Creative Cupboard: Beginning Wheel
Wed. 5:00-7:00pm
March 27th - May 29th
$450

Learn the basics of the potter’s wheel or build on what you know! We’ll cover the foundations of wheelwork, including wedging, centering clay, forming cylinders, trimming, pulling handles, surface development, and glazing techniques - That’s a lot! Get your hands dirty and set the table with your own handmade mugs, bowls, & other functional forms.

Pots by René Gutierrez

Get your hands dirty during ten weeks of instruction and try out clay for the first time or build on your current skills while working with Rene. This is an ideal class if you have little to no experience with clay, or have just taken one or two classes. We recommend that you take an introductory class two or more times (over consecutive quarters) to build your skills.

Items are limited to 15” in any direction.

Prerequisites: None. All levels welcome - come join the fun!

You must be 15+ years of age to participate. Bring an apron, comfy clothes, a quart-sized container (like a yogurt container), and a beginner's set of tools to the first class. Tool kits are available for purchase online or at SPS or CAC. Or here is another option on Amazon. The class fee includes one bag of clay (25 pounds), all glazing materials, firings, and generous open-studio access for practice time. All levels welcome - come join the fun!

René Gutierrez, @rentrato

About the Instructor:
Instructor: Rene Gutierrez (he/him)
Born in Mexico and raised in the southern region of the United States, I found myself in Seattle several years after graduating from St. Olaf College in 1994 with a double major in Art and Asian Studies. Upon my arrival in Seattle in 1998, I spent two decades honing my skills in the culinary arts; although rewarding and exciting, something was missing. Fast forward to 2020 and my whole life changed; pandemic, marriage, surgery, and pottery. My reintroduction to clay set me upon a journey in search of inspiration and community; that journey has led me back to Rain City Clay/Rat City Studios to continue my growth as a ceramic artist.

Class refund policy:

Cancellations must be made via email to info@raincityclay.com
If you want to cancel your class, you may request a refund based on the bullet points below. Then you may rebook yourself for a class that fits better into your schedule. Last-minute cancellations in classes are difficult to fill - please double-check your schedule before committing to an event. Refunds take several business days to process from the date we receive the email request.

  • 100% of tuition (less a $15 processing fee) will be refunded if a student elects to drop a class no later than ten days (10 days) before the first class meeting.

  • 80% of tuition (less a $15 processing fee) will be refunded if a student drops a class within 7 business days before the first class meeting.

  • 50% of tuition (less a $15 processing fee) will be refunded if a student drops a class within 3 business days before the first class meeting.

  • 0% of tuition is refunded if cancellation is made within two days of class for any reason except for documented medical emergencies. (providing a doctor's note). There are no other exceptions to this policy.

  • No refunds or credit will be given for missed classes. Students currently enrolled in 10-week classes may practice during open studio time to build skills even if a class is missed. One-day clay events and lessons do not come with open studio time.

  • We reserve the right to cancel a class or workshop up to 3 days in advance of the first class due to insufficient enrollment. If a class is canceled, you will be offered the option of another class or a full refund.