Want to elevate the surface of your pots? In this 8-week wheel-throwing class, you'll explore how surface design can deepen the visual and narrative impact of your ceramic work. We'll dive into techniques like sgraffito, mishima, underglaze painting, and more to approach the pot as both functional object and storytelling canvas. This class is beginner-friendly and includes instruction in the core skills of wheel throwing with projects focused on creating cups, bowls, and plates. For returning students, it's a perfect opportunity to strengthen your throwing ability while pushing your creative boundaries through surface experimentation! Whether you're new to clay or looking to add depth and meaning to your forms, come ready to get messy, get thoughtful, and give your pots a voice!

This 8 week guided advanced course is designed for students that are looking to dive deeper in their ceramic knowledge. Wherever your creativity leads you, there is something for everyone in this class. Whether you want to create large-scale work, make a teapot, or try something you have never tried before, instructor-led demonstrations will explore these projects and more! Prior experience required. Aprons are highly recommended.

*This is for a Handbuilding space. There is no class July 1st*

This 8 week guided advanced course is designed for students that are looking to dive deeper in their ceramic knowledge. Wherever your creativity leads you, there is something for everyone in this class. Whether you want to create large-scale work, make a teapot, or try something you have never tried before, instructor-led demonstrations will explore these projects and more! Prior experience required. Aprons are highly recommended.

*This is for a Wheel space. There is no class on July 1st*

Hit pause midweek and reset with clay. This relaxed late morning ceramics class is perfect for beginners and intermediate students looking for a creative break in a calm, low-pressure environment. We’ll focus on the pottery wheel, learning and practicing the basics of throwing, trimming, and shaping. We'll incorporate some handbuilding techniques to add details and expand your ideas. Whether you’re new to clay or returning to it, this class offers a chance to slow down, refocus, and enjoy a thoughtful, hands-on studio experience.

*There is no class on July 1st*

This eight week hand building class is a great way to spend your summer afternoons! Students will learn a variety of hand-built skills and focus on a variety of glazing techniques. Projects will include flowers, bowls, and your choice of a totem inspired garden sculpture or vase to bring the outdoors in, though if your creativity is taking your projects in another direction create what your heart desires. With your class registration, you have access to the studio and an additional two hours per week during Open Studio so the fun can continue (or so you can make up a missed class). Enjoy your summer doing something you love-come join the clay community at the Kish Center!

“Afternoon in the Glen” –A peaceful, whimsical landscape featuring the interplay between a lush valley and enduring stone by capturing a mountain landscape.

This course is for first-time beginners in Oil paint. Students will learn how to balance welcoming foreground elements—crimson maples, winding paths—with the austere, timeless presence of distant peaks under a clear blue sky.

Curriculum: Session 1: Welcome & Foundations • Introduction to materials and workspace • The magic of oil: how it differs from other mediums • Color wheel basics and color mixing • Composition exercise: sketching thumbnails for landscape ideas

Session 2: Blocking the Big Shapes • Value studies using color picking and tinting • Underpainting and tonal blocking • Starting on the 16x20 canvas with large compositional areas

Session 3: Color Harmony & Brush Control • Building color with a limited palette • Warm vs. cool tones • Brushstroke practice and creating texture • Laying in sky, background elements

Session 4: Depth & Atmosphere • Linear and atmospheric perspective • Highlights and shadows • Working on mid-ground (trees, path, small structure)

Session 5: Focal Point Fun • Refining details and adjusting values • How to draw the eye: focal point creation • Adding personality (wildflowers, clouds, birds)

Session 6: Final Polish & Celebration • Glazing and subtle effects • Finishing touches and artist signature

Supplies will be provided by instructor.

This eight week hand building class is a great way to spend your summer evenings! Students will learn a variety of hand-built skills and focus on a variety of glazing techniques. Projects will include flowers, bowls, and your choice of a totem inspired garden sculpture or vase to bring the outdoors in, though if your creativity is taking your projects in another direction create what your heart desires. With your class registration, you have access to the studio and an additional two hours per week during Open Studio so the fun can continue (or so you can make up a missed class). Enjoy your summer doing something you love-come join the clay community at the Kish Center!

Start your weekend with clay! This laid-back Saturday morning ceramics class is perfect for beginners and intermediate students who want to get their hands dirty in a fun, low-pressure environment. We’ll spend most of our time on the pottery wheel, learning the basics of throwing, trimming, and shaping forms. Along the way, we’ll also explore hand building techniques to add details, experiment with new ideas, and personalize your work. Come ready to learn, relax, and enjoy a creative morning in the studio.

*There will not be class on July 4th*