Centered & Grounded: Beginning Wheel Throwing

Whether you're touching clay for the first time or refining your skills, this class will guide you through the fundamentals of wheel throwing. We’ll start with the basics—wedging and centering—then move into shaping cylinders, bowls, and mugs. As we progress, students will develop a deeper understanding of form, function, and surface design.

I believe in teaching through hands-on exploration. While you'll receive structured instruction, I encourage personal expression and curiosity. My goal is to help you create functional pieces that not only serve a purpose but also bring a sense of connection and delight to daily life.

We’ll also cover sustainable studio practices, including clay reclamation techniques and mindful material use. By the end of this course, you’ll leave with a solid foundation in wheel throwing, studio safety, and at least three finished pieces of your own. 

This is a Beginner Level Class. No prior Clay experience is necessary. Together, we’ve got this!

Learn more about instructor Ryan McDonald.

We believe clay is for everyone! Need tuition assistance? Please visit our tuition assistance page for more information.

What’s included:

• Access to use our studio during open studio hours every day for the duration of the quarter from 10AM to 9PM.
• 1 bag of clay (pick-up first day of class)
• Personal half shelf for storage of tools, clay, and in process work

What to bring:

• A good attitude and a mind open to learning.
• A basic pottery tool kit. (This should include a cut off wire, wooden knife, wooden rib, metal rib, needle tool, sponge, trimming loop tool and double-ended ribbon tool.)
• An apron or clothes that can get dirty.

Pottery NW has communal tools available. Personal toolkits, bat pins & additional clay can be purchased at the online student store. All items purchased from the store need to be picked up onsite.

Please Note:

• If you are new to the Pottery NW studio, or if you have not attended orientation as of summer 2023 quarter, you must attend the first class to receive the mandatory studio orientation. New students who do not attend the first day will be dropped from the class without a refund of the class fee. On the first day of class, late arrivals beyond 15 minutes after the class start time will not be permitted to join. Returning students should still attend the first day of class as the instructor will not be able to reteach missed lessons and demos to absent students in the proceeding classes.

 • We are in Pioneer Square, so please plan ahead so that you have enough time to park. You don’t want to miss anything!