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

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.
Beginning Handbuilding[24FA]
09/12/24 - 11/21/24, 5:00PM - 7:00PM | TH
Ages 14 to 120 | TBD | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | FAC14
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.
Beginning Handbuilding[24FA]
09/9/24 - 11/18/24, 7:00PM - 9:00PM | MO
Ages 14 to 120 | TBD | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 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.
Beginning Wheel Throwing[24FA]
09/10/24 - 11/19/24, 6:30PM - 8:30PM | TU
Ages 14 to 120 | Michelle Rogne | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 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.
Beginning Wheel Throwing[24FA]
09/11/24 - 11/20/24, 2:00PM - 4:00PM | WE
Ages 14 to 120 | TBD | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 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.
Beginning Wheel Throwing[24FA]
09/13/24 - 11/22/24, 2:00PM - 4:00PM | FR
Ages 14 to 120 | Shantel Wright-Hancock | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 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.
Beginning Wheel Throwing[24FA]
09/14/24 - 11/23/24, 11:00AM - 1:00PM | SA
Ages 14 to 120 | TBD | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 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.
Throw me Skills[24FA]
09/9/24 - 11/18/24, 5:00PM - 7:00PM | MO
Ages 14 to 120 | TBD | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | 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.
Figurative Animal Exploration [24FA]
09/9/24 - 11/18/24, 10:00AM - 12:00PM | MO
Ages 14 to 120 | TBD | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | FAC31
Members $280 | Non-Members $280
Use pigmented clay and mixed-media to sculpt animals using anatomical and rendering techniques with texture and scale.
Coil Building Fancy Pots[24FA]
09/14/24 - 11/23/24, 1:30PM - 3:30PM | SA
Ages 14 to 120 | TBD | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | FAC26
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.
Atmospheric Firing[24FA]
09/13/24 - 11/22/24, 10:00AM - 12:30PM | FR
Ages 14 to 120 | Shantel Wright-Hancock | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | FAC25
Members $325 | Non-Members $325
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 24th. Exact kiln loading, firing, and unloading times will be determined closer to the actual firing. Tentatively we will be loading November 9th & 10th, then firing the kiln(s) around November 12th-16th. Instructor permission is required.
Serving Pots[24FA]
09/12/24 - 11/21/24, 10:00AM - 12:00PM | TH
Ages 14 to 120 | Kyla Strid | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | FAC34
Members $280 | Non-Members $280
Let's have a feast! We'll discuss how to design and make serving dishes for our favorite shareable foods. Wheel throwing with some handbuilding techniques will be used to create these larger pots. We will also discuss things to consider while designing and glazing these forms. And for our last class, we will gather together for a potluck to share our culinary and clay creations. Previous clay experience is strongly recommended.
Ceramics Revolution[24FA]
09/12/24 - 11/21/24, 7:00PM - 9:00PM | TH
Ages 14 to 120 | Hollie Rice | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | FAC24
Members $280 | Non-Members $280
Fresh, new, and alternative approaches to working with clay are explored in this experimental class. All levels welcome!
Ceramics Open Studio[24FA]
09/9/24 - 12/7/24, 9:00AM - 9:00PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR, SA, SU
Ages 14 to 120 | Shantel Wright-Hancock | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | FAC57
Members $310 | Non-Members $310
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 for enrollment. Anyone enrolled in Open Studio will meet with Shantel at 6pm September 11th or arrange to meet with her independently at the start of the session.
Ceramic Surface Workshop[24FA]
12/9/24 - 12/13/24, 5:30PM - 8:00PM | MO, TU, WE, TH, FR
Ages 14 to 120 | TBD | Lawrence Arts Center
N/A | FAC51
Members $170 | Non-Members $170
This week-long workshop will cover how to create a variety of dynamic surface designs using several different processes including terra sigilatas and washes.

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