Beginner Wheel Throwing - Sunday AM

This 6-week class is an engaging and educational course designed to introduce beginners to the art of throwing on a wheel. Participants will learn the basics of wedging, centering, pulling a wall and trimming, as well as diving further into the creation of functional projects such as cups, bowls and small vessels. All students will be given an introduction to surface design, decoration and glazing to finish each of their projects with their own unique, creative voices. Instruction will additionally cover essential studio practices, including reclaiming clay, maintaining a clean workspace, and following safety guidelines.

Most classes begin with a demonstration of the technique to be learned that day, followed by class work time and individual guidance by the instructor as time allows. The final class will be dedicated to a fun gathering and potluck where students will discuss their works with each other and the instructor and exchange ideas on their work and what they learned.

This is a Beginner-Level class. Prior clay experience is necessary.

Learn more about instructor Alison Grimm here.

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

What’s Included:

• 1 bag of clay (pick up on the first day of class).
• Access to our studio during open studio hours to work on projects between classes (daily from 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM).
• A personal half-shelf for storing tools, clay, and in-progress work.

What to Bring:

• Basic Pottery Toolkit (should include a cut off wire, wooden knife, wooden rib, metal rib, needle tool, sponge, trimming loop tool and double-ended ribbon tool.)
• Apron or clothes that can get dirty are recommended.

Pottery Northwest has communal tools available for everyone’s use if you cannot afford to buy your own tool kit. Personal tool kits and additional clay can be purchased at the online student store.

Please Note:

• WE HAVE MOVED STUIO LOCATIONS. Our new address is 2250 7th Ave, Seattle, WA 98121
• Regardless of your prior class history at PNW, it is mandatory to attend the first week's orientation since we are all in a new space together.
• Due to our relocation and time of the year, this quarter will consist of all 6-week classes instead of the normal 10-weeks. We will begin with our regular cycle of 10-week classes in January of 2027.
• THERE WILL BE NO CLASSES FROM NOVEMBER 23 - 29. Classes will resume on Monday November 30th
• Free Parking in the parking garage located at the entrance on 8th avenue. No validation required weekdays after 4pm and none required at all on weekends.