6 Week Ceramic Course
Come play with clay! This is a relaxed, hands on series for adults and teens ages 13+. No experience required – just come ready to make things, learn something new and have an over all lovely evening.
A Little Messy. Very Satisfying.
This six-session ceramics studio is designed to be creative, approachable, and fun. We’ll spend our evenings learning hand-building techniques, experimenting with form and surface, glazing our work, and making pieces that are uniquely yours.
A six week session allows clay to firm in between and makes it far more exciting to work with. If you’ve only experienced one day sessions in the past, this will be a huge upgrade!
What to Expect
You do not need to be an artist or have any previous ceramics experience. This is a place to learn, experiment, ask questions, and enjoy making something with your hands.
Instructed Classes: New to ceramics, or just like having direction? Join demonstrations, try suggested projects, learn new techniques, and get plenty of individual help along the way.
Independent Work: Already comfortable working with clay? Bring your own ideas and work at your own pace. You’ll have access to the same tools, materials, glazes, firing, and help whenever you need it.
Not sure? If you’re somewhere in between that’s ok too! Keep an eye on the demos while pursuing your own projects. Or hop into a demo and follow along.
Class Details
| Dates/Times | 10/9, 10/16, 10/23, 11/6, 11/13, 11/20 5:30pm – 7:30pm |
| Where | Julian Union High School/Art Room |
| Tuition | $325 Current JUHS Students – FREE Non-JUHS Teens (13-17) – $40 with paid adult registration* |
| Ages | 13+ |
What’s included?
- Six ceramics sessions
- 25 pounds of clay
- Storage of work in between classes
- Glazes and use of studio tools
- Bisque and glaze firing
- Instruction, demonstrations, and lots of help along the way
Additional clay will also be available for purchase if you discover that you have suddenly become a person who needs to make all the things.
Teens are welcome!
Currently enrolled Julian Union High School students may participate free of charge.
Non-JUHS teens ages 13–17 may participate for a $40 materials fee when registered with a paid adult.
A parent or guardian will need to complete the required registration information for participants under age 18.
The practical stuff
This is a small class, so each registration matters. These policies help me keep the class affordable, prepare enough materials, and avoid turning into a tiny ceramics customer-service department. 🙂
Registration
Your place in the class is reserved once registration and payment are received. Registration is for the full class series rather than individual class dates.
Cancellations & Refunds
- 7 or more days before the first class: Full refund.
- 7 days to 48 hours before the first class: 50% refund.
- Less than 48 hours before the first class: No refund.
- After the class series begins: No refunds.
- No-shows: Registration fee is forfeited.
Cancellation notice must be received in order to qualify for a refund. Refund eligibility is based on when notice is received.
Registration fees are not transferable to future classes or workshops and may not be held as class credit.
If I need to cancel the entire class series, paid registrations will receive a full refund.
Missed Classes & Makeup Session
Refunds are not available for individual missed classes.
I will offer one makeup opportunity at my home ceramics studio in Julian for participants who need to miss a class. The makeup date will be arranged based on availability and may not duplicate the exact lesson from the missed class.
Additional missed classes cannot be guaranteed a makeup session.
Classroom & Studio Care
We’re lucky to have a shared ceramics space to work in, so please help leave the studio ready for the next class.
Everyone is responsible for cleaning their own workspace, washing and returning tools, and putting away materials before leaving. Please plan for the last 10–15 minutes of each session to be cleanup time.
Clay should stay in designated work areas, and tools, glazes, equipment, and classroom supplies should be used with care and returned to their proper places. Please do not use materials or equipment that have not been designated for the ceramics class.
A clean studio is a happy studio — and it means we get to keep coming back and making things!
High School Students
High school students participating through the free student option are asked to register only if they genuinely intend to attend.
If you know you will miss a class, please let me know. There is no fee to forfeit, but advance notice helps enormously when planning materials, workspace, and instruction.
A Note About Ceramics
Ceramics involves a little bit of magic and a little bit of chaos. Pieces can occasionally crack, warp, break, change color, or behave unexpectedly during drying and firing.
Every reasonable effort will be made to care for your work, but specific firing or glazing results cannot be guaranteed. Work damaged as part of the normal ceramics and firing process cannot be replaced or refunded.
Frequently Asked Questions
I’ve never touched clay before. Is that okay?
Absolutely. Beginners are very welcome. Join the guided demonstrations, try suggested projects, and ask as many questions as you need along the way.
What’s the difference between Instructed Classes and Independent Work?
They’re not separate classes — they’re just different ways to use the same studio time. Guided participants can follow demonstrations and suggested projects, while independent participants can focus more on their own ideas. You’re welcome to move between the two depending on what you’re working on. When I am instructing I expect independent students to work independently and ask questions later.
Do I need to bring anything?
Just yourself! Wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little dirty. Clay generally washes out easily, but this probably isn’t the evening for your Dior silk dress.
Is this a wheel-throwing class?
This is a hand-building class, so no wheel throwing. Hand building is incredibly versatile, and we’ll learn the basic techniques that open up all kinds of creative possibilities. Keep an eye out for future wheel throwing opportunities.
Can I miss a class?
Yes. Life happens. There are no refunds for individual missed classes, but one makeup opportunity will be offered at my home ceramics studio.
Can I take my pottery home that night?
Not quite! Ceramic pieces need to dry completely and then go through multiple kiln firings. You’ll take finished work home once the firing process is complete.
Can my teenager participate with me?
Yes. The class is open to ages 13+. Teens who are not participating through Julian Union High School’s free student program may join a registered adult for an additional $40.
Are JUHS students really free?
Yep! Currently enrolled JUHS students may participate at no cost. Space is still limited, so please register only if you intend to attend.
What happens if my piece cracks in the kiln?
Occasionally ceramics has plans of its own. Cracking, warping, glaze variation, and other surprises are a normal part of working with clay. I’ll teach techniques that reduce those risks and take reasonable care of everyone’s work, but kiln results can’t be guaranteed.
I have another question.
Send me an email! I’m happy to help.
Ready to make something?
Come spend a few evenings slowing down, getting your hands in some clay, and seeing what happens.
Sonja Kodimer 