X 2026-P01/02 - Basic Wheel with Mike Graham - Mondays

Basic Wheel with Mike Graham

Mondays, January 5th - February 23rd, 9:30am – 12:30pm

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. **

All classes include a 15-visit punch card for Open Studio time for students to work on projects between classes. Open Studio access ends 10 weeks from the date of the first class.

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