Pottery Classes in Chicago, IL

In this three-part class we will dive deep into one of the most quintessential and complex ceramic forms -- the teapot. We will go through the construction process from start to finish, sharing images and discussing ideas about how to successfully connect form and function. Demonstrations will focus mainly on thrown components for teapots, but options...

Understanding Glazes Online consists of 14 on-demand video lectures presented over three months. The on-demand format is designed for the educational needs of the ceramicist. Students are able to watch lectures as often as they like, providing them with the ability to absorb and engage with the information like never before. Students also can engage...

Missing time in the studio? Using different textures at home can be a great way to explore clay. Start with something as simple as a ceramic spoon or tile and expand to something larger. We’ll review the fundamentals of ceramics including pinch, coil, and slab. If you are a more advanced student and want to continue working from home your participation...

This virtual wheel throwing class is ideal for students who have access to a wheel but still want to watch live demos and get feedback on their throwing. This is an opportunity to troubleshoot any difficulties you're facing on the wheel, and to ask for specific demos.  If students want to, they can throw with the teacher watching and get help...

Learn the basics of using underglaze to add color, pattern and detail to your ceramic pieces! Underglaze is an accessible and easy to use material that is safe for home-use and applicable to various firing temperatures. Learn about the many possibilities of underglaze in this info session/demo. Feel free to come with questions. Some ceramic experience...

In this workshop, we will discuss in-depth ways to use resist methods in ceramics to create decorative surfaces. By using resist, you can “resist” glaze or underglaze being in particular areas of your piece and add interest and design perspectives to your ceramic creations. We will focus in particular on repeating designs such as those found...

Learn to approach ceramic hand-building techniques through the lens of art history. Each week we'll learn about a different 20th or 21st Century ceramicist who made innovative, celebrated work in her time. We'll then sketch a favorite piece made by the artist and learn a technique to recreate or re-imagine the artist's original piece. Materials will...

In this five-week virtual pottery course, students will deepen their understanding of handbuilding with clay and decorating the surface of their ceramic forms. Students will explore a variety of techniques, focusing primarily on carving from a solid block of clay to produce functional tableware and decorative art objects. Through demonstrations, students...

Ghada Amer was born in Cairo in 1963 and raised in France where she studied at Villa Arson, Nice.   She currently lives and works in New York. Her wide-ranging practice spans painting, sculpture, works on paper, and garden and mixed-media installations. Over the course of her multi-decade career, Amer has created an aesthetic and conceptual...