RCC Clay classes, workshops, & more!
Read our registration policies, refunds, and other conditions before registering.
Clay classes require some physical strength. Consider a one-time event if you are uncertain of your ability to participate.
Spring Session Dates: Saturday, March 28th - June 4th, 2026
Summer Session Dates: June 13th - August 21st, 2026
Registration opens May 4th at 1:00pm for current participants
Registration opens to everyone May 6th at 1:00pm ( We will send a newsletter )Scholarships for session classes
Join a short or longer class with a fabulous instructor or work at your own pace through independent study. Ten-week classes includes generous practice hours outside of class. One-day classes are a great way to see what clay is all about.
Projects are limited to 15” in any direction. We encourage consistent attendance—sessions move quickly, and there are no make-up classes. However, you can always use your practice time to connect with classmates and instructors to build on what you have learned.
All longer participants use Clay Q&A, our online communication hub for kiln schedules, asking questions, studio events, deadlines, resources, and community Q&A.
Is the class you want FULL? Add your name to the waitlist HERE
Use the drop down boxes below to narrow in on a class that works for you!
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Handbuilding: All Levels
Handbuilding: All Levels
Instructor: Irene Nelson
Dates: June 16th-August 18th, 2026
Time: Tuesdays 11am-2pm
Fees: $485 (does not include tools, clay, or sales tax)
Dive into summer in this all-levels handbuilding class with Irene Nelson! This class explores how surface can move beyond decoration and become an integral part of the form itself. Through projects like slab-built wall pieces, coil-built vessels, and small sculptural studies, students will learn how to add dimension, texture, and sculptural elements to enhance visual impact. We’ll focus on practical skills like moisture management, attachment strategies, weight distribution, and greenware repair to support more ambitious forms. Along the way, we’ll look at how functional pots can hold both use and expression—bridging the space between utility and sculpture. Open to all levels, this class encourages experimentation while building strong, reliable construction skills.
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 Irene Nelson (she/her):
Irene Nelson is a ceramic artist based in Seattle. She grew up on California’s Central Coast, studied fashion design at UC Davis, and worked in design of various forms – first bridal gowns, then graphic and user experience design – before finding her artistic passion in ceramics. Irene began taking pottery classes in 2018 and became a member of Rat City Studios in 2023. She joined the RCC team in 2025, and works here as a studio tech and marketing assistant in addition to teaching the occasional class.
Irene's ceramic sculptures, reliefs and sculptural vessels celebrate nature, exploring themes of infinity, shifting dimensionality, and religion to create a fantasy where wildlife is ascendant. Her current body of work explores an endless Antarctic landscape, stark yet teeming with life.
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
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.