Tabletop Terrains: Handbuilding

Instructor: Joe Wilkinson
Dates: January 7th-March 18th, 2026
Time: Wednesdays, 7:30pm-9:30pm
Fees: $485 (does not include tools, clay, or sales tax)

Create your own miniature world with clay in this all-levels class with Joe Wilkinson! Explore handbuilding techniques as you shape stone-like rocks, abstract forms, bonsai planters, trays, and sculptural elements designed to become a tabletop fountain or interior water feature. Learn to look closely, experiment with slabs, facet, pinch, and carve, and bring your imaginative ideas to life. This playful, hands-on class is perfect for anyone who loves working with clay, creating functional art, and designing unique environments.

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 Joe Wilkinson (he/him)
Artist Joe Wilkinson received his BFA from the University of Colorado, Boulder and his MFA from Michigan State University. His work in clay began in 2008 finding inspiration in the material at the Colorado Mountain College in Breckenridge, Colorado. Post graduate school 2016,  Joe moved to Seattle, WA to start his career finding a welcoming arts community at Pottery Northwest, Seward Park Clay Studio, and Rat City Studio. He lives and shares studio space with his girlfriend, Studio Potter, Deborah Schwartzkopf. In addition to his own artwork, Joe is a metal fabricator building custom railings, staircases, and other household items for a Seattle contractor.

Joe’s work examines and celebrates a state of flux. Liminal moments, outside of the ritual of determined pattern, stir and agitate existing parameters. They penetrate into the unconscious, creating new spaces from which to examine and comprehend shifting realities. Patterns or “self-similarity” within nature inspire us to situate ourselves into various states of organization and behaviors. We seek the utmost efficiency to live a deterministic existence. However, as soon as a piece of the pattern is interrupted, chaos ensues, leaving us in an uncomfortable state of uncertainty.

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.