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.
Summer Session Dates: June 13th - August 21st, 2026
Registration opens May 4th at 1:00pm for current participants
Registration opens to everyone May 6th at 1:00pm ( We will send a newsletter )Scholarships for session classes
Join a short or longer class with a fabulous instructor or work at your own pace through independent study. Ten-week classes includes generous practice hours outside of class. One-day classes are a great way to see what clay is all about.
Projects are limited to 15” in any direction. We encourage consistent attendance—sessions move quickly, and there are no make-up classes. However, you can always use your practice time to connect with classmates and instructors to build on what you have learned.
All longer participants use Clay Q&A, our online communication hub for kiln schedules, asking questions, studio events, deadlines, resources, and community Q&A.
Typical 10 Week Session Outline: (this shifts up for a 10-week session)
Week 1 – Meet your group, tour the studio, first demo, begin working with clay
Weeks 2–3 – Ongoing demos, project work, first bisque firing
Week 4 – Glazing demo
Week 5 – Glazing in class, continue projects, first glaze firing
Weeks 6 – Build skills and create projects
Week 7-8 – Last week for wet clay, final bisque
Week 9 – Last week for glazing, final glaze firing
Week 10 – Wrap-up: potluck, review finished work, photos, sanding bottoms
Beginning Wheel Throwing
Saturdays | 9:00am–12:00pm
June 13th–August 15th, 2026
Instructor: Finn Faydell Park
Get your wheels turning as you learn the foundations of throwing, including centering, pulling walls, and shaping simple functional forms. Best for: True beginners who want a steady, supportive introduction to the pottery wheel and building core skills from the ground up.
Wheel Throwing - Kiln to Kitchen: All Levels
Mondays | 6:00pm–9:00pm
June 15th–August 17th
Instructor: Alice Lee
Build your wheel throwing skills while exploring surface techniques that bring depth and character to your work. Best for: All levels looking to strengthen forms while developing a more intentional approach to surface and finish.
Defining Your Style
Tuesdays | 9:00am–11:00am
June 16th–August 18th
Instructor: Deb Schwartzkopf
Develop your artistic voice through guided reflection, research, and discussion. We will look at your artwork and, using writing and visual exercises to identify influences, deepen intention,, and define next steps in your making and ideas. Best for: Students with some clay experience who want to deepen their ideas, clarify their style, and connect concept to finished work.
Handbuilding: All Levels
Tuesdays | 11:00am–2:00pm
June 16th–August 18th, 2026
Instructor: Irene Nelson
Explore handbuilding techniques like slab, coil, and pinch to create both functional and sculptural work. Best for: Beginners through experienced makers who enjoy working off the wheel and developing form through hand processes.
Continuing Wheel & Handbuilding Blend
Tuesdays | 6:00pm–9:00pm
June 16th–August 18th
Instructor: Deb Schwartzkopf
Learn to design, throw, and hand-build molds with clay. And then make all kinds of fun shapes with them! This technique makes repeating shapes more achievable - We’ll start with plates, bowls, and trays. Best for: Intermediate students interested in expanding their process through mold-making and controlled form building.
Wheel Throwing: All Levels
Wednesdays | 10:00am–1:00pm
June 17th–August 19th, 2026
Instructor: Steph Cao
Focus on refining thrown forms with an emphasis on cups, bottles, and decorative vessels while building more intentional shapes. Best for: All levels wanting to strengthen form, control, and overall elegance on the wheel. Get a taste of Soda Firing.
Beginning Wheel Throwing
Wednesdays | 6:00pm–9:00pm
June 17th–August 19th, 2026
Instructor: Brooke Felix
Get a welcoming introduction to wheel throwing while learning the core skills needed to make functional pottery. Best for: Beginners new to clay or those looking to build confidence with foundational techniques.
Wheel & Hand Blend: All Levels
Thursdays | 6:00pm–9:00pm
June 18th–August 20th, 2026
Instructor: Anika Major
Combine wheel throwing and handbuilding while exploring new surfaces and approaches to making. Best for: All levels wanting variety, skill-building, and a playful mix of techniques.
Wheel Throwing: All Levels
Fridays | 6:00pm–9:00pm
June 19th–August 21st, 2026
Instructor: Ryan McDonald
Refine functional forms while developing strong surface techniques like carving, slip work, and handle pulling. Best for: Continuing students who want a taste of the soda-firing process and are focused on consistency, craftsmanship, and advancing their wheel skills.
Independent Study: 10-Weeks Summer 2026
Sunday orientation | June 14th at 5:00pm
June 14th–August 16th
Instructor: Self-directed
RCC offers a fully equipped studio for independent makers to pursue their own ceramic work with no instruction, supported by shared facilities and community space. Best for: Experienced students who are comfortable working independently and want 10-weeks of studio access to develop personal projects.
Affiliate Membership
Monthly 24/7 studio access (ongoing)
Instructor: Self-directed
Join a working studio community with 24/7 access to facilities for experienced ceramic artists and sculptors. Best for: Established makers who want ongoing, monthly, consistent, independent studio access and the flexibility of a long-term workspace.
