Create your next masterpiece! Whether you’re taking your place behind the potter’s wheel for the first time or looking for an advanced class to bring your own unique idea to life, Columbia Association’s Columbia Art Center has a class for you. Beginners can learn methods for centering clay, throwing bowl and cylinder forms, raising a vessel, glazing and more. More advanced artists might wish to try their hand at some advanced brushwork or participate in the firing process.

Ceramics classes are fun regardless of your age or experience level, so bring your friends or come ready to meet some new ones.
Keep in mind that the drying and firing of finished work takes a minimum of two weeks. Of course, that might give you just enough time to return to the Wheel Room to create another amazing piece of art!

Register For Classes

Advanced Wheel Throwing

For students with intermediate and advanced wheel experience. Refine your skills and techniques with advanced projects including lidded vessels, vases with handles, various bowl and mug shapes.
Program Date
Advanced Wheel Throwing - Winter/Wpring 2024 1/9/2024 - 2/27/2024 View Dates | Register

Beginning and Intermediate Wheel Throwing

New daytime combination class designed for those who are eager to try wheel-throwing for the first time and for those with basic experience who want to go to the next step and hone their skills.
Program Date
Beginning and Intermediate Wheel Throwing - Winter/Wpring 2024 1/11/2024 - 2/29/2024 View Dates | Register

Beginning Wheel Throwing

For beginners and those with some clay experience. Learn the basics of working on the potter’s wheel. Wedge and center clay and learn how to turn basic thrown forms into beautiful vases, cups and bowls. Simple glazing and decorating techniques are also introduced. Supplies and clay are available for purchase on the first day of class.
Program Date
Beginning Wheel Throwing - Winter/Wpring 2024 1/8/2024 - 3/4/2024 View Dates | More Info
Beginning Wheel Throwing - Winter/Wpring 2024 1/10/2024 - 2/28/2024 View Dates | Register

Ceramics Workshop

For ages 15 and up! Designed for Beginners!
Program Date
Cone 6 Glazing Techniques - Winter/Wpring 2024 1/27/2024 View Dates | More Info

Handbuilding: Dreaming it Into Clay

Ideal for beginners and those wanting to refine their handbuilding skills. Learn various handbuilding techniques including coils, slabs, handles, and a variety of surface designs.
Program Date
Handbuilding: Dreaming it Into Clay - Winter/Wpring 2024 1/8/2024 - 3/4/2024 View Dates | Register
Handbuilding: Dreaming it Into Clay - Winter/Wpring 2024 1/9/2024 - 2/27/2024 View Dates | Register

Independent Studio Access

This program is designed as independent studio time for advanced ceramic students to pursue personal projects during specified open studio time without instruction. Students must be experienced with the studio equipment, clay, glaze use, and cleanup processes. The total amount a student can produce per session is 2,000 cubic inches. Another 2,000 cubic inches can be produced by paying a fee of 7 cents per cubic inch. No production pottery.

Prerequisite: Must have taken at least one Columbia Art Center intermediate level ceramics class

Open studio hours for independent studio access:

Program Date
Independent Studio Access - Winter/Wpring 2024 1/8/2024 - 3/8/2024 View Dates | More Info

Intermediate Handbuilding

Ideal for intermediate students with handbuilding experience. Learn how to make functional and non-functional pieces with a focus on advanced techniques for integrating surface designs with the form of each work.
Program Date
Intermediate Handbuilding - Winter/Wpring 2024 1/11/2024 - 2/29/2024 View Dates | Register

Intermediate Wheel Throwing

This intermediate-level class pushes you beyond your current proficiency level and comfort zone. Practice and hone your skills and gain a greater confidence to move on to more challenging projects. Refine your techniques and explore your own voice in clay.
Program Date
Intermediate Wheel Throwing - Winter/Wpring 2024 1/13/2024 - 3/9/2024 View Dates | Register

Intermediate/Advanced Wheel

Expand and strengthen your throwing skills while developing your own personal style in clay. Basic shapes will be transformed into more complex forms. Sophisticated surface decoration will be explored using advanced glazing techniques, oxide and wax design elements and simple brushwork with slips.
Program Date
Intermediate/Advanced Wheel - Winter/Wpring 2024 1/11/2024 - 2/29/2024 View Dates | Register

Kids Clay Play ages 5-11

For ages 5-11 Are you ready to make a creation out of clay and have it fired in a kiln? In this workshop, enjoy making and decorating one or two art projects, such as a bowl, cup, dish, and/or sculpture. Your artwork will be glazed and fired in our studio kiln and available for pick-up in 3 weeks. All supplies provided.
Program Date
Kids Clay Play ages 5-11 - Winter/Wpring 2024 1/20/2024 View Dates | Register
Kids Clay Play ages 5-11 - Winter/Wpring 2024 1/27/2024 View Dates | Register
Kids Clay Play ages 5-11 - Winter/Wpring 2024 2/10/2024 View Dates | Register
Kids Clay Play ages 5-11 - Winter/Wpring 2024 2/24/2024 View Dates | Register
Kids Clay Play ages 5-11 - Winter/Wpring 2024 3/9/2024 View Dates | Register