Clay Foundations

Service Description

Sampler (Aug '26) This introductory series gives students the opportunity to experience the three foundational methods of clay handbuilding featured throughout the Clay Foundations program: pinch, coil and slab construction. Through a variety of guided projects, students will get a sense of what the following months have to offer. Pinch Perfect (Sep '26) Pinching is one of the oldest and most essential forms of clay handbuilding, teaching students how to shape clay through pressure, balance and touch. In this series, students will learn how simple pinching methods can transform a ball of clay into functional pottery and sculptural artwork while developing an understanding of wall thickness, form, symmetry and structural integrity. As projects progress, participants will strengthen foundational clay skills including shaping, smoothing, attaching components and adding texture. These techniques form the basis for more advanced handbuilding methods and help students build confidence working directly with clay by hand. This is How We Roll (Oct '26) Pinching is one of the oldest and most essential forms of clay handbuilding, teaching students how to shape clay through pressure, balance and touch. In this series, students will learn how simple pinching methods can transform a ball of clay into functional pottery and sculptural artwork while developing an understanding of wall thickness, form, symmetry and structural integrity. As projects progress, participants will strengthen foundational clay skills including shaping, smoothing, attaching components and adding texture. These techniques form the basis for more advanced handbuilding methods and help students build confidence working directly with clay by hand. Slab Happy (Jan '27) Slab construction is one of the most versatile methods in clay handbuilding, allowing artists to create structured forms, functional pottery and detailed decorative work. In this series, students will learn how to compress, roll, cut, texture and assemble clay slabs while exploring the relationship between design, structure and craftsmanship. Participants will practice measuring, joining and reinforcing clay pieces to reduce warping and improve durability while creating projects that encourage creativity, problem-solving and artistic decision-making. These foundational skills prepare students for more advanced clay construction and functional ceramic design.