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 [24SU]
06/5/24 - 07/3/24, 5:00PM - 7:00PM | WE
Ages 14 to 120 | Adelai Spears | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | CAC13
Members $117 | Non-Members $130
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. No class on June 19th.
Ceramics Revolution[24SU]
06/6/24 - 08/1/24, 6:00PM - 9:00PM | TH
Ages 14 to 120 | Hollie Rice | Lawrence Arts Center
Class is Full - contact about waitlist | CAC34
Members $234 | Non-Members $260
Fresh, new, and alternative approaches to working with clay are explored in this experimental class. All levels welcome! No class on July 4th.
Ceramics Open Studio[24SU]
06/3/24 - 08/10/24, 9:00AM - 9:00PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR, SA, SU
Ages 14 to 120 | Shantel Wright-Hancock | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | CAC57
Members $225 | Non-Members $250
Open studio is for advanced students who want to work independently. Participants must provide their own clay, and classes have studio right-of-way. Instructor permission is required. Anyone enrolled in Open Studio will meet with Shantel at 5pm on June 3rd or arrange to meet with her independently at the start of the session.
1st Time Potter[24SU]
06/4/24 - 07/23/24, 10:00AM - 12:00PM | TU
Ages 14 to 120 | Michelle Rogne | Lawrence Arts Center
Class is Full - contact about waitlist | CAC12
Members $189 | Non-Members $210
Learn the basics of wedging, centering, wheel throwing, trimming, and glazing while making functional objects like cylinders, mugs, bowls, and plates.
Unconventional Clay [24SU]
06/6/24 - 08/1/24, 10:00AM - 12:00PM | TH
Ages 14 to 120 | Kyla Strid | Lawrence Arts Center
Class is Full - contact about waitlist | CAC14
Members $189 | Non-Members $210
Join Hollie & Kyla for a class on unconventional approaches to working with clay. Whether we are discussing unusual clay objects or processes, this class is sure to be an adventure (likely with a bit of chaos.... aka CLAYOS). Open to all levels. No class July 4th.
Beginning Handbuilding[24SU]
06/4/24 - 07/23/24, 7:00PM - 9:00PM | TU
Ages 14 to 120 | Dehmie Dehmlow | Lawrence Arts Center
Class is Full - contact about waitlist | CAC32
Members $189 | Non-Members $210
Students will learn basic building techniques through pinch pots, coiling, and slab construction and then transition into more advanced forming and surface decoration techniques.
Clay Studio Hacks[24SU]
06/7/24 - 07/26/24, 10:00AM - 12:00PM | FR
Ages 14 to 120 | Dehmie Dehmlow | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | CAC25
Members $189 | Non-Members $210
This class is intended to round out your ceramics know how! We will focus on the behind the scenes tasks that make producing ceramic work possible like how to mix a glaze, what makes up a clay body, how to load a kiln and even simple repairs on electric kilns. We will discuss the different types of kilns and firing processes possible as well as the differences between firing temperatures. This class is intended to help you understand your practice as an artist better so that you can continue to grow and problem solve!
1st Time Potter[24SU]
06/3/24 - 08/5/24, 6:30PM - 8:30PM | MO
Ages 14 to 120 | Rachel Ross | Lawrence Arts Center
Class is Full - contact about waitlist | CAC11
Members $225 | Non-Members $250
Learn the basics of wedging, centering, wheel throwing, trimming, and glazing while making functional objects like cylinders, mugs, bowls, and plates.
1st Time Potter[24SU]
06/4/24 - 08/6/24, 5:00PM - 7:00PM | TU
Ages 14 to 120 | Adelai Spears | Lawrence Arts Center
Class is Full - contact about waitlist | CAC22
Members $225 | Non-Members $250
Learn the basics of wedging, centering, wheel throwing, trimming, and glazing while making functional objects like cylinders, mugs, bowls, and plates.
1st Time Potter[24SU]
06/8/24 - 08/10/24, 10:00AM - 12:00PM | SA
Ages 14 to 120 | Twiggy Cercy | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | CAC16
Members $225 | Non-Members $250
Learn the basics of wedging, centering, wheel throwing, trimming, and glazing while making functional objects like cylinders, mugs, bowls, and plates.
Heads Up: Ceramic Busts[24SU]
06/8/24 - 08/10/24, 1:00PM - 3:00PM | SA
Ages 14 to 120 | Twiggy Cercy | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | CAC26
Members $225 | Non-Members $250
Sculpt your own ceramic busts based on real or imagined figures, human or animal. This class is focused on making small to medium sized heads for the wall. Previous clay experience is recommended,
Kansas Clay Workshop[24SU]
05/18/24 - 05/22/24, 10:00AM - 5:00PM | MO, TU, WE, SA, SU
Ages 14 to 120 | Josh Goering | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | CAC35
Members $180 | Non-Members $200
In this class you will get an intensive run down on ways to find, test, and utilize clay materials from our state. We will go on a day long trip to central KS on the first day, a local field trip the second, and spend the next 3 nights testing the materials we have gathered. Class hours: Sat- 9am-5pm, Sun- 1-5pm, Mon-Wed- 5-7:30. We will assist with communications and encourage students to carpool on the days we are going into the field to dig for clay. Students will need to bring their own work gloves and shovels.
Breaking the Mold[24SU]
08/12/24 - 08/16/24, 9:30AM - 12:00PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 14 to 120 | Shantel Wright-Hancock | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | CAC85
Members $144 | Non-Members $160
This week long workshop will explore alternative approaches to making and using molds to generate multiples in clay.... no plaster needed! Previous clay experience is recommended.

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