Skill Levels and Course Definitions

SKILL LEVELS

To help you choose the offerings that are right for you, we rank each class, shortstack and workshop with a skill level that is expected of those who enroll.

Beginner offerings are designed for folks who have never worked with clay before, or who want a refresher of the basics. Instructors will assume that participants have no clay knowledge.

All Levels offerings will cover the basics and so are accessible to beginners, however, they will focus on a more specific topic or skillset and provide more challenging opportunities for intermediate participants.

Next-Level offerings are aimed at those who have taken a beginner course, yet don't feel ready to jump into an intermediate or advanced class. These are designed to hone and strengthen the basic skillsets and push students to go a little further in their practice.

Intermediate offerings are for experienced practitioners who have a firm grasp of the basics of clay and can keep up in a class that is more fast-paced. Students should expect challenges and the development of specific skillsets.

Advanced offerings assume a high level of proficiency and are designed to challenge students to reach new levels in their knowledge and handling of clay.

 

COURSE DEFINITIONS

The education offerings at Pottery Northwest are broken down into three main categories: classes, shortstacks and workshops.

Classes run from between 8 and 10 weeks and provide an overarching subject that can be learned and explored steadily throughout the course. Every person enrolled in a Pottery Northwest class is also permitted to attend open studio access to work on their projects seven days a week from 10AM to 9PM for the duration of the quarter.

Shortstacks run from between 4 to 6 weeks and provide a more accessible offering both in terms of time dedication and in cost. Shortstacks are quicker in pace and provide either a basic knowledge course or a specialized skillset course that can be accommodated in the shorter time frame. Shortstack participants may attend open studio access to work on their projects seven days a week from 10AM to 9PM for the duration of their shortstack.

Hybrid Shortstacks are classes that have 5 to 6 weeks of instruction and then allow for the participating students to remain in the studio for studio access for the duration of the quarter. This allows them to finish up their projects and work a little more independently using the skills they learned in the shortstack.

Workshops are one or two session offerings that cover a very specific subject or skillset. Clay Nights are workshops geared to introduce participants to the experience of clay. Basic product workshops such as mug making or trinket box building are accessible to all levels and designed so that participants finish the workshop with an item they can fire and keep. Intermediate and advanced workshops are geared towards experienced ceramicists who want to learn a special skill.

Demos are usually 1-2 hour sessions wherein participants receive a tutorial on a specific technique. Generally it is just informational, and attendees will not be actually making any work.