Clay Classes in NYC, New York

This program is taking place remotely. If you have signed up, you will receive an email with details of how to access the program. If we are able to offer an in-person version of this class in the coming months, we will contact you and make both options available to you. Not your grandma’s polymer clay! Reinvented and rediscovered by today’s...

Make and use colored clay! In the first workshop meeting we will learn, through detailed demonstration, how to make colored clay and slip by adding powered mason stains.  In the second workshop meeting we will explore a variety of simple ways to use your colored clay and slip. Some prior ceramics experience recommended. The format of this workshop...

Pinching and Coiling Functional Forms Workshop: the Basics and Beyond Learn the basics (and more!) of coiling and pinching forms successfully. We will focus on proper construction techniques and tricks and tips for making a variety of different shapes.  Some prior clay experience recommended but not required. Students can follow along if they...

An exciting opportunity to explore the compelling nature of the human figure in three-dimensional form. Taught by sculptor Gianluca Giarrizzo—recipient of ABC Stone’s Stone Carving Residency in Carrara, Italy—sculpture is made approachable while creating a human torso out of clay, using traditional methods in this 6-week virtual course. Students...

Elizabeth Orleans hosts "Ceramic Social" from her Venice Beach art studio via Zoom. Learn how to hand-build things out of clay. Stay creative and socialize from your own home! When: Every Tuesday Evening 6-9 PM (time is subject to change) We will Zoom for 2 hours (availability/questions for the last hour) What: We will focus...

In this two-day workshop we will use plastic forms that can be purchased from a dollar store and turn them into slump and hump molds formed out of plaster for making multiples of the shape. On the first day we will discuss ways to use the plaster molds to make serving ware such as plates, bowls and tumblers and will learn how to work in plaster....

Elizabeth Orleans hosts "Ceramic Social" from her Venice Beach art studio via Zoom. Learn how to hand-build things out of clay. Stay creative and socialize from your own home! When: Every Tuesday Evening 6-9 PM (time is subject to change) We will Zoom for 2 hours (availability/questions for the last hour) What: We will focus on a...

Elizabeth Orleans hosts "Ceramic Social" from her Venice Beach art studio via Zoom. Learn how to hand-build things out of clay. Stay creative and socialize from your own home! When: Every Tuesday Evening 6-9 PM (time is subject to change) We will Zoom for 2 hours (availability/questions for the last hour) What: We will focus on a...

Working with a live model for portraiture and full-figure pieces, develop your skills in depicting the human form in clay. Both long and short poses are offered, with some pieces created as exercises and some taken to completion and fired. Supply List:  Tools and how to purchase firing cards will be discussed on the first class. The tools are...

This popular Workshop takes the student on a journey through each step of the ancient traditional water gilding method, from gesso and clay bole to laying and burnishing genuine 23k gold leaf. Each lesson addresses a specific step of the process, keeping it challenging while not overwhelming. Students will need a set of gilding tools such as the pad,...

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...

The recipe for crackle gesso that students learn resemble the crackling pattern of 13th-18th c glided Florentine Tempera painted panels with adjustments possible through the shifting of materials and proportions. This method is taught as a foundation for this 8 week intensive study of the traditional water gilding method with crackle gesso. Students...

Come with a photo or a sketch of a face you’re ready to sculpt in any style – whether it’s classical, surreal, fantasy or abstract. It could be a family member, a celebrity, or a creature.  Using tools and simple gadgets you have at home, you’ll work with recommended self-hardening clay or clay you already have on hand. This interactive...

Sculpt with tools you already have in your kitchen, desk drawer or toolbox! In this class the eye, ear, mouth and nose will get their time to shine. The focus for beginners will be on understanding the basic masses, planes, the anatomy of the underlying forms and surface treatment.  More advanced students will be encouraged to try a range of...

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...