14320 NE 21st Street #20, Bellevue, Washington 98007
Fall 2025 Quarter Schedule:
INTRO TO CLAY I: Hand-building & Wheel-Throwing for Beginners
INTRO TO CLAY I: Hand-building & Wheel-Throwing for Beginners
INTRO TO CLAY I: Hand-building & Wheel-Throwing for Beginners
SATURDAYS, 1:00-4:00PM
SEPTEMBER 20-NOVEMBER 22
- Instructor: Susan Thompson
- Level: Beginner
- 10 Weeks: $510
Prerequisite: None
This is the best place to start! Dive into the world of ceramics with this comprehensive, beginner-friendly class. We’ll start by exploring hand-building techniques—beginning with pinch pots, moving into coil construction, and finishing with slabs—to help you build a strong foundation in clay handling and form creation. In the second half of the course, you’ll transition to wheel-throwing, learning to center clay and shape basic forms on the pottery wheel. Along the way, we’ll introduce surface decoration techniques and glazing, so you can add texture, color, and personality to your finished pieces. No experience necessary—just come ready to get your hands dirty and your creativity flowing.
2 spaces remaining
BEGINNING WHEEL: As the Wheel Turns
INTRO TO CLAY I: Hand-building & Wheel-Throwing for Beginners
INTRO TO CLAY I: Hand-building & Wheel-Throwing for Beginners
TUESDAYS, 6:00PM - 9:00PM
SEPTEMBER 16-NOVEMBER 18
- Instructor: Trevor Johnson
- Level: Beginner
- 10 Weeks: $510
Prerequisite: None
No experience? No problem. This beginner-level class is designed to guide students through the foundational techniques of working with clay on the wheel. You’ll learn the essentials—from wedging and centering the clay, to shaping functional forms like mugs and bowls. We’ll also cover the basics of glazing so you can bring your creations to life with color. Our relaxed, supportive environment makes it easy to explore your creativity while mastering the fundamentals. By the end, you'll have your own handmade pieces to take home and cherish, and be ready to level up to the next class.
0 spaces remaining
INTRO TO CLAY II: Building Skills and Confidence
INTRO TO CLAY I: Hand-building & Wheel-Throwing for Beginners
LEVEL UP WHEEL: Throwing for Progressing Beginners
THURSDAYS, 6:00PM - 9:00PM
SEPTEMBER 18-NOVEMBER 20
- Instructor: Trevor Johnson
- Level: Bridge
- 10 Weeks: $510
Prerequisite: For students who have already taken Intro to Clay I, or who have previous hand-building and wheel-throwing experience.
If you’ve taken Intro to Clay I, this is your chance to dive deeper into your ceramic journey. In this next-level class, we’ll build on the hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques you’ve already learned—adding new challenges and refining your craftsmanship through more complex projects. You’ll explore form and function, and finish with a stronger skill set and a keener creative eye. This class is the perfect stepping stone between beginning and intermediate levels, designed to boost your confidence and prepare you for more advanced work. Previous wheel and hand-building experience is required.
5 spaces remaining
LEVEL UP WHEEL: Throwing for Progressing Beginners
INTERMEDIATE WHEEL: Refining Technique, Exploring Form
LEVEL UP WHEEL: Throwing for Progressing Beginners
WEDNESDAYS, 6:00 - 9:00PM
SEPTEMBER 17-NOVEMBER 19
- Instructor: Tim Hoffman
- Level: Bridge
- 10 Weeks: $510
Prerequisite: For students who have already taken a previous wheel-throwing course and established the basic skills of wedging, centering, and pulling consistently. One-day intensives and boot-camp classes do not qualify.
This class bridges the gap between beginner and intermediate throwing, helping students refine their wheel skills and explore more complex forms. You’ll revisit core techniques like centering, pulling, and trimming with improved precision, and continue to practice shaping mugs, bowls and even lidded containers. Expect hands-on guidance as you strengthen your control and creativity, and branch into new territory. Glazing basics will also be expanded, so you can finish your pieces with flair. Ideal for students with basic wheel experience who want to take their throwing to the next level.
0 spaces remaining
INTERMEDIATE WHEEL: Refining Technique, Exploring Form
INTERMEDIATE WHEEL: Refining Technique, Exploring Form
INTERMEDIATE WHEEL: Refining Technique, Exploring Form
MONDAYS, 6:00-9:00PM
SEPTEMBER 15-NOVEMBER 17
- Instructor: Rupa Palasamudram
- Level: Intermediate
- 10 Weeks: $510
Prerequisite: Completion of beginner-level ceramics courses is required to enroll.
Join us for this fun 10-week course designed to build on the skills you've mastered in our beginner and bridge classes, helping you develop consistency and confidence in your wheel-throwing abilities. Through weekly demonstrations and personalized guidance, you'll refine your throwing techniques, focusing on centering larger clay pieces and creating bigger/taller forms.
Throughout the course, you’ll have the opportunity to practice a variety of projects, including bowls, vases, lidded jars, sectional vases, and more. As you progress, you’ll expand your ceramic toolkit with new techniques and skills that elevate your craft. Work on hand-built projects as well, if interested.
Our creative journey will be enriched by exploring historical and cultural ceramic objects from around the world, inspiring both your technical proficiency and artistic expression. In addition to honing your throwing skills, you'll also dive into surface decoration techniques to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your pottery.
This class features in-depth glazing demonstrations and is specifically geared towards cone 6 firings, ensuring you gain a comprehensive understanding of the entire pottery-making process. Come join us and take your skills to the next level!
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SURFACE DECORATION: Design and Technique
INTERMEDIATE WHEEL: Refining Technique, Exploring Form
INTERMEDIATE WHEEL: Refining Technique, Exploring Form
WEDNESDAYS, 10:00AM- 1:00PM
SEPTEMBER 17-NOVEMBER 5 (8 weeks)
- Instructor: Vicky Hattori
- Level: Intermediate
- 8 Weeks $410
Prerequisite: Completion of beginner-level ceramics courses is required to enroll.
You've got the form—now let’s transform it. Are you tired of making great pots, only to get stuck when it's time to decorate and glaze? In this class, you may discover a new surface decoration style you love.
Think of each pot as a blank canvas begging to be elevated in enchanting ways, with or without glaze. Students will bring wheel-thrown or hand-built works made outside of class, and leave with a deeper understanding of how surface design can turn form into art. Explore techniques like etching, inlay, stamping, sgraffito, appliqué, burnishing, gestural mark-making, and even thoughtful details like handles, knobs, and feet. We’ll cover decoration methods suitable for every stage—leather-hard, bisque, and beyond—and help you test and tailor your approach before committing to final pieces.
6 spaces remaining
Class Level Guide
BEGINNER
Beginner classes are designed for people who have never worked with clay before, or who want a refresher of the basics. Instructors will assume that participants have no clay knowledge.
BRIDGE
Bridge classes are aimed at those who have taken a beginner course, yet don't feel ready to jump into an intermediate or advanced class. Students will strengthen their basic skills and go a little further in their practice with more challenging projects than in the beginner classes.
INTERMEDIATE
Intermediate classes are for experienced practitioners who have a firm grasp of the basics of clay and can keep up in a class that is more fast-paced. Students should expect challenges and the development of specific skills.
ADVANCED
Advanced classes assume students have a high level of proficiency. They are designed to challenge students to reach new levels in their knowledge and abilities.
ALL LEVELS
All Levels classes are designed for all ability levels. They help newer students build skills, as well as challenge more seasoned students to grow in their practice.
SUPPLY LIST FOR MULTI-WEEK CLASSES
Supplies to bring to class
A set of pottery tools:
- a potter's rib
- steel scraper
- wood modeling tool
- needle tool
- ribbon tool
- loop tool
- sponge
- wire clay cutter
- Any other ceramics tools you already own
Tool kits are available for purchase at KCS for $20 + tax. Please arrive early to the first class if you wish to purchase a kit.
A box for storing tools
A towel for wiping you hands
A smock or apron
A notebook or sketch book and pencil/pen