Workshops
Eastside Pottery offers a diverse range of classes designed to accommodate individuals at all skill levels, fostering a supportive and creative environment for pottery enthusiasts
Workshop Types
Introductory
Our introductory workshops are designed for first-time potters with no prior experience required.
Introduction to Wheel Throwing focuses on the fundamentals of working on the pottery wheel,
while Pottery Combo offers a more casual introduction to both wheel throwing and hand-building.
For those looking for a more immersive experience, Ceramic Bootcamp explores the full ceramics process while building genuine foundational skills.
Six-week Sessions
Our six-week courses provide a structured way to build your ceramic skills through focused, hands-on instruction in wheel throwing, hand-building, surface design, and more. Sessions are offered at a range of skill levels, from complete beginners to experienced makers.
Sessions begin November 2–8
Holiday break November 23–29
Sessions end December 14 - 20
Workshops for Everyone
These workshops are designed for everyone, whether you’re coming with friends, planning a date night, bringing the family, or simply spending some time doing something creative. Each workshop features a seasonally rotating project that is approachable for beginners and still fun for experienced makers, all completed in a single visit.
Attendance Guidelines
• Ages 7 and under: An adult must stay and assist. Adults only need a ticket if making their own piece.
• Ages 8 to 14: An adult must remain for the full workshop. Adults are welcome to purchase a ticket and join in.
• Ages 15 and up: May attend without an adult.
Seating is limited for our workshops. Out of consideration for our studio members, please ensure that only enrolled students, or individuals assisting younger children, attend the workshop.
Specialty
At Eastside Pottery, we love offering workshops that help everyone grow as artists and explore new ways of working with clay. Our specialty workshops focus on a specific project or technique, giving you the chance to learn new skills and add innovative techniques to your creative toolkit. We offer specialty workshops for both beginners and those with prior ceramic experience, with each session limited to 10 students for plenty of individual guidance.
Members Only
Eastside Pottery offers monthly, member-exclusive workshops designed to support all skill levels and interests. Held at any of our locations, these small-group sessions provide personalized guidance, opportunities to learn from skilled instructors, and space to connect with fellow members.
Alternative Firings
Experience the process of Raku in our hands-on workshop, where you glaze and fire your own bisque pieces using traditional methods. For those curious about unique surface finishes and experimental kiln techniques, this is a chance to see how alternative firings differ from the traditional approach and try them for yourself. Bring up to four bisqued pieces, choose from a selection of Raku glazes, and watch your pottery transform through fire-driven effects.
Share snacks and conversation as we gather around the kiln, talk about the craft, and enjoy the moment your work emerges from the fire. You will leave with your finished pieces the same day.
All Workshops
Holiday Trees, Hand-Building Workshop
Meg Frost
put your own spin on a holiday classic with a holiday tree you’ll decorate and glaze.
Introduction to Wheel: Ramen Bowl Edition
Jack Mahr
learn the fundamentals of wheel throwing while creating a classic ramen bowl
Altered Forms: Mugs Edition
Jack Mahr
explore form and expression by reshaping pre-thrown mugs into pieces that are uniquely your own
Tchotchkes Altar
Morgan Nixon
Turn your favorite tchotchkes into inspiration as you hand-build a custom little sanctuary just for them.
Throwing Tall: Scaling Up Workshop
Jack Mahr
Choke, pull, and compress your way to taller, more stable forms with greater control and consistency.
Functional Hand-Building
Jack Mahr
create functional pottery for everyday life while building a strong foundation in hand-building techniques.
Introduction to Wheel: Marbling Edition
Morgan Nixon
learn the fundamentals of wheel throwing, with a marbled twist!
Ornaments: Hand-Building Workshop
Meg Frost
add a handmade touch to the holidays with ornaments you shape, decorate, and glaze.
Snow People, Hand-Building Workshop
Meg Frost
bring a little winter character to life with a playful hat, carrot nose, and plenty of personality.
Pumpkin Buddies: Hand-Building Workshop
Meg Frost
Make your own pumpkin buddy to enjoy all year long.
Mushrooms Jars: Hand-Building Workshop
Meg Frost
Learn to make a mushroom jar using hand-building and pinch pot techniques.
Haunted Lanterns: Hand-Building Workshop
Meg Frost
Light up your windows and porches this fall with your own handmade lantern.
Surface Design
Jess Burlage
explore surface decoration techniques like sgraffito, slip trailing, inlay, transfers, and resist glazing while bringing more depth and personality to your pottery.
Member Workshop: Studio Equipment
Discover tips, tools, and techniques to make the most of your time in the studio. Learn practical tips for using essential equipment, including the slab roller, Giffin Grip, and clay extruder.
Member Workshop: Glaze Lab
Members-only glaze lab with guided practice on our studio glazes. Bring 4+ bisque pieces, learn dip and brush techniques, and get one-on-one feedback. Beginners and experienced potters welcome.
Raku Firing Workshop
Nathan Himes
Choose from a range of raku glazes to create effects from lustrous metallic to dramatic crackle.
Pottery Combo Workshop: Wheel & Hand-Building
learn the basics of wheel throwing and create a small hand-built project along the way. Great for date nights, friends, and first-time potters.
Introduction to Wheel Throwing
learn the wheel from the ground up with demos, guided practice, and supportive coaching
Ceramic Bootcamp: two day workshop
work through the stages of the ceramic process, including wheel throwing, trimming, hand-building, and glazing. Designed for first-time students who want to build foundational skills and greater confidence working independently.
Ceramic Bootcamp: one day workshop
work through the stages of the ceramic process, including wheel throwing, trimming, hand-building, and glazing. Designed for first-time students who want to build foundational skills and greater confidence working independently.
Intermediate Wheel
refine your technique, explore new forms, and build confidence in throwing and glazing.
Beginner Wheel
learn the full wheel-throwing process, from centering and shaping to trimming, handles, and glazing.
Hand-Building & Wheel Hybrid
John Masello
push hand-building beyond basics shapes with bold sculptural projects, unexpected techniques, and the pottery wheel as part of the creative process.