2025-P08/09 - Beginner Wheel Throwing with Perry Kesting - Wednesdays

Beginner Wheel Throwing with Perry Kesting

Wednesdays, August 20th - October 8th, 12:30pm – 3:30pm (8 week class)

Ages: 18-99

Course Overview

Welcome to Beginner Pottery on the Wheel! This hands-on class is designed to introduce you to the fundamentals of wheel-thrown pottery in a supportive and creative environment. Whether this is your first time working with clay or you’re looking to strengthen your skills, you’ll learn foundational techniques while creating your own mugs, bowls, and more.

Objectives

• Understand the basics of clay preparation and wheel throwing
• Learn how to center, pull, trim, and finish wheel-thrown forms
• Gain an introduction to glazing and the kiln firing process
• Complete simple functional forms such as cups, mugs, and bowls

Included with Registration

• One 25-lb block of clay
• Access to glazes and firings
• Use of studio tools and equipment
• 40 hours of Open Studio time to practice outside of class hours
• Please note: your shelf must be cleared by the last day of class unless you’re enrolled in the next session.

What to Bring

• Basic pottery tool kit (optional, recommended kit is Kemper brand "Original Pottery Tool Kit” and can be found on Amazon, if you do not wish to purchase you may use studio provided and shared tools)
• Hand towel
• Apron or smock
• Small notebook for notes and tracking kiln pieces

Class Schedule

• Week 1: Studio orientation and safety; Wheel demonstration: centering, pulling walls, and forming cylinders
• Week 2: Continue practicing cylinders; Goal: create cylinders 5–8 inches tall
• Week 3: Glazing demonstration; Continue cylinder practice
• Week 4: Bowl-making demonstration; Trimming demonstration
• Week 5: Handle demonstration; Practice attaching handles to mugs and trimming forms
• Week 6: Open work day; Continue bowls and mugs, focus on refining forms; Surface decoration and altering
• Week 7: Open work day; Optional demonstrations by request; Finalize forms for glazing and firing
• Week 8: Final class session; Finish and glaze pieces; Clear shelves and class reflection

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