Participants will refine handbuilding techniques while developing more ambitious sculptural vessels, with an emphasis on structure, scale, and clarity of form. Alongside construction, students will engage deeply with color theory, learning how underglazes, colored slips, pattern, and imagery can be used to reinforce or transform a vessel’s form. Through demonstrations, guided critiques, and individual exploration, the focus will be on creating cohesive works where surface and structure are fully integrated.

This workshop supports artists in developing a stronger personal voice, encouraging risk-taking and refinement in equal measure, and expanding what is possible within handbuilt ceramic form.

Intermediate Level. You will get the most out of this workshop if you have participated in several handbuilding classes. 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.

Additional Materials: It is suggested you purchase underglaze for this class. We suggest AMACO Velvet Underglaze.
Starting with three 2oz. containers is a great way to test to see if you enjoy the material.

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 Laura Hoppenjans (she/they):

Laura Hoppenjans (she/they) is an interdisciplinary artist and designer, and creates all of the pieces featured on this site. Their work examines the balance of form versus function and its relationship to craft, pop culture, and traditional ‘women's work’, while exploring the political weight of domestic objects and the often-overlooked labor associated with them. She has exhibited in the U.S. and abroad, and currently lives and works on Duwamish land in Seattle, WA. https://hopandjans.com/about

Prepare for Class

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

• Studio Access: Youth do not receive practice time outside of class at Rain City Clay

• 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.