Weekly Classes & Indy Study

Please read our registration policies, refunds, and other conditions before registering.

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

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 $402

  • Class fees do not include clay

  • Learn More about your instructor

Fall 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.

Mix & Marble: Instructor: Krista Cortese
Sundays, 9:00am-11:00am, Sept 7th-Nov 16th

Grow your clay skills in this fun, flexible class blending wheel throwing and handbuilding. Learn to mix Mason Stains into your clay for bold accents, subtle inlays, or marbled effects, and explore new surfaces and sculptural details under Krista’s guidance. Level: Recommended for students with at least one throwing class.

Clay Curious: Instructor: Alice Lee
Mondays, 5:00-7:00pm, Sept 8th-Nov 17th

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! Level: All Levels

Falling for Clay: Instructor: Sam O’Brien
Mondays, 7:30-9:30pm, Sept 8th-Nov 17th

Dive into wheel throwing with instructor Sam, perfect for beginners and continuing students. Learn foundational throwing and glazing, plus 3D embellishments, underglazes, underglaze pencils, and water erosion techniques. Level: All Levels

Stored & Poured: Instructor: Deb Schwartzkopf
Tuesdays, 5:00-7:00pm, Sept 9th-Nov 18th

Boost your wheel-throwing skills while creating elegant, functional pottery for your kitchen. Learn techniques like collaring bottle necks, making fitted lids, and crafting matching caddies, including garlic jars, oil bottles, spice containers, and more. Perfect for building skills and seasonal kitchen-ready pieces. Level: Recommended for students with at least one throwing class.

Harvest Home: Instructor: Deb Schwartzkopf
Tuesdays, 7:30-9:30pm, Sept 9th-Nov 18th

Immerse yourself in creativity while honing your wheel-throwing skills. Craft seasonal tableware—plates, platters, bowls, salt & pepper shakers, and more—based on your interests. Focus on refining technique, exploring thoughtful design, and making functional pieces perfect for the season of sharing. Level: Recommended for students with at least one throwing class.

Tell it in Clay: Instructor: Alison Grevstad
Wednesdays 10:00am-12:00pm, Sept 10th-Nov 19th

Bring characters to life in clay—human, animal, or fantastical! This all-levels class explores coiling, carving, and handbuilding to create expressive, solid or hollow figures. Focus on gesture, proportion, and surface details to craft sculptures full of personality and storytelling. Level: All Levels

Gather Round: Instructor: Brooke Felix
Wednesdays 5:00pm-7:00pm, Sept 10th-Nov 19th

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. Level: All Levels

Clay in Context: Instructor: Joe Wilkinson
Wednesdays 7:30pm-9:30pm, Sept 10th-Nov 19th

Turn the world around you into clay! Draw inspiration from nature, objects, or your imagination as you explore building shapes, textures, and forms that tell a story. Decide whether your piece will sit on a table or hang on the wall, real or abstract. Weekly prompts and demos guide you in creating playful, personal sculptures—no experience needed, just curiosity! Level: All-Levels Sculpture

Ancient Echos: Instructor: Liz Quackenbush
Thursdays 5:00pm-7:00pm, Sept 11th-Nov 20th

Explore the intersection of past and present in clay with Liz Quackenbush. Using coiling, pinching, and slab techniques, create functional dishes inspired by gardens, landscapes, and global ceramic traditions. Learn historical forms, playful surface techniques, and discover your own creative voice—perfect for beginners and returning students alike. Level: All-Levels Handbuilding

Soda Side Quest: Instructor: Anika Major
Thursdays 7:30pm-9:30pm, Sept 11th-Nov 20th

Explore wheel throwing and handbuilding while experimenting with surface techniques like slips, underglazes, and washes to add depth and character. Combine forms, alter thrown pieces, and build intentionally, blending precision and expressive creativity.

Participants have the option of adding 2 items to the RCS soda-firing, an adventurous surface effects experience. Whether you stick with regular RCC firings or try soda firing, Anika will guide you through every stage to maximize your creative results.