six week hand building classes

General Info & Class Structure

If you are totally new to clay or have some previous experience and want to work with some guided studio time, this class is for you! This class is open to all skill levels. This will be a small group of eight students, so you can expect individual attention during each session so that you can hone your skills no matter your skill level.

Each class will begin with a demonstration of a different hand building technique. Over the course of six weeks, we will cover the basics of slab building, coil building, carving, various surface design techniques, as well as using glazes and underglazes.

The pieces you make in this class are completely up to you- Whether you want to make functional or sculptural, abstract or representational pieces, you will have total creative freedom! Hand building with clay is completely open ended so we recommend doing a little brainstorming or searching for inspiration before your class. During your class you can discuss with Heather how to bring your ideas to life. More advanced building techniques can be covered by request. You will learn a new technique each class but you may choose how to incorporate these lessons into the pieces you make.

Each class will consist of a roughly 20-30 minute demonstration followed by two and a half hours of open format, guided working time.

when

  • April 4th, 2024 at 6-9PM

  • April 11th, 2024 at 6-9PM

  • April 18th, 2024 at 6-9PM

  • April 25th, 2024 at 6-9PM

  • May 2nd, 2024 at 6-9PM

  • May 16th, 2024 at 6-9PM

There will be a two week gap between your 5th & 6th class to allow for firing time for everyone’s pieces.

We unfortunately cannot accommodate studio time outside of the scheduled class times.

Location

Class will take place in Studio B (AKA the Big Studio)- Our spacious new studio located adjacent to Asch Building at 825 Studewood St, Houston TX. Parking will still be at Asch Building.

Pricing

This class is priced to be more affordable than our private lessons at $75/class. ($450 total for six weeks.) This class will also be longer than our private lessons at three hours, so everyone will have plenty of practice time to work on your pieces! This will be a small group of 8 students, so you can still expect individual attention and guidance during each session. This price also includes all materials, clay, glazes, tools, and firing. You just need to bring your willingness to learn!

Classes must be paid for in full in advance to reserve your spot.

instructor

Your instructor will be Heather Wunsch. She has been an instructor at Four Circle Studio for about six months now, leading our group hand building workshops. She received her BFA from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts at Tufts University in Boston with a focus in ceramics and printmaking.

materials

All materials are included in the price of this class. We provide the clay in three different colors (white, brown, and tan speckle), all the tools you might need, and 37 different glaze colors. Feel free to bring your own tools if you want something specific. If you are interested in bringing your own clay or glaze feel free to discuss with your instructor.

rescheduling/cancellation

We will not be able to accommodate makeup classes if you are unable to attend one of the six times this class is offered. Please confirm that you are able to attend each week before signing up- missed classes will not be refunded. We will also cannot offer open studio time outside of class times.

Check back in a few months for our next six week class!