Pottery and clay classes
Pottery and clay classes
Learn fundamental handbuilding techniques or take the potter’s wheel for a spin in our pottery and clay classes. Explore finishing and glaze processes. Experience the versatility of clay. We have pottery classes for all ages and skill levels.
Benefits of learning pottery and clay
Pottery is an art form that's been around for thousands of years and has evolved from making simple everyday objects to intricate works of art.
Working with clay is physical. It strengthens your hands, wrists, arms and core. Handling clay captures your senses and draws your focus into the present.
2024 spring & summer registration dates
Registration for spring & summer programs, classes and day camps:
- Summer day camp registration is open
- Program and class registration is open
- Certification registration registration is open
Ensure your Live and Play account is ready on registration day by logging in and verifying your information is up to date. Get ready to register.
Registration will open:
- 6 a.m. — Online (virtual waiting room opens at 5:30 a.m.).
- 8:30 a.m. — By calling the Customer Service Centre at 403-268-3800 (option 1).
- During business hours — At any City-operated Aquatic & Recreation or Arts facility.
Upcoming facility closures
Programs, classes and swimming lessons will not be offered at the following facilities while they undergo repairs:
- Bob Bahan Aquatic & Fitness Centre: closed this spring and summer.
- Canyon Meadows Aquatic & Fitness Centre: closed this summer.
- Sir Winston Churchill Aquatic & Recreation Centre: closed this summer.
Types of pottery and clay classes
You can register online, in person at our Recreation facilities, or by calling
403-268-3800.
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Young sculptors will be challenged with the exciting medium of clay! Learn building techniques through fun and imaginative projects. This class is designed to accommodate all skill levels.
Age: 6 - 12 years
Prerequisite: None
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Further your ceramic practice through this advanced studio-based course. An instructor is on hand for technical support, demonstration of glazing and decorating techniques, and encouragement.
Age: 18+
Prerequisite: Intermediate to advanced handbuilding or wheel throwing skills are necessary.
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Experience the fun and excitement of clay with your little one. Dig into the creative process together, learn basic clay working skills while encouraging experimentation and self-expression. Fuel your child's imagination and tap into your well of creativity.
Age: 3 - 5 years + Adult
Prerequisite: None
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Connect as a family while working with clay. Together, you'll discover infinite creativity and develop your basic clay working skills. Work individually or collaborate as a family on projects that will challenge, engage and excite you!
Age: 6 - 17 years + Adult
Prerequisite: None
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The family that throws together grows together! Work side-by-side on the potter's wheel. You'll both learn basic throwing techniques, watch demonstrations, and then put your pottery skills into practice. Previous clay experience is an asset, but not a prerequisite.
Age: 9 - 17 years + Adult
Prerequisite: None
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Construct expressive sculptures and pottery by hand using fundamental handbuilding techniques. Experiment with surface texture and detail work, then finish your pieces using colourful slips, glazes and paint. Supplies are included
Age: 13-17 years
Prerequisite: None
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Advance your handbuilding skills in our supportive studio environment. Set your own goals and pace. Combine your ideas with advice and expertise from your instructor to create exciting new work.
Age: 18 - 99 years
Prerequisite: Handbuilding with Clay Basics - Adult
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Discover a variety of options in clay construction. Gather fresh ideas about form, function, and surface design through a variety of building methods. Glazing and decorating techniques will be shared. No experience is necessary.
Age: 18 - 99 years
Prerequisite: None
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The studio is a supportive place to learn and grow as an artist. You'll hone your skills on the potter's wheel with access to an instructor. Get passionate about pottery and start pursuing exciting personal projects.
Age: 18 - 99 years
Prerequisite: Potter's Wheel Intermediate - Adult
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It's fascinating to see clay being transformed on the potter's wheel. Develop your skills through throwing techniques, demonstrations and practice in this introductory course.
Age: 18 - 99 years
Prerequisite: None
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Now that you have more confidence with centering and pulling, further develop your wheel throwing skills and concentrate on more complex forms.
Age: 18 - 99 years
Prerequisite: proficiency in centering, pulling, shaping, and trimming
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Experience the excitement of working on the potter’s wheel in an open, supportive and socially inclusive environment. This is the perfect opportunity for educators, friends and couples to try their hand at this traditional practice. This course is designed for you to try this art form before you commit. It does not include any take home pieces.
Age: 18 - 99 years
Prerequisite: None
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Try your hand at the potter’s wheel! Learn to center clay, create basic pottery forms, and finish your pieces in a fun studio setting. Take this course multiple times to practice your wheel throwing skills.
Age: 13 - 17 years
Prerequisite: None
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Steep yourself in one of the potter's ultimate challenges - the teapot. In this intensive class, you'll learn the fundamentals of the teapot including lips, lids, handles and spouts. Study what makes this form function and gain the skills to create your own teapot. Intermediate wheel throwing skills are required
Age: 18+ years
Prerequisite: None
About our art instructors
Our instructors are practicing artists that have formal art training and teaching experience. They offer their expertise in a variety of disciplines and enjoy working with people of all ages and abilities.
Our instructors ensure that classes are always fresh and challenging for new and returning participants. They adapt to students' needs and encourage them to try new ideas and methods.
What are classes like?
Students will learn different techniques for working in clay such as building with slabs, coils, and working on a potter’s wheel. You’ll learn surface decoration and glazing processes. Discover a bit of the science of ceramics, when the materials meet extreme heat.
Classes usually begin with a topic discussion and technique demonstrations. Much of the class time will be practicing skills and applying what's been learned. Class length is determined by age group:
- All adult classes are two and a half-hour long
- School age children are 90 minutes long
- Preschool 60 minutes long
Come prepared
- Bringing an apron and a towel to a clay class is recommended (adult classes)
- Clothes that you're ok to get clay on
- Closed-toed shoes
- Waterbottle
Unless otherwise stated in a particular adult class, supplies are extra and a shopping list of materials will be discussed during the first class. All tools and supplies for kids classes are included.
Your safety comes first
Working with clay comes with a variety of hazards. Both our art centres are ISO Environment certified for your safety.
- Glazes are made on site by our trained technicians. They are tested for consistency, lead-free and food safe.
- Our ceramic kilns are ventilated and located a safe distance from the studio areas.
- We use approved, non-toxic art materials in our children's programs.
More art classes
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Develop your skills in composition, shading, space, and line work.
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Learn painting skills using acrylics, oils and water colours
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Express yourself through wide variety of arts like painting, drawing, fibre arts, clay, and more.