Weekly Classes & Indy Study
Registration for Winter Session will be posted 1st on Clay Q&A on October 7th at 12noon.
(We are moving to having one registration date opening. No early-bird registration)
Register for Fall Classes, Lessons, or Workshops
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.
Fall Session Dates: Sept 7th-Nov 20th, varies by class
Winter Session Dates: Jan 3rd-March 19th, Registration for Winter will be added to the RCC Classes page on October 7th at 12noon.
Scholarships for session classes
FAQ’s for Classes at RCC (Learn More)
Join a class with a fabulous instructor or work at your own pace through independent study. Our 10–11 week sessional classes are open to anyone 15 and older, from complete beginners to those looking to expand their clay skills. Each session includes generous practice hours in our studio so you can reinforce what you learn.
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 participants use Clay Q&A, our online hub for kiln schedules, asking questions, studio events, deadlines, resources, and community Q&A.
Typical 11 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 6–7 – Build skills and create projects
Week 8-9 – Last week for wet clay, final bisque
Week 10 – Last week for glazing, final glaze firing
Week 11 – Wrap-up: potluck, review finished work, photos, sanding bottoms
Scholarships are available for 10-11 week sessional classes.
Considerations:
Working with clay can be physically demanding. Please try out a Clay Sampler before registering for a long session if you have any concerns in this area.
Ages 15+ only.
Projects are limited to 15” in any direction.
Classes are $485 | Independent Study is $405
Class fees do not include clay or sales tax
Learn More about your instructor
Winter 2026 Session:
Independent Study: RCC offers its well-appointed, welcoming space to independent study participants during our quarterly sessions. There is no instruction; you will have open-ended, self-directed studio time. Participants are responsible for following the communications on Clay Q&A to know about firings and deadlines.
Recommended for returning students or those with clay experience
Wheels in Motion: Instructor: Finn Park,
Saturdays 9am-11:00am, January 3rd-March 14th, 2026
Get your wheels turning as you learn the basics of throwing pots on the potter's wheel. This class will get you familiar with the material of clay and introduce foundational wheel-thrown forms such as bowls and cups. Try out surface decoration with our colorful shop glazes, wax resist, and tape resist techniques.
Beginning Wheel
Clay Impressions:
Instructor: Amy Kastelin
Sundays, 9:00am-11:00am, January 4th-March 15th, 2026
Discover how to transform everyday textures into dynamic ceramic surfaces with Seattle-based artist Amy Kastelin, known for her richly layered, nature-inspired work. You’ll explore pressing found materials into clay, carving back to reveal patterns, and building functional forms like mugs, bowls, and trays from textured slabs. Drawing inspiration from the environment, Amy will guide you in developing surfaces that are playful, intentional, and deeply personal. Whether new to clay or returning, this class invites you to experiment and grow.
All Levels Handbuilding, Surface Design
Clay Curious:
Instructor: Alice Lee
Mondays, 5:00-7:00pm, January 5th-March 16th, 2026
Bump up your throwing skills in this all-levels wheel-throwing class! Alice will share all her tips and tricks with you to throw a bit taller and throw a bit wider! Throw more and more! In addition, learn ways to accentuate your thrown pottery forms with carving and surface texture. There’s always more to learn. Stay curious!
All Levels Wheel
Bobbles & Bangles:
Instructor: Jade Ariah
Mondays, 7:30-9:30pm, January 5th-March 16th, 2026
Discover the art of ceramic jewelry in this all-levels class, where small-scale clay meets big creativity. Participants will explore techniques for making wearable pieces using nichrome or kanthal wire, experimenting with texture, impressions, slips, and underglazes to bring vibrant color and detail to their designs. Think of each piece as a miniature canvas—perfect for playful form and color studies in clay. Whether you’re drawn to delicate pendants, bold statement pieces, or tiny treasures, this class will guide you in transforming clay into decorative wearables full of personality.
All Levels Handbuilding, Jewelry
From Feed to Form:
Instructor: Deb Schwartzkopf
Tuesdays, 5:00-7:00pm, January 6th-March 17th, 2026
In this wheel-focused class, Deb Schwartzkopf invites you to take inspiration from the ceramic artists you love most. Each participant will bring a URL/ IMAGE/ Link to an admired vessel, handle, shape, surface, or technique —maybe one discovered on Instagram or admired in another maker’s portfolio. Using these examples, Deb will create demonstrations that highlight form, technique, and surface approaches, while helping you develop your own personal voice in clay.
All Levels Wheel
Funky Forms:
Instructor: Deb Schwartzkopf
Tuesdays, 7:30-9:30pm, January 6th-March 17th, 2026
For those continuing their clay journey, this class blends wheel throwing and handbuilding to spark inventive, functional, and decorative creations. Think juicers, bookends, catch-alls—or whatever funky form you can dream up. Along the way, you’ll practice throwing a little taller or wider, pushing your skills into new territory. Deb will tailor demos to student interests, guiding you in refining techniques and bringing your imaginative projects to life.
Continuing Wheel & Handbuilding
Clay Creatures:
Instructor: Alison Grevstad
Wednesdays 10:00am-12:00pm, January 7th-March 18th, 2026
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 Handbuilding, Sculpture
Gather Round:
Instructor: Brooke Felix
Wednesdays 5:00pm-7:00pm, January 7th-March 18th, 2026
Get started with wheel throwing in this beginner-friendly 11-week class. Learn to center, pull walls, shape, and trim your pots while creating cups, bowls, and candle holders. Experiment with hand-formed embellishments, slip decoration, and glazing in a supportive, hands-on environment.
Beginning Wheel
Tabletop Terrains:
Instructor: Joe Wilkinson
Wednesdays 7:30pm-9:30pm, January 7th-March 18th, 2026
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, and sculptural elements designed to become bonsai planters, hollow-walled trays, or tabletop water features. 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 Handbuilding, Sculpture
Mudbuddies:
Instructor: Brooke Hanson
Thursdays 5:00pm-7:00pm, January 8th-March 19th, 2026
In this beginner class, students will be introduced to the basics of working with clay and try their hand at the pottery wheel. This class is for youth who can work independently, listen to instructions, and respectfully use an adult studio space. Demonstrations will begin with cups and bowls, then dive into surface decoration with carving and inlay. Students will be encouraged to challenge themselves creatively, get messy, and have fun!
Youth Wheel Throwing, Youth ages 9-15
Keepsakes in Clay:
Instructor: Heather Luedke
Thursdays 5:00pm-7:00pm, January 8th-March 19th, 2026
Bring art into your home in this all-levels handbuilding class with Heather Luedke! Choose from creating wall altars, clocks, address numbers, or decorative plaques, and explore ways to make each piece uniquely yours. Heather will guide you through slip techniques—including painting, stenciling, and layering—to create interesting textures and raised surfaces. This form-and-surface-focused class is perfect for experimenting, having fun, and adding personalized ceramic art to your space.
All Levels Handbuilding
Form for Flame:
Instructor: Anika Major
Thursdays 7:30pm-9:30pm, January 8th-March 19th, 2026
Make work for the soda kiln at our sister studio RCS. Ready to level up your clay skills and explore new surfaces? Anika will guide you through wheel throwing and handbuilding projects while introducing a variety of surface techniques—including slips, underglazes, and washes—that bring depth and vibrancy to your forms. Includes one full share in the soda kiln!
Continuing Wheel & Handbuilding, Soda Firing
