X 2025-P03/04 - Basic Wheel with Mike Graham - Mondays

Mondays, March 17th - May 5th, 9:30am – 12:30pm (8 classes)

Ages: 18 - 99
Skill Level: Beginner and those with some experience

Virginia Beach Art Center - Pottery Studio

Mike Graham will teach you the basics of handling clay and how to throw on the wheel. The class is taught with demonstrations and hands-on instruction. Students will learn how to center the clay, pull, trim and finish pieces. Then they will learn the essence of glazing and firing.

Week 1:

Clay centering, opening, and throwing a small bowl. I recommend watching how to videos before class.

Week 2:

Trimming your work from week 1.

Week 3:

Sand and prepare work for the bisque fire. Put on low fire shelf.

Week 4:

Dip glazing, wax resist use, and discussion of other decorative techniques

Week 5:

Plate throwing

Week 6:

Plate trimming. Wedging techniques

Week 7:

Pour glazing

Week 8:

Whatever is desired or needed. Throwing tall if possible.

**It is important that all students attend weeks 1, 2 and 4. These are intensive, basic skills that must be mastered to succeed on the wheel. **

Class includes 40-hours of Open Studio time for students to work on their projects outside of class. Open Studio access ends 2 weeks after the class ends unless student is signed up for another session.

Shelf must be cleared the last day of class unless student is signed up for another session.

Supplies included:

25-pound block of Clay, glazes and firing, use of studio tools and equipment

Supplies the student should bring:

Basic pottery tool kit (optional), hand towel, apron or smock, small notebook for notes and tracking pieces in the kiln

Contact pottery@artcentervb.org for questions about the class.

Supporter Tuition - Immediately qualify for Supporter Tuition with an annual donation of $50 or more.

Refund Policy: https://www.artcentervb.org/classpolicies.html