Ceramics Classes in Lawrence

throw and Sculpt

doing clay designs

A Different Kind of Throw Down

Clay is an elemental medium. It is one of the oldest art forms in the world. And it’s part of your everyday life. From your morning coffee (or tea) cup to the toilet you sit on, ceramic objects are everywhere.

Clay is immensely malleable and can take any form, from a simple impression of your thumbprint to a beautifully sculpted figure. We offer a wide range of clay classes, from 1st Time Potter and Beginning Handbuilding, to special topics such as Atmospheric Firing, Mold Making, and Ceramic Surface classes to name a few. Discover the joys (and challenges) of working with ceramics.

With financial aid available, ceramics classes in Lawrence are open to everyone who wants to learn about the visual arts.

Our Facilities & Curriculum

The Path to Your Pottery

The ceramics classes we offer cover everything from the fundamentals of handbuilding to throwing on the wheel to open studio time for self-directed students and advanced classes. Courses also feature experimental approaches to ceramics, glazes, and so much more. The choice is yours! For our adult visual arts classes, the descriptions list what to expect from the courses.

Ceramics Class Facilities

We’re committed to providing the Lawrence area with a facility that welcomes them into the world of art. This includes our dedicated spaces for visual arts classes in Lawrence, each featuring the tools and technology you need to fully embrace your inner-artist.

Ceramics Studio

  • Private Resident Studio
  • 60 cubic ft. Geil Gas Kiln
  • 3 Electric Kilns
  • 15 Potter’s Wheels (Brent, Pacifica, Soldner)
  • Pug Mill
  • Extruder
  • Ball Mill
  • Slab Roller
  • Spray Booth
  • Stocked Raw Materials

Current Classes

Ceramics & Sculpture

Ceramic Jewelry [25WSP]
05/19/25 - 05/23/25, 5:30PM - 7:30PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 14 to 120 | Kyla Strid | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | SAC51
Members $150 | Non-Members $150
Learn the basics of both jewelry as well as small ceramic making. Explore using Nichrome wire in both functional and sculptural ways. Also learn how to color clay using mason stains. This course is suitable for beginners who have never worked with clay.
students sitting at pottery wheels
Beginning Wheel Throwing[25SU]
06/2/25 - 07/21/25, 5:00PM - 7:00PM | MO
Ages 14 to 120 | Adelai Spears | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | CAC21
Members $220 | Non-Members $220
Learn the basics of wedging, centering, wheel throwing, trimming, and glazing while making functional objects like cylinders, mugs, bowls, and plates.
students sitting at pottery wheels
Beginning Wheel Throwing[25SU]
06/3/25 - 08/5/25, 5:00PM - 7:00PM | TU
Ages 14 to 120 | Shantel Wright-Hancock | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | CAC12
Members $260 | Non-Members $260
Learn the basics of wedging, centering, wheel throwing, trimming, and glazing while making functional objects like cylinders, mugs, bowls, and plates.
students sitting at pottery wheels
Beginning Wheel Throwing [25SU]
06/7/25 - 07/26/25, 10:00AM - 12:00PM | SA
Ages 14 to 120 | Twiggy Cercy | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | CAC16
Members $220 | Non-Members $220
Learn the basics of wedging, centering, wheel throwing, trimming, and glazing while making functional objects like cylinders, mugs, bowls, and plates.
students sitting at pottery wheels
Beginning Wheel Throwing [25SU]
06/7/25 - 07/26/25, 1:00PM - 3:00PM | SA
Ages 14 to 120 | Twiggy Cercy | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | CAC26
Members $220 | Non-Members $220
Learn the basics of wedging, centering, wheel throwing, trimming, and glazing while making functional objects like cylinders, mugs, bowls, and plates.
ceramic bunny clown head
Little Heads or Bust![25SU]
06/6/25 - 08/1/25, 10:00AM - 12:00PM | FR
Ages 14 to 120 | Ben Ahlvers | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | CAC25
Members $220 | Non-Members $220
Sculpt your own ceramic heads based on real or imagined figures, human or animal. This class is focused on making small to medium sized heads for the table or the wall. We’ll be experimenting with textured glazes and a variety of surface techniques. Previous clay experience is recommended. No Class July 4th.
artist building a large ceramic coil pot
Unstuck![25SU]
06/4/25 - 06/25/25, 5:00PM - 7:00PM | WE
Ages 14 to 120 | Chris North | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | CAC23
Members $120 | Non-Members $120
Solve creative roadblocks for ceramic projects you’ve put off or breathe new life into existing work! In class, through creative improvisation exercises and project-making, students will develop new processes while deepening their creative voice. Previous clay experience recommended.
complex ceramic sculpture
It's the Little Things[25SU]
06/3/25 - 07/22/25, 7:00PM - 9:00PM | TU
Ages 14 to 120 | Gabriel John Poucher | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | CAC32
Members $220 | Non-Members $220
Students will learn experimental approaches to ceramic construction, with a focus on fine detail and color application. We will cover a variety of hand building, extrusion, and slip trailing techniques. Previous experience is recommended but not required.
colorful round ceramic sculpture
Beginning Handbuilding [25SU]
06/2/25 - 07/21/25, 7:00PM - 9:00PM | MO
Ages 14 to 120 | Gabriel John Poucher | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | CAC31
Members $220 | Non-Members $220
Students will learn basic building techniques through pinch pots, coiling, and slab construction and then transition into more advanced forming and surface decoration techniques.
basket of pottery
Ceramics Revolution[25SU]
06/5/25 - 07/31/25, 6:00PM - 9:00PM | TH
Ages 14 to 120 | Hollie Rice | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | CAC24
Members $260 | Non-Members $260
Fresh, new, and alternative approaches to working with clay are explored in this experimental class. All levels welcome! No class on June 19th.
Pouring Pots[25SU]
06/5/25 - 07/24/25, 9:30AM - 12:00PM | TH
Ages 14 to 120 | Kyla Strid | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | CAC34
Members $210 | Non-Members $210
Let's make some pots that pour: pitchers, batter bowls, creamers, ewers, syrup jars, etc. This class will cover various approaches to making spouts on wheelthrown and handbuilt forms. Previous clay experience strongly encouraged. (teapots not included?) No Class on June 19th
handmade bricks
The Recycled Brick Road: Making Pavers with Clay Studio Scraps[25SU]
08/11/25 - 08/15/25, 5:30PM - 7:30PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 14 to 120 | Shantel Wright-Hancock | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | CAC35
Members $150 | Non-Members $150
Learn how to make custom shaped paver bricks using materials sourced from the LAC building. You will work to design your own pavers and forms, press them using reclaim materials and decorate them for use in your own outdoor space

Class Gallery

Submit Your Artwork

woman in clay class

Make Art Part of Your Daily Life

Interested in enrolling in ceramics classes? We have financial aid available to those who need it to ensure classes are accessible to everyone.

Art is for Everyone

Making Art Accessible to All

Lawrence Arts Center is here to ensure anyone—of any age and any background—can connect with a supportive community and flex their creative muscles. With contemporary exhibitions, performances, and an array of art education classes for adults and kids, everyone will find something that’s right for them.

Our primary state-of-the-art facility at 940 New Hampshire St. features classrooms, studios, theatres, and more. We also have a satellite space for classes at 10th & Mass Studios!

people in an art class

Why Should You Consider Ceramics Classes