Ceramics Classes in Lawrence

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Questions about Visual Arts classes? Please call us at 785.843.2787 or contact us.

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
Beginning Wheel Throwing[27WSP]
01/13/27 - 03/3/27, 2:00PM - 4:00PM | WE
Ages 16 to 120 | Adelai Spears-Kennard | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 27WAAC13A
Members $220 | Non-Members $220
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.
Micro-ramics[27WSP]
03/22/27 - 05/10/27, 5:00PM - 7:00PM | MO
Ages 16 to 120 | Adelai Spears-Kennard | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 27SAAC11B
Members $220 | Non-Members $220
Explore the world of making tiny things! We will play with different ways of forming and decorating tiny clay objects, using both throwing and handbuilding methods. Some easy molding/ reproduction and tool use will also be discussed while we gather inspiration from other artists working in a diorama type scale.
Beginning Wheel Throwing[27WSP]
03/24/27 - 05/12/27, 2:00PM - 4:00PM | WE
Ages 16 to 120 | Adelai Spears-Kennard | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 27SAAC13
Members $220 | Non-Members $220
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.
Ceramics Revolution[27WSP]
01/14/27 - 03/4/27, 7:00PM - 9:00PM | TH
Ages 16 to 120 | Hollie Rice | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 27WAAC14
Members $220 | Non-Members $220
Fresh, new, and alternative approaches to working with clay are explored in this experimental class. All levels welcome!
Experimenting with Glazed Surfaces[27WSP]
01/11/27 - 03/8/27, 5:00PM - 7:00PM | MO
Ages 16 to 120 | Adelai Spears-Kennard | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 27WAAC21
Members $220 | Non-Members $220
Learn new techniques and refine your glazing skills in this class. We will discuss various methods of decorating ceramics with glaze including spraying, glaze trailing, overlapping and working with resists. Previous clay experience is required. No Class 1/18.
Past and Present[27WSP]
01/16/27 - 03/6/27, 1:30PM - 3:30PM | SA
Ages 16 to 120 | Reece Henderson | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 27WAAC16A
Members $220 | Non-Members $220
Students will create ceramic vessels inspired by historical ceramic forms with a contemporary twist. Students will explore many approaches of handbuilding methods and surface decorating techniques.
Beginning Wheel Throwing[27WSP]
03/23/27 - 05/11/27, 6:30PM - 8:30PM | TU
Ages 16 to 120 | Michelle Rogne | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 27SAAC12B
Members $220 | Non-Members $220
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.
Beginning Wheel Throwing[27WSP]
03/23/27 - 05/11/27, 10:00AM - 12:00PM | TU
Ages 16 to 120 | Maeve Hilgers | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 27SAAC12A
Members $220 | Non-Members $220
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.
Beginning Wheel Throwing[27WSP]
01/12/27 - 03/2/27, 10:00AM - 12:00PM | TU
Ages 16 to 120 | Maeve Hilgers | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 27WAAC12A
Members $220 | Non-Members $220
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.
Lovin' Cups[27WSP]
01/14/27 - 03/4/27, 4:30PM - 6:30PM | TH
Ages 16 to 120 | Kyla Strid | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 27WAAC24
Members $220 | Non-Members $220
Take a deep dive into the history, design, and uses of one of the most iconic ceramic forms of all time. We will consider how form and function are connected as we discuss various approaches to handles, surfaces, altering forms, and feet. Previous clay experience is highly recommended.
Beginning Wheel Throwing[27WSP]
03/22/27 - 05/10/27, 10:00AM - 12:00PM | MO
Ages 16 to 120 | Jason Wang | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 27SAAC14A
Members $220 | Non-Members $220
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.
Beginning Wheel Throwing[27WSP]
01/13/27 - 03/3/27, 7:00PM - 9:00PM | WE
Ages 16 to 120 | Jason Wang | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 27WAAC13B
Members $220 | Non-Members $220
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.
Ceramics Revolution[27WSP]
03/25/27 - 05/13/27, 7:00PM - 9:00PM | TH
Ages 16 to 120 | Hollie Rice | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 27SAAC14
Members $220 | Non-Members $220
Fresh, new, and alternative approaches to working with clay are explored in this experimental class. All levels welcome!
Hey there, Buster![27WSP]
01/16/27 - 03/6/27, 4:00PM - 6:00PM | SA
Ages 16 to 120 | Reece Henderson | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 27WAAC16B
Members $220 | Non-Members $220
Students will create ceramic figurative busts, utilizing coil-building and slab building techniques. Students will use surface decorating techniques that aid in creating a story for their ceramic bust, incorporating 2d and 3d elements to bring personality to their figures.
Leave Your Mark[27WSP]
03/22/27 - 05/10/27, 2:00PM - 4:00PM | MO
Ages 16 to 120 | Reece Henderson | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 27SAAC21
Members $220 | Non-Members $220
Students will explore mark making techniques for ceramic forms made on a pottery wheel. In this course we will explore image transfers, stamp making, sgraffito, and many more surface decorating techniques. Previous wheel throwing experience required.
Zoomorphic Vessels[27WSP]
03/27/27 - 05/15/27, 2:30PM - 4:30PM | SA
Ages 16 to 120 | Reece Henderson | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 27SAAC16B
Members $220 | Non-Members $220
Students will create hand built ceramic Zoomorphic vessels, drawing inspiration from historical ceramics. Students will work to create functional sculptural work that uses historic and contemporary themes to express their own artistic voice.
Copy That![27WSP]
01/12/27 - 03/2/27, 5:30PM - 7:30PM | TU
Ages 16 to 120 | Ryan Caldwell | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 27WAAC12B
Members $220 | Non-Members $220
Learn the art of making multiples! In this class, we’ll focus on creating cohesive sets of pottery while exploring consistency in size, shape, and design. From mugs and bowls to plates and matching pieces, you’ll build your skills while embracing the little differences that make handmade pottery unique.
Unconventional Clay[27WSP]
03/27/27 - 05/15/27, 11:30AM - 1:30PM | SA
Ages 16 to 120 | Ryan Caldwell | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 27SAAC16A
Members $220 | Non-Members $220
Forget the usual rules and explore unexpected ways of working with clay! This class focuses on experimental building methods, unusual tools, altered forms, creative surface techniques, and playful approaches to making. Try new ideas, embrace happy accidents, and discover what happens when you make pottery a little differently.
Flat to Form: Handbuilding with Slabs[27WSP]
01/15/27 - 03/5/27, 10:00AM - 12:00PM | FR
Ages 16 to 120 | Shantel Wright-Hancock | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 27WAAC15A
Members $220 | Non-Members $220
Learn how to create voluminous forms (functional or sculptural) from slabs using templates and molds. This class will explore texture, soft slab and hard slab construction methods for achieving multiple types of objects
Beginning Wheel Throwing[27WSP]
01/15/27 - 03/5/27, 1:00PM - 3:00PM | FR
Ages 16 to 120 | Shantel Wright-Hancock | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 27WAAC15B
Members $220 | Non-Members $220
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.
Mold Making[27WSP]
03/26/27 - 05/14/27, 10:00AM - 12:00PM | FR
Ages 16 to 120 | Shantel Wright-Hancock | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 27SAAC25
Members $220 | Non-Members $220
Learn how to create one- and two-part molds for slip casting using found forms or clay prototypes. We will cover the slipcasting process, and how working with slip is different from non-liquid clay. Previous clay experience recommended.
Beginning Wheel Throwing[27WSP]
03/26/27 - 05/14/27, 1:00PM - 3:00PM | FR
Ages 16 to 120 | Shantel Wright-Hancock | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 27SAAC15
Members $220 | Non-Members $220
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.
Winter Village[27WSP]
01/16/27 - 02/20/27, 11:00AM - 1:00PM | SA
Ages 16 to 120 | Teresa E Wright | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 27WAAC16C
Members $150 | Non-Members $150
Hand-build your own miniature winter village out of clay. Design a cozy cottage and winter scene creating a decorative piece for your home or thoughtful gift.
Ceramic Pendants[27WSP]
05/17/27 - 05/19/27, 6:00PM - 8:00PM | MO, WE
Ages 16 to 120 | Teresa E Wright | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 27SAAC17
Members $80 | Non-Members $80
Design and decorate your own pendant(s) from clay. Explore different styles, shapes, and ways to finish your piece with an individual touch. Meets on 5/17 & 5/19

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