Glaze Alchemy 101

Explore the science and art of ceramic glazes in our Glaze Alchemy 101 class. This hands-on course teaches you how to mix and modify glazes expertly. Each class covers the very basics of glaze chemistry to help demystify the glaze room and recipes. You’ll start by making your own test tiles, followed by experimenting with ingredient variations and advanced blending techniques. Discover how different materials affect glaze outcomes through line and triaxial blends. 

The course culminates in a collaborative session where you'll share your findings and learn from the results of others. Ideal for anyone interested in deepening their understanding of ceramic materials and expanding their creative expression. At the end of the session we will hold a potluck and discussion of all our findings!

In this particular class, we will be selecting a limited edition glaze to introduce to the studio as a result of our class collaborative efforts! Is there a color you think our glaze room is lacking? Help contribute to the palette! 

This is an Intermediate Level class. Prior clay experience is highly recommended.

There will be 6 classes of instruction in the studio over the 10-week quarter. Every other class will be used to focus on making test tiles and working on our experiments with guidance from the instructor.

Learn more about instructor Ryana Lawson.

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.
• Personal half shelf for storage of tools, clay, and in process work

What to bring:

• A good attitude and a mind open to learning.
• An apron or clothes that can get dirty.
• A notebook or sketchbook.

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!