Classes

Spring 2025 Session

Please note that we have added some new classes.  

You are not required to wear a mask within the Guild.  However, we remain mask friendly and ask that you wear a mask when working within 6 feet of another person.

Members please note that you can again register for class with a 10% discount off a full 6 week class.  To do so, please contact our Administrator (link above) to enquire about paying by etransfer.  

Beginner Wheel 

Ideal for those who have never worked on the wheel before.  Our 6 week sessions give you enough time to learn the basics of working on the wheel, trimming and glazing.  All prices include materials and firing.  

Beginner/Intermediate Wheel 

For beginners and those looking for more practice.  Our 6 week sessions give you enough time to learn the basics of working on the wheel, trimming and glazing or to concentrate on improving your skills.  All prices include materials and firing.  

Intermediate Wheel 

Prerequisite:  For those who have taken at least two beginner session or equivalent and can centre clay confidently on their own and throw a cylinder.  This class is intended for those wishing to move into larger and more complex forms. You will explore different forms and improve your finishing skills.  All prices include materials and firing.  

Intermediate/Advanced Wheel

Prerequisite:  For those who have taken at least two beginner session or equivalent, can centre 1 kilo (2 lbs) of clay confidently, and throw a good cylinder. These classes are intended for those wishing to further their wheel throwing, design, and finishing skills. You will explore complex/composite forms, different surface decoration techniques and how to apply complementary glazes.  All prices include 1 bag of clay per student (must be used within current session – non transferable).

Advanced Wheel

Prerequisite:  For those who have taken at least two beginner session or equivalent, can centre 1.3 kilos (3 lbs) of clay confidently, and throw a good cylinder. These classes are intended for those wishing to further their wheel throwing, design, and finishing skills. You will explore complex/composite forms, different surface decoration techniques and how to apply complementary glazes.  All prices include 1 bag of clay per student (must be used within current session – non transferable).

Hand Building

Hand building is an excellent introduction to working with clay in general, and can allow for many different forms of expression than wheel throwing.  Come and discover how through an amazing connection between the brain and hands, how a mass of clay can be taken and an idea be given life. This class is suitable for beginners or those wishing to brush up on new skills.  

Altered Forms Class

This class blends both wheel throwing and hand building skills to create unique ceramic forms.  Please note this class is 3 hours long and runs for 4 weeks beginning TBA

Prerequisite: Must be able to centre comfortably and throw a cylinder independently.  No prior hand building experience is required.

• Details to be announced (June Goodwin)

Kawartha Potter Kids (ages 7-13)

This class is for the younger set wanting to learn all about working with clay.  Opportunity is provided for exploration into many different hand building techniques during the course of this session and the children also get to learn how to finish and glaze their work.  All prices include materials and firing fees.  

Teen Wheel Throwing (ages 12-17)

All stages of throwing and finishing on the wheel will be explored.  All prices include materials and firing fees. For those interested, the Monday afternoon Beginner/Intermediate throwing class with Priya is a good alternative option.

Teen Hand Building (ages 14-17)

No prior experience is necessary for this class.  Alexandra will introduce teens to clay in a fun and inclusive way.  Younger children may apply for this class if they do have previous experience with clay.  Please contact our Administrator for details.

Intro to Hand Building Individual Classes

All of our one class sessions are hand building only.  Handbuilding is an excellent way for beginners and experienced potters alike to explore their creativity with clay. Techniques such as pinching, coiling, and slab construction allow for immediate expression without the need for a wheel, making it accessible and enjoyable for those unfamiliar with pottery.

These classes occur on Sundays, are 2 hours long and your work will be professionally finished at no extra cost.  They are $65 + HST per class/person, which includes all materials, finishing and firing.  All classes taught by Brenda Barron.

We have a bursary application!

“To encourage and develop an interest in ceramic arts in those who may not have the resources to participate in our programs.”

So anyone who is interested in our programs, may apply for a bursary. Of course, not everyone will qualify and we have limited funds to distribute.  To apply, you can download the application form.

Established in 2016, the Kawartha Potters Guild Bursary encourages students to develop an appreciation for the ceramic arts. The Kawartha Potters Guild is committed to making quality ceramic arts education accessible to all; regardless of age, culture, gender, ability, or financial circumstances.

If you qualify as a low or middle income family (based on CRA standards), you may be eligible for full or partial bursaries.

Refund Policy: No refund will be given for a course, class, program or workshop if notice of withdrawal is not received at least 10 days in advance of commencement. All refunds are subject to an administration fee of 20%. Any refund can be transferred to another class or towards the purchase of items in the Gallery.

Paypal:  A $20 fee will be charged for any charge backs on PayPal due to customer’s error.

Prepayment with Registration is required for all classes and workshops. If cancelled due to insufficient enrollment or for other unforeseen circumstances, the registered participant’s payment will be returned. Participants may choose to transfer their payment to another class or items in the Gallery.

Class Evaluation Forms: Instructors will hand out these Evaluation forms during the course session. It is very helpful for us if you fill them in and hand them in to the front desk or to the instructor at the end of the class or session (if you are taking a course of lessons). This helps us improve our teaching and the content of the courses.