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

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
students sitting at pottery wheels
Beginning Wheel Throwing[25FA]
09/10/25 - 11/19/25, 2:00PM - 4:00PM | WE
Ages 16 to 120 | Adelai Spears-Kennard | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | FAC13
Members $280 | Non-Members $280
This class is designed for beginning clay students who want to learn basic wheel throwing skills. This class will cover wedging, centering, wheel throwing, trimming, and glazing while making functional objects like cylinders, mugs, bowls, and plates.
woman working on pottery
Ceramics Revolution[25FA]
09/11/25 - 11/20/25, 7:00PM - 9:00PM | TH
Ages 16 to 120 | Hollie Rice | Lawrence Arts Center
Class is Full - contact about waitlist | FAC24
Members $280 | Non-Members $280
Fresh, new, and alternative approaches to working with clay are explored in this experimental class. All levels welcome!
students sitting at pottery wheels
Beginning Wheel Throwing[25FA]
09/13/25 - 11/22/25, 1:30PM - 3:30PM | SA
Ages 16 to 120 | Jason Wang | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | FAC16
Members $280 | Non-Members $280
This class is designed for beginning clay students who want to learn basic wheel throwing skills. This class will cover wedging, centering, wheel throwing, trimming, and glazing while making functional objects like cylinders, mugs, bowls, and plates.
four white plates with trailing leaf pattern
Ceramic Surface Experiments[25FA]
09/11/25 - 11/20/25, 10:00AM - 12:00PM | TH
Ages 16 to 120 | Kyla Strid | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | FAC34
Members $280 | Non-Members $280
This class will focus on the art and science of ceramics as we explore a wide range of mid-fire surface techniques. We will touch on some of the chemistry involved with clay and glaze formulas and conduct some simple glaze experiments. We will also play with various approaches to decorating surfaces. Previous clay experience is required.
students sitting at pottery wheels
Beginning Wheel Throwing[25FA]
09/9/25 - 11/18/25, 6:30PM - 8:30PM | TU
Ages 16 to 120 | Michelle Rogne | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | FAC12
Members $280 | Non-Members $280
This class is designed for beginning clay students who want to learn basic wheel throwing skills. This class will cover wedging, centering, wheel throwing, trimming, and glazing while making functional objects like cylinders, mugs, bowls, and plates.
Handbuilt Pots[25FA]
09/11/25 - 11/20/25, 5:00PM - 7:00PM | TH
Ages 16 to 120 | TBD | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | FAC34
Members $280 | Non-Members $280
This course will cover coil building methods to create vases, jars and functional wares. We will explore surface decoration with slip, underglaze and glazing techniques.
Beginning Handbuilding[25FA]
09/8/25 - 11/17/25, 7:00PM - 9:00PM | MO
Ages 16 to 120 | TBD | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | FAC11
Members $280 | Non-Members $280
Students will learn basic building techniques through pinch pots, coiling, and slab construction and then transition into more advanced forming and surface decoration techniques.
four kiwi bird shaped ceramic vessels
Animals & Pots[25FA]
09/12/25 - 11/21/25, 10:00AM - 12:00PM | FR
Ages 16 to 120 | Shantel Wright-Hancock | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | FAC35
Members $280 | Non-Members $280
Animals have been depicted in clay for millennia. Join us as we explore a range of approaches to depicting animals in 3-D forms and on the surface of hand built or thrown pots. We'll also discuss the narrative and symbolic potential of these renderings. Previous clay experience recommended.
students sitting at pottery wheels
Beginning Wheel Throwing[25FA]
09/12/25 - 11/21/25, 1:00PM - 3:00PM | FR
Ages 16 to 120 | Shantel Wright-Hancock | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | FAC15
Members $280 | Non-Members $280
This class is designed for beginning clay students who want to learn basic wheel throwing skills. This class will cover wedging, centering, wheel throwing, trimming, and glazing while making functional objects like cylinders, mugs, bowls, and plates.
Throw me Skills[25FA]
09/8/25 - 11/17/25, 5:00PM - 7:00PM | MO
Ages 16 to 120 | Adelai Spears-Kennard | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | FAC21
Members $280 | Non-Members $280
Have you taken First Time Potter more than once? Twice? This class is for you! Build on the basics of wheel throwing & learn how to throw larger, taller, and more refined forms.

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