private studios, Clay Space Eugene, OR Class Descriptions

Class Descriptions

Class sessions are planned for a specific length of time, and vary between 6 and 8 weeks in length depending on the season. Please refer to our Class Schedule page to determine current session length. Occasionally materials included in class fee vary due to the nature of the class.
• Class fee (8 week session): $235, includes 25lbs. of clay, glazes, and firing
• Class fee (7 week session): $210, includes 25lbs. of clay, glazes, and firing
• Class fee (6 week session): $185, includes 25lbs. of clay, glazes, and firing

Note: All classes listed may not be offered at this time.

Please refer to our class schedule page for detail on classes offered in the current session.

Most classes are for ages 16 and on. Ceramics classes include unlimited studio use during regular Clay Space hours.

Go to Current Class Schedule page

Celebrating Porcelain

Katie Swenson

• Monday afternoons, 12pm–3pm
• Class Fee (6 weeks): $185, includes 12.5 lbs. of clay, glazes, firing & unlimited studio use

Are you indoors a bit more with the days getting dark earlier? Join our class as a way to brighten your day! Porcelain is a clay that transmits the light and can inspire special projects for the gift maker. A mug for your coffee buddy or a meaningful piece of art sculpture that you make while sharing Monday afternoons with us. This is a short session with only 6 weeks of classes. We will use colored porcelain and Katie will cover basic hand building skills to help as you create pieces with special properties unique to Porcelain.

Intermediate/Advanced Wheel

Mariah Williams
• Monday evenings, 7pm–9pm

• Class fee (6 weeks): $185, includes 25 lbs. of clay, glazes, firing & unlimited studio use

Would you like to hone your wheel throwing skills? Do you have an interest in throwing multi-part forms? Have you ever wanted to create the perfect teapot? This class is open to intermediate/advanced level throwing enthusiasts who are interested in developing their techniques and creating multi-part forms with depth and decoration. Learn how to throw many different lidded forms, make a functioning teapot, and master that pesky bottle neck. Jam-packed with multilevel demonstrations on precision throwing and connecting forms, as well as a brief look into decorating the surface of pottery. Full of insightful information and geared toward student needs in the advancement of creating technical forms.

Specially for Seniors & Others

Ellen Davidson

• Tuesday afternoons, 1pm–4pm
• Class fee (4 weeks): $125, includes 12.5 lbs. of clay, glazes, firing & unlimited studio use

Fire up your muse! Have fun, meet new friends and play with clay. This four week handbuilding class is perfect for making a mug, cup or vase and a bowl all without a potters wheel. Learn some decorative techniques. Firing will be completed before Christmas. All skill levels welcome – especially beginners! Enrolled students have unlimited use of Clay Space during open hours to make additional pieces if they desire.

Handbuilding

Pam Horn

• Tuesday evenings, 6pm–9pm
• Class fee (6 weeks): $185, includes 25 lbs. of clay, glazes, firing & unlimited studio use

Learn to hand build anything you choose. Cups, bowls, covered containers, vases, plates, sculptural pieces; your imagination is the guide here. Basic techniques of pinch pots, slab building, and coiling are the building blocks of handbuilding that anyone can master. More advanced skills such as handles, feet, and spouts will be covered based on student project needs. Glazing tips and other surface decorating techniques will help you to finish off your pieces beautifully. Whether you are new to handbuilding, or looking to continue to grow your skills, this is a fun filled class for anyone interested in creating with clay.

Beginning Wheel Throwing

Mariah Williams
• Wednesday evenings, 7pm–9pm
• Class fee (6 weeks): $185, includes 25 lbs. of clay, glazes, firing & unlimited studio use

Discover the intricacies of working on the potter’s wheel. Learn and develop the basics of wedging, centering, and creating forms on the wheel. This class is open to new and experienced individuals who wish to generate more ability for creating wheel thrown functional forms. It will be jam-packed with tips and tricks for beginners. Those who come with experience will have help fine-tuning the nuances of throwing. This class will provide substantial individual attention to beginners and will enable students to evolve and improve their pottery making skills. Come to discover, develop, and create!

Handbuilding

Ellen Davidson

• Thursday Mornings, 10am–1pm
• Class fee (6 weeks): $185, includes 25 lbs. of clay, glazes, firing & unlimited studio use

Make almost anything you can imagine! Discover ways to form and texture your pieces. Learn the techniques of glaze application and overglaze decoration. These techniques add graphic and textural interest to your work. Students who have some handbuilding experience are welcome, as well as those who work on the wheel and are interested in graphics and decoration techniques with slips and glazes.

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PAST CLASSES

Glaze Foundations & Surface Decoration

Mariah Williams
• Monday evenings, 7pm–9pm
• Class fee (7 weeks): $210, includes 25 lbs. of clay, glazes, firing & unlimited studio use

Develop your ability to apply glazes with con dence and more consistency. This class will be a thorough look into the foundations of the glazing process. Whether or not you already have a basic understanding of glazing or you are just starting out with clay, this class is designed to build your abilities to glaze with more ease and precision on many levels. Gain knowledge and insight into the application process and the overall do’s & don’ts to create successful nished work. In addition to glazing, this class will showcase some of the core surface decorating techniques from a variety of slip applications to stamping and carving. Making a form out of clay is just the beginning; applying, texture, pattern, and color to the surface is where all the fun begins! Open to wheel throwers and hand builders with minimal to advanced experi- ence. Come discover the ways to execute your clay visions with more precision.

Handbuilding with Low-fire White Earthenware Clay

Pam Horn

• Tuesday evenings, 6pm–9pm
• Class fee (8 weeks): $235, includes 25 lbs. of clay, glazes, firing & unlimited studio use

In this session we are going to explore what kind of results can be achieved using low-fire white earthenware. There are so many possibilities when using white earthenware clay. Learn how to make tiles flat and transfer images onto them. How about making a colorful miniature house, or a tabletop fountain? We will be using underglazes to create bold, bright, colorful surfaces. This technique allows for fun color possibilities, and the ability to create intricate details. This class is for those who have experience with handbuilding forms. We will be focusing on new ideas and processes possible using Wonder White clay.

Beg/Intermediate Wheel Thrown Pottery

Mariah Williams
• Tuesday evenings, 7pm–9pm
• Class fee (8 weeks): $235, includes 25 lbs. of clay, glazes, firing & unlimited studio use

Discover the intricacies of working on the potter’s wheel. Learn and develop the basics of wedging, centering, and creating forms on the wheel. This class is open to new and intermediate level individuals who wish to generate more ability for creating wheel thrown functional forms. It will be jam-packed with tips and tricks for beginners. Those who come with experience will have help fine-tuning the nuances of throwing. This class will provide substantial individual attention to beginners and will enable students to evolve and improve their pottery making skills. Come to discover, develop, and create!

Intermediate/Advanced Wheel:

Mariah Williams
• Wednesday evenings, 7pm–9pm

• Class fee (8 weeks): $235, includes 25 lbs. of clay, glazes, firing & unlimited studio use

Would you like to hone your wheel throwing skills? Do you have in interest in throwing multi-part forms? Have you ever wanted to create the perfect teapot? This class is open to intermediate/advanced level throwing enthusiasts who are interested in developing their techniques and creating multi-part forms with depth and decoration. Learn how to throw many different lidded forms, make a functioning teapot, and master that pesky bottle neck. Jam-packed with multilevel demonstrations on precision throwing and connecting forms, as well as a brief look into decorating the surface of pottery. Full of insightful information and geared towards student needs in the advancement of creating technical forms.

Raku and Related Low Fire Techniques:

Karen Perkins
• Monday evenings, 6pm–8pm

• Class fee (4 weeks): $155, includes 25 lbs. of clay, glazes, firing & unlimited studio use

Intermediate-Advanced (some clay forming experience needed)

Here's a chance to experience immediacy in the firing process through use of a raku kiln. We will explore different ways to create forms that work well in the extreme heating and cooling environment of the raku process.

Raku is largely known for effects of raku glaze with crackled glaze and dramatic effects of oxidation and reduction from copper. In this class we will explore this and more. Subtle effects (burnishing and surface treatments) that can then be illuminated through the atmosphere of the fire will be addressed. Students will have a chance to work with different kiln designs and processes such as horse hair firing, naked raku, masking, and methods for controlling carbonization.

This will be a high energy class, with the need to jump in and get your forms created early. Whether you are a wheel thrower or a hand builder, you will find instruction in techniques that you may adapt as your own. Come prepared to get dirty and work safely with a very fun and consuming process.

Whimsical Wind Chimes:

Tanna Kronemann
• Thursday evenings, 6pm–8pm

• Class fee (4 weeks): $155, includes 25 lbs. of clay, glazes, firing & unlimited studio use

The wind chime is a wonderful accent to any home or garden, creating musical tones that bring a happy and peaceful feeling to any environment. In this special four-week class you will design and create your own ceramic wind chime. Instruction on making two different kinds of wind chimes will be provided, and they will be assembled from handbuilt ceramic forms and any extras of your own that you would like to incorporate. A beautiful ceramic addition to your home or garden!

Open Studio
Bob Richardson
• Saturday mornings, 10am-12pm
• Class Fee (4 weeks): $145, includes 25lbs of clay, glazes, firing, and unlimited studio use.

Do you have a clay idea that you would like help with? Whether you need instruction and inspiration in starting a new idea, or help moving forward with an ongoing project, Bob will be here to answer your technical questions and help you successfully execute your clay ideas. Open studio time is a chance for students to work on projects with instruction available as needed. Bring your ideas and we’ll work on them together!
All skill levels are welcome.

Hand Building with Clay

Pam Horn
• Tuesday evenings, 6pm–9pm
• Class fee (8 weeks): $235, includes 25 lbs. of clay, glazes, firing & unlimited studio use

Make almost anything you can imagine! Discover ways to form and texture your pieces. Learn the techniques of glaze application and slip decoration. These techniques add graphic and textural interest to your work. Students of all skill levels are welcome, as well as those who work on the wheel and are interested in graphics and decoration techniques with slips and glazes.

Hand Building with Clay
Margie Templeton
• Thursday mornings, 10am–12pm
• Class fee (8 weeks): $235, includes 25 lbs. of clay, glazes, firing & unlimited studio use

Make almost anything you can imagine! Discover ways to form and texture your pieces. Learn the techniques of glaze application and slip decoration. These techniques add graphic and textural interest to your work. Students of all skill levels are welcome, as well as those who work on the wheel and are interested in graphics and decoration techniques with slips and glazes.

Essence in Porcelain/Beginning

Katie Swenson

• Monday evenings, 6pm–8:45pm
• Class fee (8 weeks): $235, includes 12.5 lbs. of clay, glazes, firing & unlimited studio use

Join Katie Swenson as she leads students through an exploration of the essential qualities of porcelain. Students will learn about the nuances of hand building and learn about coloring techniques with porcelain — the most sensitive and translucent of clay bodies. Katie helps students manifest in their own projects those qualities that are inherent to porcelain: delicacy, fineness, and elegance. With colors added to its body, students will also learn how to marble, stretch, inlay, and stain porcelain to get the effects they want. Students of all experience levels are welcome.

Essence in Porcelain/Intermediate

Katie Swenson

• Monday mornings, 10am–1pm
• Class fee (8 weeks): $235, includes 12.5 lbs. of clay, glazes, firing & unlimited studio use

In this intermediate porcelain hand building class, distinct results are obtained through an exploration of the essential qualities of porcelain. Students continue to expand on their techniques and use a variety of original methods to hand build sculptural forms both delicate and intriguing. The class will incorporate color into the clay body in addition to using the stains in other stages of the process. Katie helps students manifest in their own projects those qualities that are inherent to porcelain: delicacy, fineness, and elegance. With colors added to its body, students learn how to marble, stretch, inlay, and stain porcelain to get the effects they want. Students who have a basic knowledge of hand building and/or a familiarity with porcelain are welcome to join this class.

Surface Decoration
Mariah Williams
• Monday evenings, 7pm–9pm
• Class fee (8 weeks): $235, includes 25 lbs. of clay, glazes, firing & unlimited studio use

This class will be an exploration of surface decoration through the use of multiple techniques. The techniques learned could be combined with multiple design approaches to create varied and layered surface treatments, creating depth and generating interesting aesthetics for functional forms. This class is open to intermediate and advanced level ceramic enthusiasts who are interested in developing their own style and voice within the medium, or simply interested in playing with the development of decoration and design. Techniques being taught for this course consist of slip decoration, mishima (slip inlay), sgraffito, stamp making and use of stamps, as well as stencil making and the many uses of stencils. The treatment of a surface opens up many avenues for decorating ceramic vessels. Students will develop a basic understanding of decorating forms, at just the right stage of dryness via multiple decoration techniques for treating the surface of clay.

Raku & Related Low Fire Techniques: Intermediate/Advanced students (some clay forming experience needed)
Karen Perkins
• Wednesday evenings, 6pm-8pm
• Class Fee (6 weeks): $185, includes 25 lbs of clay, glazes, firing & unlimited studio use

Here's a chance to experience immediacy in the firing process through use of a raku kiln. We will explore different ways to create forms that work well in the extreme heating and cooling environment of the raku process. Raku is largely known for effects of raku glaze with crackled glaze and dramatic effects of oxidation and reduction from copper. In this class we will explore this, and more. Creating subtle effects through burnishing and surface treatment will be addressed. Students will have a chance to work with different kiln designs and processes such as horse hair firing, masking, and methods for controlling carbonization.
This will be a high energy class, with the need to jump in and get your forms created early. Whether you are a wheel thrower or a hand builder, you will find instruction in techniques that you may adapt as your own. Come prepared to get dirty and work safely with a very fun and consuming process.

Accent Colors
Bob Richardson
• Wednesday mornings, 10am-12pm
• Wednesday evenings, 6pm-8pm
• Class Fee (4 weeks): $125, includes start-up materials. Additional clay and glazes can be purchased after the start of the class.

Do you love vivid colors and intricate glaze patterns? Join Bob Richardson's class and learn how to achieve these beautiful ranges of color with glaze. Instruction will cover tile-making and hand-built forms, types of low-fire glazes, and glaze application techniques.

Beg/Intermediate Wheel Thrown Pottery
Terri May
• Wednesday evenings, 6pm–8pm
• Class fee (7 weeks): $210, includes 25 lbs. of clay, glazes, firing & unlimited studio use

Open your mind to the possibilities of wheel-thrown pottery! Whether you are an experienced potter looking for new projects, or a beginning potter looking for basic throwing tips and tricks, this class can be your guide to the world of the wheel. Each student gets focused instruction at their own skill level, and helpful direction on creative projects. Take your pottery ideas from start to finish in this fun, interactive class!

Glaze and Surface Decoration Fundamentals
Terri May
• Tuesday evenings 6pm-8pm
• Class fee (4 weeks): $145, includes all materials, glazes, firing and unlimited studio use

Have no fear and embrace the Glaze! Make your pottery surfaces beautiful to behold — by choice rather than by accident. Learn the mysteries behind the glazes provided at Clay Space, and the techniques needed to make the most of your new knowledge. In this teacher directed project-oriented class, you will follow step-by-step to create your own physical reference library. Every student will produce 14small functional tumblers uniquely displaying each individual surface technique.
Drink in the knowledge and have fun!!

A Show of Hands
Jon Burns
• Wednesday mornings, 10am-1pm
• Class Fee (4 weeks): $155, includes 25 lbs of clay, glazes, firing & unlimited studio use

A “Show of Hands” is a sculpture class that will focus on the anatomy of the hand in a variety of poses. We will break the hand down into basic shapes and then build up the supporting elements to complete a more sophisticated composition. In-class demonstrations and one-on-one time will help you trouble shoot and overcome many obstacles. Add these skills and new knowledge to your artistic repertoire!

Capturing Your Likeness
Jon Burns

• Monday evenings, 6pm-8:45pm
• Class Fee (8 weeks): $235, includes 25 lbs of clay, glazes, firing & unlimited studio use

Have you ever wanted to capture someone's likeness in 3D? Maybe even your own? This is your opportunity to learn the ins and outs of sculpting the face. We will examine how facial features are incorporated into the face and not just simply attached. You will learn how to build an armature for the head, build up the anatomy of the face, and refine and apply textures to the surface. In-class demonstrations and one-on-one time will help you troubleshoot and overcome many obstacles. Add these skills and new knowledge to your artistic repertoire!

Low-Fire Wall Vases, Sconces, & Lamps
Bob Richardson
• Thursday evenings, 6pm-8pm
• Class Fee (8 weeks) : $220, includes 25 lbs. of clay, glazes, and firing. Low-fire glazes in the colors of your choice can be purchased after the start of the class.

Celebrate spring by making decorative rolled clay slab wall vases, sconces, and table lamps! Join Bob Richardson to learn how to create these beautiful and functional home decor pieces with an array of vivid colors and intricate glaze patterns. Explore the world of texture and design as you shape and decorate your creations. Instruction will cover types of low-fire glazes, glaze application techniques, and creative ways to make these hand-built forms. Students of all skill levels are welcome!

Tile–Making with Graphic Designs

Bob Richardson

• Thursday evenings, 6pm–8pm

• Class Fee (8 weeks) : $235, includes 25 lbs. of clay, glazes, and firing. Low-fire glazes in the colors of your choice can be purchased after the start of the class.

Do you love vivid colors and intricate glaze patterns? Join Bob Richardson's class and learn how to achieve beautiful ranges of color with glaze. Instruction will cover types of low-fire glazes, glaze application techniques, and creative ways to make and design tiles and hand-built forms. Students of all skill levels are welcome!

Collaboration in Clay
Karen Perkins & Lynn Pedersen
• Wednesday evening, 6pm–8pm

Karen & Lynn collaborate to create a class that encompasses the needs and interests of beginning through experienced students. Use a variety of wheel throwing and hand building techniques to solve design problems in clay. A light-hearted approach to instruction is designed to address student interest, skill levels and creative whims within the group. Bring in your own ideas or respond to project ideas designed to spark inspiration and broaden options for working with form.

A class designed for beginners and those with some previous experience. Explore and refine the skills of working on a potter’s wheel. Create basic functional forms (cylinders, cups, bowls) as you learn about ceramic materials and different techniques. Gain a greater understanding of what this material is and how
to work with it. You’ll be working with high temperature clays and glazes.
Hands-on instruction in centering, trimming, finishing and glazing!
Accent Colors
Bob Richardson

• Class Fee: $125 (Fee includes start-up materials. Additional clay and glazes can be purchased after the start of the class.)

to work with it. You’ll be working with high temperature clays and glazes.

Hands-on instruction in centering, trimming, finishing and glazin.

Accent Color II

Bob Richardson

• Class Fee: $200, includes all materials

This class will undertake a group project to design and install tiles to enhance the entrance to Clay Space. The class will cover all aspects of this architectural project, including sketching ideas for a design, making and glazing the tiles, and finally setting the finished tiles. During this process you will learn creative ways to make and design tiles, as well as decorate them with a vivid palette of glaze colors. Materials will be provided by Clay Space. All skill levels welcome.

Intermediate Wheel Throwing

Jesse Jones

This class will focus on developing technique and skills from previous wheel throwing experiences. The class will involve demonstrations, presentations, experimentation and discussion. Through these activities, students will expand and develop their ability to utilize new techniques and see possibilities

to further their own investigation and hone their skills. The primary focus of the class will be geared towards generating pottery forms (cups, bowls, jars and other vessels) and developing techniques to investigate a range of possibilities within these formats.

This class will focus on developing technique and skills from previous wheel throwing experiences. The class will include demonstrations, presentations, experimentation and discussion. Through these activities, students will expand and develop their ability to utilize new techniques and see possibilities to further their own investigation and hone their skills. The primary focus of the class will be geared towards generating pottery forms (cups, bowls, jars and other vessels) and developing techniques to investigate a range of possibilities within these formats. Altering and combining forms and surface development will be addressed along with contemporary and traditional approaches to making.

Students will develop facility with throwing skills and different altering techniques. Students will also be exposed to a visual dissection of form visually, tacitly, and abstractly to engage with the functional content of pottery form.

Syllabus (class topics are geared around techniques and forms)

Each class will begin with a 20-30 minute image presentation/discussion and demo/recap and will end with discussion.

Week 1 Darts, Dents, Cuts, and Bumps (Cup/ bowl basics and intro to techniques/tools)

Week 2 Multiples (practice of previous week with handles)

Week 3 Lidded forms (jar and teapot)

Week 4 Stacking, trimming tricks, fit and finishing

Week 5 Plates and sets

Week 6 Round up and glaze

Basics of Beading
Shannon Hardin
• Class Fee: $85 plus materials list

In this class students learn the technique of basic wire wrapping and simple jewelry design using readily available materials and tools. My goal is to help all students (new and experienced) gain confidence in their design ability and wire wrapping skills. I hope to give students an opportunity to relax and have fun during the class.

As an instructor, I give lots of one on one if needed and plenty of class time to work on projects. After four weeks of instruction, students will have learned how to design and create their own jewelry including earrings, bracelets and necklaces using basic wire wrapping and stringing.

At the beginning of each class, we'll go over the weekly project and talk about materials needed for the next class. I stress the importance of practicing the wire wrapping everyday, even when we are not meeting as a group. It is a technique that our brains can't make sense of at first. I will also talk about where and how to look for materials used in the weekly projects and encourage students to observe jewelry when they are out and about. I have found that a personal sense of stye and design is developed with time and practice.

Material Supply List:
Craft wire - 20, 22 gauge any color. Does not need to be precious metal wire!
Stringing wire - 7 strand, .015", 30 feet nylon coated steel or other sturdy stringing wire, but not silk or cotton.
Head pins - 2" or shorter, base metal, silver or other metal
Crimp tubes - #2 or other size
Clasps - Toggles or lobster claw
Assortment of beads - can be glass, metal, stone, wood, etc.
Optional: pewter or silver spacer beads, charms

Needle nose pliers
Round nose pliers
Small wire snips
Flat nose pliers

12" ruler
Cloth napkin, placemat or piece of cloth

(Do Not buy a crimping tool. It is not needed for the projects.)

Private Lessons
Fee: $45 per hour
Private lessons are available by appointment.