Workshops

Upcoming
3
Age policy
14+ with adult
Private groups
4 or more

Workshops @Ballard Clay

Interested in having a private event at Ballard Clay? We host hand-building or throwing classes for private groups of 4+.

Please email us at info@ballardclay.com if you are interested in bringing a group of friends or co-workers in for an event.

We are an adult studio, so we do not have kids under 14 and we do not have a large group of kids. We are not set up well for little people and we do not have certifications for unsupervised children.

The Ballard Clay studio from the street — a black corrugated building with a cedar entrance and the round blue studio badge beside the door.

Running all year

Price
$100 per person
Length
2 hours
Status
Runs all year

One-time wheel classes

Sip N Spin & Try It

These classes are a fully instructed, fun, 2-hour introduction to the basic techniques on the wheel. Great for beginners or as a refresher. A smaller investment in finding out if the wheel is something you would like to make a hobby. This class only focuses on wet clay on the pottery wheel. We do all the prep and the cleanup!

Participants can choose one piece to be trimmed and fired by the studio. These can be picked up 3-4 weeks after class.

No experience is required, all levels of experience welcome! These are the same exact class except Sip N’ Spin classes are 21+ and folks can BYOB if they would like. Try-it class allows ages 14+ with participating adult.

Classes are available for registration 4 weeks in advance.

Book a one-time class Kiln Fire ↗ See all classes
Person shaping pottery on a spinning wheel with hands covered in clay.

Calendar

Upcoming workshops

Dates
Sundays August 2, 9, 16 · final glaze Tuesday, August 18
Times
Sundays 10:30 am – 1:30 pm · Tuesday 6 – 8:30 pm
Price
$280 plus $20 for mudtool long rib · 4 total sessions
Led by
Cade
Status
In session — registration closed

Plate Intensive: a three-week study

Join us for a 3-week class learning the tricks and tips of creating, trimming, and firing successful plates!

One of the simplest forms in pottery is actually one of the trickiest to manage successfully. In this class Cade will guide you through two four piece sets of plates. 4- medium and 4- large plates.

Participants will choose from a small selection of stable glazes or purchase a pre-approved commercial glaze to finish their plates.

This class does require experience on the wheel. You do not have to be advanced, but you should have the basics of the pottery wheel and trimming a piece under your belt or this class will be a struggle. We can never promise 100% success in the firing process and plates may crack or warp in the final firing. This is part of the learning process.

In session — registration closed

A wide ceramic plate glazed pale grey with a bare iron-brown rim, photographed from above on a white surface.
Dates
Wednesday, August 19
Times
6 – 8:30 pm
Price
$85 per person
Status
Registration opens soon

Nerikomi 101

Nerikomi is the Japanese term for mixing/pressing different color clays together to create interesting patterns. This class will allow you to explore the basic technique of nerikomi. Blending three different studio clays participants will design and create nerikomi for either a few small plate or one larger plate.

We will cut, stack, and twist the clay to create interesting patterns and then roll them into our clay and use wooden molds to form our plates.

This class includes all materials, tools, and instructions and we will fire and glaze your pieces.

Registration opens soon

A square hand-formed dish with pinched corners, its surface marbled in swirling bands of dark brown, cream and tan clay.
Dates
November 8 – 10
Times
10 am – 5 pm each day
Price
$1,100 non-members · $980 members · two sessions
Led by
MoonDoBang (@MoonDoBang)
Status
Waitlist only

Moon Do Bang Three-Day Workshop

Experience the Art of Korean Porcelain with @MoonDoBang

Join us for an immersive pottery workshop led by the renowned Korean porcelain artist, MoonDoBang, celebrated for his exquisite craftsmanship and mastery in creating the iconic Korean Moon Jar. This workshop offers a unique opportunity to delve into the rich traditions of Korean pottery while learning from a true expert.

Who Should Attend? This workshop is geared toward those who are able to center at least 3-5 lbs of clay without assistance and looking to make taller, bigger work on the wheel.

Unleash your potential and create your own piece of Korean porcelain history!

Join the waitlist Kiln Fire ↗
Man inspecting a large white ceramic bowl or vessel in an indoor space with a concrete wall and window.

Archive

Previously at the studio

  1. Aug 15 Coil Vases
  2. Aug 13 Fungus Among Us! Al Fann (@potsandplantsbyal)
  3. Aug 12 Sculpting with the Wheel!
  4. Aug 12 Berry Bowls Courtney Hunter (@thewaight)
  5. Aug 5 Portrait Sculpture Brian
  6. Aug 1 Make a Mug!

Policy

Refunds and transfers

  • Cancel 7+ days prior to the first class — full refund, less 10% processing
  • Cancel within 7 days prior to the first class — 50% refund
  • Cancel within 48 hours prior to the first class — no refund

Participants can transfer their registration to another person and email the studio with the new participant’s name, email, and phone. The studio does not handle the transfer of money between participants.

In cases of illness within 48 hours please contact the studio on why you need to miss the class. Please do not come to class if you are displaying any symptoms of illness. Out of respect for others please mask up even if you are no longer considered contagious, but still displaying symptoms.