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.
Fall Session Dates: September 12th - November 19th, 2026
Winter Session Dates: January 10th - March 18th, 2027
Registration opens October 7th at 2:00pm for current participants
Registration opens to everyone October 9th at 2:00pm ( We will send a newsletter )Scholarships for session classes
Is the class you want FULL? Check first & then Add your name to the waitlist HERE
Ten-week classes include generous practice hours outside of class. One-day classes are a great way to see what clay is all about and do not come with practice time outside of class.
Projects are limited to 15” in any direction. We encourage consistent attendance—there are no make-up classes. However, you may use your practice time to connect with classmates and instructors to build on what you have learned.
All sessional class participants use Clay Q&A, our online communication hub, for kiln schedules, asking questions, studio events, deadlines, and resources.
Level of Instruction:
Level One
A welcoming introduction to clay, with a focus on foundational throwing or handbuilding techniques. Demonstrations and projects are designed for beginners and those developing or building on new skills. We recommend taking Level One 2–4 times before moving into Level Two as you build confidence and a strong foundation.
Level Two
For students ready to build on foundational skills. Classes focus on developing the throwing or handbuilding skills needed to make forms up to 5" tall. Repeating Level Two classes is encouraged as you continue to develop control and consistency.
Level Three
For students with established intermediate clay skills. This level is a good fit after multiple Level One and Level Two classes. Projects may explore replication, larger forms, more demanding techniques, and intentional surface development. Level Three embraces increased complexity and scale, with skills that support making forms up to 8" tall.
Use the drop down boxes below to narrow in on a class that works for you!
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Creating for the Soda Kiln
Creating for the Soda Kiln
Slow Soda: Wheel & Handbuilding - 10 weeks
Jan 12th-March 16th, Tuesdays, 9:00am-12:00pm
Instructor: Deb Schwartzkopf (she/her)
Instruction: Level 3
Led by Deb Schwartzkopf, this class dives into the slow, hands-on process of soda firing. Create work specifically designed for the movement of flame through the kiln, experiment with special slips that respond to the soda atmosphere, and discover how placement can shape the final surface. You’ll take part in loading and unloading the kiln throughout the class, gaining a deeper understanding of how form, surface, flame, and firing come together.
Week One:
Go over in depth what it means to “make pots for the kiln”.
Review the Soda Space on Clay Q&A/ Discuss Soda Process/ Slips & Glazes
Everyone will be asked to make pots of a certain size for the ideal kiln load.
Demo: How to load a kiln shelf. Image ahead of time to pots you will make for the kiln and how they will be loaded. Deb will bring over a kiln shelf, we will talk about spacing, and what your share in the kiln equals to in pots.
Week Two:
Making Cups - warm up (Goal #1 - have three cups for the soda kiln)
Demo: Trimming, Slip application on greenware
Week Three:
Throwing taller!
More time for throwing taller - pick a project or learn from demos on vases, spoon organizers, or bottles
Everyone will need to throw/ handbuild three of the tallest forms they can (between 9- 14”)
Deb will share throwing tips for making taller pots
Week Four:
More time for throwing taller - vases, spoon organizers, or lamps
Week Five:
Finishing soda pieces so they can be bisque fired the following week.
Week Six: Feb 16th
Everything for soda kiln must be in the bisque kiln!
You are welcome to continue working in clay and fire other pieces in the RCC cone 6 studio kilns as usual.
Week Seven:
Glazing, Flashing slips & Wadding for the soda kiln.
Demo: Make wadding as a group; talk more about flashing marks,
Week Eight:
Practice loading a shelf of artwork at RCC.
Look at past firing photos and make a plan for the kiln loading next week at RCS.
Finish any glazing that is not finished.
Week Nine:
Load the soda kiln as a group. At Rat City Studios! Please make every effort to be on time.
Week Ten: March 16th, unload the kiln together at Rat City Studios.
Bring gloves and a dust mask to help clean kiln shelves, posts, and kiln.
Look at artwork. Talk about grinding and sanding. LOOK at all the amazing results
Take photos of pots at RCS. Potluck at RCS!!!
Recommended for those with two or more clay classes in either handbuilding or wheel throwing. 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 the Instructor
Deb Schwartzkopf is the founder of Rat City Studios & Rain City Clay. With a passion to engage and build community through clay, she uses her unique skill set to offer educational opportunities in her hometown of Seattle, WA. As a studio artist, she makes her own fabulous tableware that infuses life with purposeful beauty. Her adventurous spirit has taken her across the country and beyond to build a depth of experience, knowledge, and a supportive network.
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.
For sessional classes, one-time classes, private lessons, and exploratory workshops lasting up to 2 days:
100% of tuition (less a $15 processing fee) will be refunded if a student elects to drop a class no later than 10 days before the day of the first class meeting.
50% of tuition (less a $15 processing fee) will be refunded if a student drops a class within 5 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.
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.