Participants will investigate a range of presentation options, from freestanding sculptures designed for pedestals to wall-mounted works that activate architectural space. Emphasis will be placed on form, composition, surface development, and creative problem-solving as students bring their ideas from sketch to finished sculpture. Whether your interests lean toward the human figure, animal imagery, or imaginative hybrid forms, this workshop offers an opportunity to expand your sculptural practice and explore new possibilities in clay. Paper clay's versatility makes it an ideal material for experimentation, allowing students to work intuitively while tackling forms and structures that might be challenging with traditional clay bodies.

All Levels are 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.

Special Materials: Any specialty carving tools you already have and want to try out AND/OR these starter Carving tools from amazon. If you want to splurge, this is the set Alice uses: diamond core carving set

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 Alice Lee (she/her):
Hello, I'm Alice Kay Lee. I am a potter by trade, designer by training, and teacher by profession. I hold undergraduate degrees in Graphic Design and Interior Design, a teaching credential in Art, and graduate work in Secondary Education. I taught high school in the SF Bay Area for ~10 years before we moved to the PNW to start a family. 

Even though my love of clay began at age 12 and continued through college, it wasn't until 2021, when my daughter was old enough to go to school, that I started to work with clay full time. My signature work is in carved ceramics, particularly translucent porcelain, but also functional wares. Nowadays, you'll find me in the studio 6 days a week, teaching , hawking my wares at markets and popups, and out in Seattle soaking up the art & culture at theaters and museums.

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.