X 2026-P01/02 - Beginner Wheel with Beth Ann Scott

Beginner Wheel with Beth Ann Scott

Thursdays, January 8th - February 26th, 1:00pm - 4:00pm

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

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)
• Apron or smock as well as small notebook for notes and tracking kiln pieces.

Included with Registration

• One 25-lb block of clay ***Note: if you are new to pottery, please choose white clay only. ***
• Supervised access to glazes and firings
• Use of studio tools and equipment

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.

Class Schedule

• Week 1: Studio orientation and safety; Wedging clay & Wheel demonstration: centering, pulling walls, and forming cylinders
• Week 2: Wheel demonstration; Continue practicing cylinders; Goal: create cylinders 5–8 inches tall/mug forms
• Week 3: Trimming demonstration; Bowl-making demonstration; Trim leather hard pieces and practice throwing bowls and cylinders; how to prepare work for bisque firing
• Week 4: Handle demonstration; Practice attaching handles to mugs and trimming forms
• Week 5: Glazing demonstration; Continue working on previous forms
• Week 6: Open workday; Continue bowls and mugs, focus on refining forms; Surface decoration and altering
• Week 7: Open workday; 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