Ceramics: Wheel Throwing (Thursday Evening)

Ceramics: Wheel Throwing (Thursday Evening)

Adult Class | FULL

1/7/2027-3/4/2027
6:30 PM-9:30 PM EDT on Th
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$295.00
$275.00
$25.00
$50.00

Ceramics: Wheel Throwing (Thursday Evening)

Adult Class | FULL

What makes a ceramic pot useful? What makes it beautiful to you? What makes a pot a “good” pot? This course will teach beginning wheel throwing and ceramic glazing skills by exploring these questions. We will cover the entire process of making functional wheel thrown pots, including design ideation, throwing, trimming, making handles, and surface decoration. We will also view images of pottery ancient to modern, and explore our own home ceramic collections. Focusing on craft, material sensitivity, and identifying personal taste, students will work on attainable forms to build new skills rapidly.

What You Will Learn:
- Basics of wheel throwing
- Ceramic hand-building techniques
- Advanced surface treatment with slips and glazes

Who This Class Is For: 
True beginners and anyone looking to strengthen their ceramic skills. Please note that wheel throwing involves sitting at the wheel for extended periods in a forward-leaning, hunched position. Questions about whether this class is right for you? Email adulteducation@fleisher.org.

Firing Schedule: All work should be placed on the bisque firing shelf by Friday, February 19, and on the glaze firing shelf by Friday, February 26 to guarantee it will be fired by the last week of classes. Students can continue to drop off work for glaze firing until Friday, March 8, however, finished work will be available for pick up during operational hours between terms, or the spring term. We will store unclaimed work for one term only. Questions about the firing schedule can be directed to Scott Cooper, Senior Studio Technician at scooper@fleisher.org.

All artwork, tools, and clay must be removed from Fleisher’s Ceramics Studio shelving by Monday, March 8, unless registered for a ceramics class during the upcoming Spring 2026 term. Please leave a note with on your shelf if you are returning in the spring to ensure your items are not removed.

Accessibility Note: This studio is accessible by elevator, but some auxiliary areas of the Ceramics Studio require stairs. For access needs or accommodations, contact adulteducation@fleisher.org. 

  • Start the term with these supplies:
    - Your first bag of clay is included in your registration - no outside clay is permitted. Additional clay can be purchased at the front desk.
    - Basic clay tool kit (rib, cut off wire, pin tool, small sponge, loop trimming tool)
    - Cloth hand towel and apron

    Midway through the term students will need these supplies:
    - 1” and 2” inch hake brush
    - Personal supply of decorating tools
    - Various carving tools

Nina Rajagopalan

Nina Rajagopalan (they/them) is a ceramic and fiber artist living in West Philadelphia. Nina has been a practicing ceramic artist for over a decade. They create figure and animal sculptures and functional wheel-thrown pottery. Nina also makes handmade clothing with a special emphasis on incorporating reclaimed fabrics. Nina's art explores archetypal and playful motifs, and they enjoy experimenting with unusual forms, flashy colors and bold patterns. They started participating in wood firings a couple of years ago, and they are very excited to continue learning about this fascinating form of ceramic production. 

@neonslimemold

Languages: Spanish