramic Sculpture: Bob Devers

November 4 - December 16, 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Ages:
14+,

Cost:
$393.75

Instructors:
Bob Devers,

Venue:
Ceramics 2

In this class, you’ll explore different ways to build clay sculptures and learn what makes a successful sculptural piece.   You’ll use traditional hand-building techniques like […]
Learn more

Advanced Beginner to Intermediate Handbuilding (Prerequisite Required): Xiaosheng Bi

November 5 - December 17, 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Ages:
14+,

Cost:
$337.50

Instructors:
Xiaosheng Bi,

Venue:
Ceramics 2

If you’ve got the basics down and you’re ready to level up your handbuilding, this class is for you.   We’ll explore slab construction techniques to […]
Learn more

Beginning Handbuilding: Nat Lewis

November 5 - December 17, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Ages:
14+,

Cost:
$270 (Sold Out)

Instructors:
Nat Lewis,

Venue:
Ceramics 2

If you’re ready to explore ceramics and learn hand-building techniques, this weekly class is for you.   You’ll discover how to craft beautiful pieces using pinch, […]
Learn more

Ceramic Sculpture: Bob Devers

November 6 - December 18, 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Ages:
14+,

Cost:
$337.50

Instructors:
Bob Devers,

Venue:
Ceramics 2

In this class, you’ll explore different ways to build clay sculptures and learn what makes a successful sculptural piece.   You’ll use traditional hand-building techniques like […]
Learn more

Advanced Beginner to Intermediate Handbuilding (Prerequisite Required): Xiaosheng Bi

November 7 - December 19, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Ages:
14+,

Cost:
$270 (Sold Out)

Instructors:
Xiaosheng Bi,

Venue:
Ceramics 2

If you’ve got the basics down and you’re ready to level up your handbuilding, this class is for you.   We’ll explore slab construction techniques to […]
Learn more

Golden Lusters and Overglaze Decals

November 9, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Ages:
14+,

Cost:
$65

Instructors:
Kim Swanner,

Venue:
Studio 100

This class is for both beginners and experienced ceramists! Learn how to use metallic gold lusters, luster decals, and overglaze decals in the 3 week workshop! […]
Learn more

Accessible Arts: Handbuilding Ceramics

November 10 - December 15, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Ages:
14+,

Cost:
$171

Instructors:
Hiral Joshi,

Venue:
Classroom 4

VisArts’ Accessible Arts classes offer inclusive instruction for students with disabilities, with curricula designed to support a wide range of needs.   Instructors provide personalized assistance […]
Learn more

Accessible Arts: Handbuilding Ceramics

November 14 - December 19, 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Ages:
14+,

Cost:
$95

Instructors:
Hiral Joshi,

Venue:
Classroom 4

VisArts’ Accessible Arts classes offer inclusive instruction for students with disabilities, with curricula designed to support a wide range of needs.   Instructors provide personalized assistance […]
Learn more

Golder Lusters and Overglaze Decals

December 14, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Ages:
14+,

Cost:
$65

Instructors:
Kim Swanner,

Venue:
Studio 100

This class is for both beginners and experienced ceramists! Learn how to use metallic gold lusters, luster decals, and overglaze decals in the 3 week workshop! […]
Learn more

Beginning Handbuilding: Nat Lewis

January 03, 2026 - February 21, 2026, 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Ages:
14+,

Cost:
$450

Instructors:
Nat Lewis,

Venue:
Ceramics 2

If you’re ready to explore ceramics and learn hand-building techniques, this weekly class is for you.   You’ll discover how to craft beautiful pieces using pinch, […]
Learn more

Beginning Handbuilding: Nat Lewis

January 04, 2026 - February 22, 2026, 9:30 am - 12:00 pm
Ages:
14+,

Cost:
$450

Instructors:
Nat Lewis,

Venue:
Ceramics 2

If you’re ready to explore ceramics and learn hand-building techniques, this weekly class is for you.   You’ll discover how to craft beautiful pieces using pinch, […]
Learn more

Accessible Arts: Handbuilding Ceramics

January 05, 2026 - February 09, 2026, 1:00 pm - 2:30 pm
Ages:
14+,

Cost:
$114

Instructors:
Anna Musselman,

Venue:
Classroom 4

VisArts’ Accessible Arts classes offer inclusive instruction for students with disabilities, with curricula designed to support a wide range of needs.   Instructors provide personalized assistance […]
Learn more

Beginning Handbuilding: Nat Lewis

January 05, 2026 - February 16, 2026, 6:30 pm - 9:00 pm
Ages:
14+,

Cost:
$393.75

Instructors:
Nat Lewis,

Venue:
Ceramics 2

If you’re ready to explore ceramics and learn hand-building techniques, this weekly class is for you.   You’ll discover how to craft beautiful pieces using pinch, […]
Learn more

Ceramic Sculpture: Bob Devers

January 06, 2026 - February 17, 2026, 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Ages:
14+,

Cost:
$393.75

Instructors:
Bob Devers,

Venue:
Ceramics 2

In this class, you’ll explore different ways to build clay sculptures and learn what makes a successful sculptural piece.   You’ll use traditional hand-building techniques like […]
Learn more

Wall Vases

January 06, 2026 - February 17, 2026, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Ages:
14+,

Cost:
$315

Instructors:
Bob Devers,

Venue:
Classroom 5

Explore forms of symmetry to create 3-5 vessels, objects, vases, and containers, which express their volumetric presence primarily through their silhouette profiles. These can be […]
Learn more

Advanced Beginner to Intermediate Handbuilding (Prerequisite Required): Xiaosheng Bi

January 07, 2026 - February 18, 2026, 12:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Ages:
14+,

Cost:
$393.75

Instructors:
Xiaosheng Bi,

Venue:
Ceramics 2

If you’ve got the basics down and you’re ready to level up your handbuilding, this class is for you.   We’ll explore slab construction techniques to […]
Learn more

Introduction to Cold Finishing

January 07, 2026 - January 28, 2026, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Ages:
14+,

Cost:
$180

Instructors:
Shana Kohnstamm,

Venue:
Classroom 1

This class is for anyone who loathes glazing (and maybe even for those who love it.) We will be using cold finishes to treat the […]
Learn more

Beginning Handbuilding: Nat Lewis

January 07, 2026 - February 18, 2026, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Ages:
14+,

Cost:
$315

Instructors:
Nat Lewis,

Venue:
Ceramics 2

If you’re ready to explore ceramics and learn hand-building techniques, this weekly class is for you.   You’ll discover how to craft beautiful pieces using pinch, […]
Learn more

Ceramic Sculpture: Bob Devers

January 08, 2026 - February 19, 2026, 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Ages:
14+,

Cost:
$393.75

Instructors:
Bob Devers,

Venue:
Ceramics 2

In this class, you’ll explore different ways to build clay sculptures and learn what makes a successful sculptural piece.   You’ll use traditional hand-building techniques like […]
Learn more

Introduction to Handbuilding

January 08, 2026 - February 19, 2026, 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Ages:
14+,

Cost:
$315

Instructors:
Bob Devers,

Venue:
Classroom 5

This course will provide a comprehensive introduction into the materials and methods essential to ceramic practice. Clay forming techniques in all areas of hollow construction […]
Learn more

Accessible Arts: Handbuilding Ceramics

January 09, 2026 - February 20, 2026, 3:00 pm - 4:30 pm
Ages:
14+,

Cost:
$199.50

Instructors:
Hiral Joshi,

Venue:
156 Gibbs

VisArts’ Accessible Arts classes offer inclusive instruction for students with disabilities, with curricula designed to support a wide range of needs.   Instructors provide personalized assistance […]
Learn more

Advanced Beginner to Intermediate Handbuilding (Prerequisite Required): Xiaosheng Bi

January 09, 2026 - February 20, 2026, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm
Ages:
14+,

Cost:
$315

Instructors:
Xiaosheng Bi,

Venue:
Ceramics 2

If you’ve got the basics down and you’re ready to level up your handbuilding, this class is for you.   We’ll explore slab construction techniques to […]
Learn more

Maiolica Glaze Painting on Tiles and Large Platters

March 21, 2026 - April 25, 2026, 10:00 am - 12:30 pm
Ages:
14+,

Cost:
$150

Instructors:
Bob Devers,

Venue:
Classroom 5

This workshop introduces students to the vibrant, colorful world of maiolica glaze painting—a centuries-old ceramics tradition that’s still full of fresh creative possibilities. You’ll explore […]
Learn more