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
Luster Workshop [25WSP]
03/14/25 - 03/14/25, 1:30PM - 4:00PM | FR
Ages 14 to 120 | Adelai Spears | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | WAC51
Members $60 | Non-Members $60
Learn the basics of ceramic luster overglazes and how to apply them in this one day workshop. Bring finished pieces you’d like to add an extra touch to. Previous ceramic experience required.
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.
Ceramics Revolution[25WSP]
03/27/25 - 05/15/25, 7:30PM - 9:30PM | TH
Ages 14 to 120 | Hollie Rice | Lawrence Arts Center
Class is Full - contact about waitlist | SAC24
Members $220 | Non-Members $220
Fresh, new, and alternative approaches to working with clay are explored in this experimental class. All levels welcome!
Beginning Wheel Throwing[25WSP]
03/25/25 - 05/13/25, 6:30PM - 8:30PM | TU
Ages 14 to 120 | Michelle Rogne | Lawrence Arts Center
Class is Full - contact about waitlist | SAC12
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[25WSP]
03/28/25 - 05/16/25, 10:00AM - 12:00PM | FR
Ages 14 to 120 | Shantel Wright-Hancock | Lawrence Arts Center
Class is Full - contact about waitlist | SAC35
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.
Coil Building Fancy Pots[25WSP]
03/29/25 - 05/17/25, 1:30PM - 3:30PM | SA
Ages 14 to 120 | Twiggy Cercy | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | SAC36
Members $220 | Non-Members $220
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 Wheel Throwing[25WSP]
03/29/25 - 05/17/25, 10:30AM - 12:30PM | SA
Ages 14 to 120 | Twiggy Cercy | Lawrence Arts Center
Class is Full - contact about waitlist | SAC16
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[25WSP]
03/26/25 - 05/14/25, 2:00PM - 4:00PM | WE
Ages 14 to 120 | Adelai Spears | Lawrence Arts Center
Class is Full - contact about waitlist | SAC13
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[25WSP]
03/24/25 - 05/12/25, 7:00PM - 9:00PM | MO
Ages 14 to 120 | Shantel Wright-Hancock | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | SAC11
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 Handbuilding[25WSP]
03/27/25 - 05/15/25, 5:00PM - 7:00PM | TH
Ages 14 to 120 | Gabriel Poucher | Lawrence Arts Center
Completed | SAC14
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.
Ceramic Surface Decoration[25WSP]
03/24/25 - 05/12/25, 5:00PM - 7:00PM | MO
Ages 14 to 120 | Gabriel Poucher | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | SAC21
Members $220 | Non-Members $220
Students will explore a variety of techniques for decorating ceramic surfaces, with a focus on carving, sculpting, and underglaze. Open to all levels of experience.
Put a Lid on it![25WSP]
03/27/25 - 05/15/25, 10:00AM - 12:00PM | TH
Ages 14 to 120 | Adelai Spears | Lawrence Arts Center
Class is Full - contact about waitlist | SAC34
Members $220 | Non-Members $220
Let's take a deep dive into covered jars and closed forms to hold our favorite ingredients, cookies, or treasures. We will discuss various lid types and designs as we make forms to hold everything from rings to spaghetti. Previous clay experience required.
Beginning Wheel Throwing[25WSP]
03/28/25 - 05/16/25, 1:00PM - 3:00PM | FR
Ages 14 to 120 | Shantel Wright-Hancock | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | SAC15
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[25SU]
06/2/25 - 07/21/25, 5:00PM - 7:00PM | MO
Ages 14 to 120 | Adelai Spears | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 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.
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
N/A | 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.
Beginning Wheel Throwing [25SU]
06/7/25 - 07/26/25, 10:00AM - 12:00PM | SA
Ages 14 to 120 | Twiggy Cercy | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 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.
Beginning Wheel Throwing [25SU]
06/7/25 - 07/26/25, 1:00PM - 3:00PM | SA
Ages 14 to 120 | Twiggy Cercy | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 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.
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
N/A | 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.
Unstuck![25SU]
06/4/25 - 06/25/25, 5:00PM - 7:00PM | WE
Ages 14 to 120 | Chris North | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 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.
It's the Little Things[25SU]
06/3/25 - 07/22/25, 7:00PM - 9:00PM | TU
Ages 14 to 120 | Gabriel Poucher | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 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.
Beginning Handbuilding [25SU]
06/2/25 - 07/21/25, 7:00PM - 9:00PM | MO
Ages 14 to 120 | Gabriel Poucher | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 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.
Ceramics Revolution[25SU]
06/5/25 - 07/31/25, 6:00PM - 9:00PM | TH
Ages 14 to 120 | Hollie Rice | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 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
N/A | 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
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
N/A | 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