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Class FAQs

What are classes at Clayworks like?  

 

Clayworks is a beginner-focused studio. We have a very structured approach to help you learn quickly while still having fun. We are mindful of the expense of taking pottery classes and the value of your time. Our staff does a lot of prep work so that classes can move efficiently and instructors can provide individual, hands on attention to all students.

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What's included?  

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Included: Materials (clay and glazes), tools, aprons and firing fees.

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We don't charge for allotments of clay. We encourage you to practice and play around making forms with as much clay as you want. Each class has a planned amount of kiln space dedicated for firing their finished work (2-6 pieces per person depending on the class). 

 

For exapmle, this means that in our 4-week Cups and Tumblers class, you will practice working on lots of cups and tumblers, and at the end of week 3, you will choose your favorite 4 or so to focus on glazing on Glaze Day.

 

A bit on expectations when taking your first pottery wheel class: 

 

Our Wheel 1 classes are designed to introduce students to the art of "throwing". We believe that four lessons provide the essential time to comfortably experience one complete cycle of making pottery on the wheel. As with any new skill, it typically takes a few tries to gain full control over the process. 

What is the difference between Wheel 1 and Wheel 2 classes?  

 

Wheel 1 and Wheel 2 classes are usually 4 weeks long - our curriculum focuses on teaching specific skills and relate that to forming a specific object.  

 

Wheel 1 teaching concepts focus on foundational skills. We will use cups or bowls as a guide:

  • how to center clay

  • how to create walls 

  • how to clean up work by trimming 

  • how to glaze your work

 

Wheel 2 teaching concepts are making larger/taller objects with more precision, and vessels with thoughtful attachments. We will use things like serving bowls or mugs as a guide: 

  • making things to specific dimensions

  • trimming to shape

  • considering form and fuction

  • creating and attaching handles

  • layering glazes

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If I took a Wheel 1 Bowl class, should I enroll in the Wheel 2 Bowl class next?  

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Yes. But, for folks who want to work on more reliably centering, or pulling taller/thinner walls, we also welcome you to take another Wheel 1 class, ie. our Cups & Tumbler class to work on cylindrical forms (vs bowl forms) and vice versa.  

Can I make up a class?  

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We can often reschedule the last day, which is "Glaze Day." Otherwise, generally, no - because of the class sequence and the drying times of working with clay. If you will miss a day, please let us know (email hello@commonwealthclayworks.com / txt: 617 286-4513), and your instructor will make sure you have work available and ready to continue in your next session. 

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What is a Clayworks Companion?  

 

We can provide a volunteer companion if you need assistance during class - for example if you need help with physical aspects of studio work, hearing or moving around the studio. Please let us know if you'd like a companion after registering for class.

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