Keep Calm and Clay On: Beginning Wheel Throwing

This class is aimed at beginners looking to explore the creative and meditative process of transforming weathered rocks (clay and minerals) back to beautifully shaped stone on the potter’s wheel. Over the course of nine weeks, you will learn the basic techniques of working on the wheel, such as wedging clay, centering on the wheel, pulling the walls, shaping, trimming, and glazing. Students will learn how to form basic vessel shapes starting from cylinders and cups, to more complex forms like bowls, plates, and vases. Each week, I’ll begin with about 30 min of instructional demos, and then work with you one-on-one as you hone your skills on the wheel. No prior clay experience is necessary or assumed; however, if you have some, I will meet you wherever you’re at, and help you with the techniques that best enable your individual expression in clay. 

By the end of the eight weeks, you should have a few finished pieces to take home that will undoubtedly bring you joy, while also having learnt to let go of the attachment to ones that did not survive.

Note: This is an 8-week class. There will be no class on 10/14/24 and 11/11/24 due to the federal holidays.

This is a Beginner Level Class. No prior clay experience is necessary.

Learn more about instructor Palash Bharadwaj.

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.
• 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!