Clay Creatures: Handbuilding

Instructor: Alison Grevstad
Dates: January 7th-March 18th, 2026
Time: Wednesdays, 10:00am-12:00pm
Fees: $485 (does not include tools, clay, or sales tax)

Explore the world of sculptural ceramics with Alison Grevstad in this all-levels morning class. Focus on animals, abstraction, or figures—deciding how realistic or simplified you want your work to be. Alison will share tips and techniques to capture gesture, personality, and nuance, helping you bring your critters and figures to life. This class encourages observation, experimentation, and creative expression at every skill level.

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 Kan Grevstad is an active member of the Seattle arts community as a practicing ceramic and visual artist. She has shown her work in gallery shows in Seattle and Arizona. Deeply influenced by nature, her art and design ethic give voice to underrepresented populations with a focus on cultural and environmental awareness.

She has worked in the studio Pottery Northwest for the past ten years, where she now teaches. She recently spent the summer of 2024 as a Visiting Artist at Rain City Clay and served as the Artist in Residence at Estes Park Center in Rocky Mountain National Park in the fall. She creates both sculptural and functional work and enjoys exploring new approaches to ceramic surface design.

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.