All Levels Welcome! You must be 15+ years of age to participate. This class is a great fit for those wanting to grow their skills with an instructor present to ask questions. There is a 15” maximum size, in any direction, when creating with clay at RCC.

Materials: Clay is $40 for new clay or at times we have recycled clay for sale for $20. This is a separate purchase from your class fee. Purchase clay ahead of time HERE.

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 Seattle Pottery Supply or Clay Art Center. Or here is another option on Amazon. The class fee includes all glazing materials, firings, and generous open-studio access for practice time.

About Alison Grevstad (she/her):

Alison Grevstad (she/her) is a Seattle-based ceramic and visual artist whose sculptural work is rooted in close observation of the natural world and an interest in surface, narrative, and material process. Drawing inspiration from landscape, ecology, and cultural storytelling, she uses clay as a way to explore form and meaning while amplifying underrepresented perspectives.

Alison has exhibited her work in galleries in Seattle and Arizona and has been an active member of the Pottery Northwest studio community for over a decade. She was a Visiting Artist at Rain City Clay in 2024 and served as Artist in Residence at Estes Park Center in Rocky Mountain National Park. Her practice spans sculptural and functional ceramics, with a particular interest in atmospheric firing and experimental surface development.

In this class, Alison guides students through sculptural approaches designed specifically for the soda kiln, encouraging thoughtful construction, surface exploration, and responsiveness to the firing process. This course is ideal for artists looking to deepen their relationship with clay, fire, and form.

Prepare for Class

• Full information on how to prepare for classes is available on our Clay Q&A Platform (Links below).

• Tools: Suggested tools are in the image on this class page.

• Clay: Purchase clay separately through our communication platform (Links below)

• Studio Access: Weekly Classes come with access to studio practice hours.

• FAQ’s about classes: https://raincityclay.com/education-faq

RCC Communication Platform

• Join Clay Q&A Here.

• Our studio communication platform, The Clay Q&A “Space”, is hosted on the Mighty Networks App.

• Participation is required to take classes at RCC or have a membership at RCS.

• Clay Q&A is essential to participants. It is where participants may:

  • Buy Clay

  • Schedule practice time

  • Learn about kiln deadlines/ kiln unloadings

  • Hear studio news & events

• Learn more/ download the More about the Mighty Networks App, or text the Mighty Network App to your Phone.
  
  This app can be used on a desktop or mobile device. This app is essential for purchasing clay during the session, scheduling practice hours, and keeping up to date with studio deadlines for kilns and finishing your art projects at RCC.

Studio Policies and Information

Registration Policies: Information on being prepared for class, refunds, and more.

Hold Harmless Agreement: View what you agree to when registering for a class.

Code of Conduct: Expectations of studio conduct for students, staff, and instructors, as well as ways to give feedback anonymously.