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.
Winter Session Dates: January 9th - March 17th, 2027
REGISTRATION:
Registration opens October 7th at 2:00pm for current participants
Registration opens to everyone October 9th at 2:00pm ( We will send a newsletter )Scholarships for sessional classes
🟠 Class Length
Join a short or longer class with a fabulous instructor or work at your own pace through independent study. Ten-week classes include generous practice hours outside of class. One-day classes are a great way to see what clay is all about.
🟠 Missing Classes
We encourage students to attend every class whenever possible, as each session builds on the previous one and there are no make-up classes. If you do need to miss a class, you're welcome to use your practice time to reconnect with classmates, ask questions, and continue developing your skills.
🟠 Creating at RCC
Projects are limited to 15” in any direction. Clay needs to be purchased through Rain City Clay.
💧 Communication
Clay Q&A is our online community hub for session-based classes. It's the best place to stay informed about kiln schedules, studio events, important deadlines, class resources, and community announcements. Students can also ask questions, share ideas, and connect with instructors and fellow clay makers throughout the session.
Typical 10 Week Session Outline:
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 weeks for wet clay, final bisque firings
Week 9 – Last week for glazing, final glaze firing
Week 10 – Wrap-up: potluck, review finished work, photos, sanding bottoms
Handbuilding Workshop: A Curious Collection - One Weekend
Dec 19th & 20th, 2026 - 10am-5pm
Instructor: Alanna DeRocchi (she/her)
All Levels Welcome
Drawing from the long tradition of still life—objects arranged, observed, and loaded with meaning—this workshop invites participants to build contemporary still-life sculptures in clay, often centered around food and everyday items. Alanna will share approachable methods for constructing larger handbuilt forms, breaking down complex builds into manageable, confidence-building steps.
Studio Systems: Reclaim & Kiln Shelves - One Friday
Instructor: Anika Major (she/her)
October 16th, 6:00pm-9:00pm
All Levels Welcome
This workshop is designed for ceramic artists who want to better understand the behind-the-scenes systems that keep a ceramics studio running. Beyond making work, a functioning studio relies on clear processes for effieciency, safety, and maintenance.
Know Thy Kiln - One Saturday
Instructor: Anika Major (she/her)
Nov 14th, 2:00-5:00pm
All Levels Welcome
Learn to confidently operate your programmable Skutt kiln through a practical, studio-focused workshop led by Anika Major. This session is designed to demystify kiln function and give you the skills to run firings with more independence and fewer surprises.
Winter 2027 Workshop & Classes are below
Handbuild Higher! Two Saturdays
Instructor: Laura Hoppenjans (she/they)
Jan 16th, 12:30pm-4:30pm & Jan 17th, 9:30am-4:30pm
Continuing Handbuilding
Explore the expressive possibilities of color, pattern, and handbuilt form in this intermediate ceramics workshop with artist Laura Hoppenjans of Hop & Jans Studio. Known for her joyful use of color, graphic surfaces, and imaginative forms that move between functional and sculptural, Laura brings a process rooted in experimentation, intention, and bold visual language.
Handbuilding Workshop - One Weekend
Instructor: Sunshine Cobb (she/her)
March 20th-21st, 9:30am-4:30pm
Continuing Handbuilding
Join celebrated ceramic artist and author Sunshine Cobb for a weekend of handbuilding, creative exploration, and clay-filled inspiration. Drawing from both historical ceramic traditions and contemporary practice, Sunshine's work explores a variety of handbuilding approaches, encouraging students to discover fresh possibilities within their own creative process.
Tile Making - One Weekend
June 5th & 6th
Instructor: Terri Goodwin
All Levels Welcome
Wheel Throwing & Surface Focus - 10 weeks
Jan 9th-March 14th, Saturdays, 10:00am-1:00pm
Instructor: Judith Yeo (she/her)
All Levels Welcome
Explore the possibilities of the wheel and surface design with Judith Yeo in this all-levels class. Students will develop their wheel-throwing skills while experimenting with bold, graphic surface decoration, learning how pattern, line, and contrast can transform functional forms into distinctive ceramic pieces. Whether you’re new to the wheel or looking to expand your skills, this class offers plenty of room to experiment and develop your own visual language.
Wheel Throwing & Handbuilding Blend - 10 weeks
Jan 10th-March 14th, Sundays, 10:00am-1:00pm
Instructor: Anika Major (she/her)
Beginning-Intermediate
Join Anika Major for an exploration of functional forms for the table, blending wheel throwing and handbuilding to create plates, bowls, baskets, and more. Learn ways to combine techniques, alter thrown forms, and build pieces with both function and personality in mind. This all-levels class is a chance to experiment with form, surface, and the many possibilities of handmade tableware.
Wheel Throwing - 10 weeks
Jan 11th-March 15th, Mondays, 6:00pm–9:00pm
Instructor: Alice Lee (she/her)
All Levels Welcome
Light the night with Alice Lee in this all-levels wheel class! Learn Alice’s tips and tricks for throwing taller, wider, and more confidently while making a collection of functional and sculptural forms, including jars with cork lids, luminaries, and more. You’ll also explore carving and surface texture as ways to accentuate and transform your thrown forms. Throw more, experiment more, and have fun pushing your skills on the wheel!
Slow Soda: Wheel & Handbuilding - 10 weeks
Jan 12th-March 16th, Tuesdays, 9:00am-12:00pm
Instructor: Deb Schwartzkopf (she/her)
Intermediate
Led by Deb Schwartzkopf, this class dives into the slow, hands-on process of soda firing. Create work specifically designed for the movement of flame through the kiln, experiment with special slips that respond to the soda atmosphere, and discover how placement can shape the final surface. You’ll take part in loading and unloading the kiln throughout the class, gaining a deeper understanding of how form, surface, flame, and firing come together.
Handbuilding Vessels - 10 weeks
Jan 12th-March 16th, Tuesdays, 6:00pm-9:00pm
Instructor: Matt Nepsa (he/him)
All Levels Welcome
Join Matt Nepsa for an exploration of handbuilding techniques for functional forms with a strong focus on surface and storytelling. Learn ways to transfer patterns onto clay, build layered surfaces with underglazes, and develop imagery and narrative through decoration. Whether you’re drawn to pattern, illustration, or personal storytelling, this class offers plenty of room to experiment and make functional pottery with a distinct voice.
Wheel Throwing Taller - 10 weeks
Jan 13th-March 17th, Wednesdays, 9:00am-12:00pm
Instructor: Steph Cao (she/her)
Beginning-Intermediate
Ready to push your wheel throwing skills further? Join Steff Cao for a focused class on throwing taller, more efficiently, and with greater control. Build confidence as you work on centering, pulling, shaping, and refining your forms on the wheel. Steff will share techniques for getting more height from your clay while helping you develop a stronger understanding of form, proportion, and throwing technique. You will have plenty of time to practice, make multiples, and refine your approach as you work toward taller and more intentional forms.
Intro to Wheel Throwing - 10 weeks
Jan 13th-March 17th, Wednesdays, 6:00pm-9:00pm
Instructor: Brooke Felix (she/her)
Beginning Wheel Throwing
Ready to learn the potter’s wheel? Join Brooke Felix for a hands-on introduction to the fundamentals of wheel throwing. You will learn how to center, open, pull, and shape clay as you build the skills and confidence to make your first pots. Brooke will guide you through the process step by step, helping you develop a solid foundation and feel comfortable at the wheel. This class is a welcoming place to get your hands in the clay and discover the rhythm of wheel throwing.
Wheel Throwing & Altering - 10 weeks
Jan 14th-March 18th, Thursdays, 6:00pm-9:00pm
Instructor: Dax Joubert-Bousson (they/them)
Beginning-Intermediate Wheel Throwing
Join Dax Joubert-Bousson for a deep dive into wheel throwing and altering. Push your thrown forms beyond the round as you experiment with pouring pots, spouts, handles, and shifting shapes. Learn how to cut, move, and manipulate forms on and off the wheel to create pots that are both functional and full of personality. We’ll look at how small changes can dramatically shift a form, giving you new ways to approach the wheel and develop your own ideas.
Independent Study - 10 weeks
Optional orientation | Sunday, Jan 10th at 5:00pm
Jan 10th-March 15th, 2027
Instructor: Self-directed
Intermediate-Advanced
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
Intermediate-Advanced
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.