Classes

In this five week course we will explore surface decoration including mono printing, sgraffito, etching, stencil application, and inlaid coloured clay. We will discuss the elements of design, touch on colour theory and learn to make repeating patterns that can be applied to larger pieces. We will use coloured slips, underglaze, coloured clay, handmade stencils, plant material and many more found objects that can be used to texture and alter clay.

We will explore surface decoration with 6×6 test tiles and build a collection of reference tiles and then apply these new techniques to original work. Guidance with personal projects using the new techniques will be the main focus for the second half of the course.

Prior experience with clay is required, the KPG Intro class or equivalent. Please note that this class does not include throwing on the wheel or access to the studio outside of class time.

• 5 Week class
• All materials, glaze and firings are included
• No access to the KPG studio outside of class time

Handbuilding and Throwing

• 8 weeks of introductory pottery classes for adults
• No previous experience necessary
• All materials and firing included (clay, tools, glaze, firing)
• No access to the studio outside of class time
• No make-up classes

This introduction to pottery focuses first on handbuilding techniques that are used by expert potters and are relatively easy to master. Handbuilding techniques enable you to have fun and make some good quality pots in a short time. Your projects will vary depending on who is teaching the class.

You will also get a chance to throw and trim pots on the wheel. Your first pot may be a bit “wonky” but you can just have fun with it: don’t set your expectations too high at first. Throwing well requires practice, whereas handbuilding can lead to success more quickly.

Introductory classes include all tools and materials that you will need during class. Introductory students do not have access to the studio outside of class.

Everyone takes this class first at the Kingston Potters’ Guild, unless they have worked with clay before. It is a prerequisite for our other courses.

You can expect to:

• Learn about the process of going from wet clay to a fired and glazed pot.
• Learn handbuilding techniques such as pinching, coiling, soft or hard slab construction.
• Get an introduction to throwing with two classes on the potter’s wheel.
• Glaze the pots you have made. The teacher will fire them and arrange for you to return after the end of your class to pick them up.
• Bring home a few small to medium sized glazed and fired pieces after the end of the classes.
• Have fun and become enthusiastic about working in clay.
• Develop an appreciation of pots that others make.
• Class cost includes clay, glaze, firing, and the use of KPG class tools.

As an introductory student, you do not have access to the studio outside of class time. There are no make-up classes.

After the Introductory Class:

• Some students will go on to our Throwing I class
• Some students have so much fun with handbuilding that they take the Introductory class a second time
• Students may also apply to become studio members to continue handbuilding

Handbuilding and Throwing

• 8 weeks of introductory pottery classes for adults
• No previous experience necessary
• All materials and firing included (clay, tools, glaze, firing)
• No access to the studio outside of class time
• No make-up classes

This introduction to pottery focuses first on handbuilding techniques that are used by expert potters and are relatively easy to master. Handbuilding techniques enable you to have fun and make some good quality pots in a short time. Your projects will vary depending on who is teaching the class.

You will also get a chance to throw and trim pots on the wheel. Your first pot may be a bit “wonky” but you can just have fun with it: don’t set your expectations too high at first. Throwing well requires practice, whereas handbuilding can lead to success more quickly.

Introductory classes include all tools and materials that you will need during class. Introductory students do not have access to the studio outside of class.

Everyone takes this class first at the Kingston Potters’ Guild, unless they have worked with clay before. It is a prerequisite for our other courses.

You can expect to:

• Learn about the process of going from wet clay to a fired and glazed pot.
• Learn handbuilding techniques such as pinching, coiling, soft or hard slab construction.
• Get an introduction to throwing with two classes on the potter’s wheel.
• Glaze the pots you have made. The teacher will fire them and arrange for you to return after the end of your class to pick them up.
• Bring home a few small to medium sized glazed and fired pieces after the end of the classes.
• Have fun and become enthusiastic about working in clay.
• Develop an appreciation of pots that others make.
• Class cost includes clay, glaze, firing, and the use of KPG class tools.

As an introductory student, you do not have access to the studio outside of class time. There are no make-up classes.

After the Introductory Class:

• Some students will go on to our Throwing I class
• Some students have so much fun with handbuilding that they take the Introductory class a second time
• Students may also apply to become studio members to continue handbuilding

Prerequisite: Introduction to Clay or equivalent experience with pottery.

• 8 week class
• Required skill level: Must be comfortable centering clay on the pottery wheel
• Access to our studio outside of class time is included
• Glaze and firings are included

These classes are structured around progressing through the cylinder, bowl and plate forms. Repetition of forms is important so that your body will gain the muscle memory needed to make good strong forms that you will find pleasing. it is anything but boring because the basic forms can be altered in many ways to make different functional vessels. Once you have a solid start at throwing basic forms you can progress to more complex forms in Advanced Throwing.

• Your teacher will demonstrate and you will practice with coaching; outside of class time you can practice as much as you like in our studio
• Glaze materials and a limited number of firings are included
• You will have access to the guild studio outside of class time, receive the KPG newsletter and be able to buy your supplies at cost

Additional costs:

• Clay can be purchased from the guild supply room (~$24.00 per 10 kg bag) on the first day of class. More clay can be purchased from our supply room as needed.
  • For your first throwing class you need to buy a basic tool kit from the guild supply room ($21.00) or bring your own tools
• Your teacher will fire a limited number of average-sized pieces made during class time only. You can arrange with other Guild members (who are qualified to fire the kilns) to fire pieces you make over and above those made in class time at a small additional cost.

Throwing I – Cylinders

• Cylinders are used to make cups, mugs, pitchers, vases, flower pots, etc.
• You need to have taken Introduction to Clay or an equivalent class
• The intention is that you will take this level once, then progress to Advanced Throwing (if offered)