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

A mallet tapping an unglazed ceramic form
Make Some Noise![26SU]
08/10/26 - 08/14/26, 5:00PM - 7:00PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 14 to 120 | Shantel Wright-Hancock | Lawrence Arts Center
Enrolling Now | 26CAAC37
Members $225 | Non-Members $225
Explore the intersection of clay and acoustics to create unique, hand-built ceramic noisemakers. From whimsical objects to experimental forms, transform raw earth into your own functional soundscape in this one week workshop.
Beginning Wheel Throwing[26FA]
09/9/26 - 11/18/26, 2:00PM - 4:00PM | WE
Ages 16 to 120 | Adelai Spears-Kennard | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 26FAAC13
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.
Put A Lid On It![26FA]
09/14/26 - 11/23/26, 5:00PM - 7:00PM | MO
Ages 16 to 120 | Adelai Spears-Kennard | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 26FAAC21
Members $280 | Non-Members $280
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.
Tradition Japanese Kintsugi[26FA]
11/5/26 - 11/5/26, 1:00PM - 3:30PM | SA
Ages 16 to 120 | TBD | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 26FAAC16C
Members $0 | Non-Members $0
Join us for a FREE demonstration from Maiko and Joseph; the artists behind J&M Studio, brought to you in partnership with the Lawrence Potters Guild. Advanced registration is required for space considerations. Joseph and Maiko will be covering their step-by-step traditional Japanese kintsugi repair process. The demonstration will focus on the 4 main steps: 1. Rejoining 2. Filling chipped areas 3. Painting 4. Gilding They will also talk about the tools, materials, and the history of kintsugi. It will be a great opportunity to ask any questions about this ancient art of Japan. Check out their handcrafted goods here: https://jmcraftstore.etsy.com/
Beginning Wheel Throwing[26FA]
09/12/26 - 11/21/26, 2:30PM - 4:30PM | SA
Ages 16 to 120 | Jason Wang | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 26FAAC16B
Members $285 | Non-Members $285
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.
Press Mold Tiles[26FA]
09/12/26 - 11/21/26, 12:00PM - 2:00PM | SA
Ages 16 to 120 | Jason Wang | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 26FAAC16A
Members $280 | Non-Members $280
Explore three-dimensional imagery and symbolism on ceramic tiles through relief sculpture and their reproduction through plaster press molds.
Beginning Wheel Throwing[26FA]
09/8/26 - 11/17/26, 6:30PM - 8:30PM | TU
Ages 16 to 120 | Michelle Rogne | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 26FAAC12
Members $285 | Non-Members $285
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.
Hanging Around With Wall Hangings[26FA]
09/11/26 - 11/20/26, 2:00PM - 4:00PM | FR
Ages 16 to 120 | TBD | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 26FAAC15B
Members $280 | Non-Members $280
In this course we will explore multiple approaches to creating wall hanging ceramic sculptures. With a combination of multiple handbuilding techniques, such as coil-building and slab-building, students will create unique sculptural forms that can securely hang around on a wall.
Two Legs To Stand On[26FA]
09/11/26 - 11/20/26, 11:00AM - 1:00PM | FR
Ages 16 to 120 | TBD | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 26FAAC15A
Members $280 | Non-Members $280
In this course we will explore methods of creating sculptural work that is self supporting with two or more legs! Students will learn techniques to create figurative work that can stand on its own using coil-building techniques!
Atmospheric Firing[26FA]
09/10/26 - 11/19/26, 3:30PM - 5:30PM | TH
Ages 16 to 120 | Shantel Wright-Hancock | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 26FAAC14A
Members $300 | Non-Members $300
We partner with KU to do an annual wood firing at their kiln facilities. Every aspect of the atmospheric firing process is explored, from making clay wares to splitting wood, loading, firing, unloading, and cleaning the kilns. This class regularly meets at KU and outside of the typical class time. The last day of class will be Sunday November 22nd. Exact kiln loading, firing, and unloading times will be determined closer to the actual firing. Tentatively we will be loading November 7th& 8th , then firing the kiln(s) around November 10th-15th. Instructor permission is required.
Beginning Wheel Throwing[26FA]
09/14/26 - 11/23/26, 1:00PM - 3:00PM | MO
Ages 16 to 120 | Shantel Wright-Hancock | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 26FAAC11
Members $285 | Non-Members $285
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.

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