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Pottery Classes Chicago

Unleash your creativity with pottery classes in Chicago. Learn the art of shaping clay, creating unique pieces, and find your inner artist while gaining a new skill that will bring joy and relaxation to your life.

5 classes have spots left

Advanced/Intermediate Wheel Throwing

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Refine your pottery skills with Evanston Art Center's Advanced/Intermediate Wheel Throwing class. Elevate your craftsmanship as you focus on creating functional pottery forms, honing both throwing and glazing techniques under expert guidance. Perfect for experienced throwers seeking to enhance their artistry and expand their repertoire of forms.

(83) Intermediate 16 and older
$480

10 sessions

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Beginning/Intermediate Wheel Throwing

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Embark on a journey of creativity with our Beginning Wheel Throwing class, tailored for newcomers and experienced potters alike. Expand your pottery repertoire as you delve into advanced techniques and refine your skills on the wheel. Join us to elevate your craft and bring your ceramic visions to life with expert guidance and support.

(83) Beginner 18 and older
$480

10 sessions

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Pen & Ink & Watercolor (Ages 16+)

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Unleash your creativity with Pen & Ink and Watercolor techniques! Join us for a hands-on artistic journey where you'll learn to create stunning drawings and paintings using a variety of pens and watercolor mediums. Get ready to explore new techniques and unlock your artistic potential.

(83) All levels 16 and older
$240

5 sessions

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Beginner Handbuilding / Sculpting

Muze Arts @ 1624 W Grand Ave, Chicago, IL

Guided by experienced instructors, participants will mold and sculpt clay into small conceptual art forms, making this class an ideal choice for those seeking to master the basics of hand building pottery.

Beginner 18 and older
$285

6 sessions

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Ceramic Hand-building (Ages 12-14)

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Unleash your creativity with hands-on ceramic projects designed for young artists. Explore the fundamentals of hand-building techniques in a supportive and engaging environment.

(83) All levels 12 - 14 years old
$370

5 sessions

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30 pottery classes that have ended
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Throw, Handbuild, and Alter

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Refine your pottery expertise with our specialized course, perfect for students with distinct creative ambitions. Whether honing wheel-throwing techniques or exploring hand-building construction, join us to advance your skills and realize your artistic vision. Embark on a journey of clay exploration and craftsmanship guided by expert instruction.

(83) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$480

10 sessions

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Beginning/Intermediate Wheel Throwing (Ages 16+)

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Elevate your pottery craftsmanship in our Beginning/Intermediate Wheel Throwing class. Hone your throwing skills and perfect your glazing techniques while crafting functional pottery essentials such as mugs, dinnerware, and vases. Join us to explore the art of ceramics under expert guidance, regardless of your skill level.

(83) Beginner 16 and older
No upcoming schedules
$480

10 sessions

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Beginning Wheel Throwing

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Embark on a journey of creativity with our Beginning Wheel Throwing class, tailored for newcomers and experienced potters alike. Expand your pottery repertoire as you delve into advanced techniques and refine your skills on the wheel. Join us to elevate your craft and bring your ceramic visions to life with expert guidance and support.

(83) Beginner 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$480

10 sessions

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Advanced Techniques: Surface Treatments

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Different surface design techniques covered will include sgraffito (carving through layers), mishima (in-lay), slip trailing, stencil and stamp design and application (store and handmade), resist techniques (wax and underglaze), image transfer, and silk screen application.

(83) Advanced 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$235

6 sessions

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Enameling In Your Home Kiln

Evanston Art Center

Learn new techniques to use in your home kiln! Start with the basics of sifting enamels and utilizing your own enamels fire new pieces learning sgraffito, Limoges, graphite pencil techniques and more. Demonstrations and individualized attention will be given. Some previous kiln experience required. Important notes: This interactive online class is presented via Zoom. Please download Zoom prior to your first class. You will be emailed Zoom meeting...

(83) Intermediate 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Teen Wheel Throwing (Ages 12-16)

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Independently create work on the pottery wheel. All experience levels are welcome, including first-time throwers. Once experienced, the instructor will act as facilitator, helping you create own, unique ideas. Examples of items are mugs, cups, bowls and lamp bases.  Purchasing a beginner’s pottery set from a local art store is suggested. In-person class (with reduced capacity) closely following Restore Illinois guidelines. Includes COVID-19...

(83) All levels 12 - 16 years old
No upcoming schedules
$275

9 sessions

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Mold Making For Ceramicists

Evanston Art Center

Using design software, ceramicists learn how to design their own bowl and plate molds to use for the production of their work. Once designed, watch as your mold is beautifully cut out on the EAC’s laser engraver. Students of this workshop will be able to take the molds home the day-of the workshop and be able to use them in all of their classes.  No experience necessary.

(83) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Pinch, Slab, Coil Plus

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Unleash your creativity with Pinch, Slab, Coil Plus, where you'll master diverse techniques to craft functional vessels, sculptures, and more. Dive into carving, painting, and glazing with slips to bring your creations to life. Whether you're a beginner or intermediate, join us to explore artistic possibilities and elevate your pottery skills with expert guidance and inspiration from historical and contemporary artists.

(83) Beginner 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$480

10 sessions

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Pinch, Slab, Coil: Ceramic Handbuilding

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Unleash your creativity with Pinch, Slab, Coil: Ceramic Handbuilding, where you'll craft diverse projects from functional vessels to sculptural forms. Explore painting, carving, and glazing techniques while drawing inspiration from historical and contemporary artists. Whether a beginner or advanced student, join us to refine your skills and bring your ceramic visions to life under expert guidance.

(83) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$480

10 sessions

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Adaptive Ceramics

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Discover the joy of ceramics in our Adaptive Ceramics class, designed to ease apprehension and foster confidence with clay. Embrace growth and learning as you explore hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques, reducing anxiety and promoting patience. Join us to cultivate comfort and familiarity with clay, empowering yourself to create with confidence and ease.

(83) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$440

10 sessions

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Intermediate/Advanced Wheel Throwing (Ages 16+)

Evanston Art Center

Learn and advance your throwing skills and glazing technique. Projects will center around creating functional pottery forms--mugs, dinnerware, pitchers, vases, and covered forms. Students should have prior wheel throwing experience.

(83) Intermediate 16 and older
No upcoming schedules

Intermediate/Advanced Wheel Thrown Ceramics

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Elevate your wheel-thrown ceramics expertise in our Intermediate/Advanced class. Refine your technique, optimize clay usage, and master intricate forms with expert guidance. Join us for weekly demonstrations covering throwing, building, and glazing techniques, perfecting your craft in a supportive environment.

(83) Advanced 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$480

10 sessions

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Intermediate/Advanced Ceramics

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Expand your ceramic horizons in our Intermediate/Advanced Ceramics class. Build upon your throwing and hand-building skills to create larger, more intricate pieces, incorporating appendages and exploring shape, design, and function. Join us to refine your craftsmanship and unleash your creativity in the world of ceramics, guided by expert instruction.

(83) Intermediate 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$480

10 sessions

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Throwing, Handbuilding and Altered Forms

Evanston Art Center

In this one-week intensive class students get to make their own work along with tips and critiue from the instructor. This is a great opportunity for current, new, or returning students to become fully engaged with ceramics for a solid week.

(83) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Coiled Ceramics

Evanston Art Center @ 1717 Central St, Evanston, IL

Discover the art of coiling and master the techniques to create unique ceramic forms. Learn to roll 6ft coils, reduce cracking, and enhance control of your designs. Unleash your creativity and explore the endless possibilities of coil construction at Evanston Art Center.

(83) Intermediate 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$250

5 sessions

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Reviews for Pottery Classes in Chicago

Pottery Classes in Chicago are rated 4.5 stars based on 83 verified reviews from actual CourseHorse.com purchasers.

  • Pen & Ink & Watercolor (Ages 16+)

    Reviewed by Barbara M. on 10/21/2023
    Pen, Ink and Watercolor has proven a wonderful art experience encompassing teaching of technique, skill and medium as well as sharing up to date information on the current art world. Michelle Kogan is a notable teacher and artist, supportive of student growth and experimentation. I have signed on again for another session.

Discover the Best Pottery Classes in Chicago

Pottery is the art and craft of creating objects from clay through molding, shaping, and firing. It includes various techniques such as hand-building, wheel-throwing, and sculpting. Pottery encompasses creating functional objects like bowls, plates, vases, and decorative pieces such as sculptures and figurines. The clay is shaped, dried, and then fired in a kiln at high temperatures to transform it into a durable, often glazed ceramic material.

Why You Should Learn Pottery in Chicago

Approximately 2,500 years ago, Native Americans in Illinois introduced pottery as a practical alternative to animal hides and plant fibers, which were less suitable for cooking vessels. As the centuries unfolded, pottery continued to be made by indigenous people. The origins of Illinois' art pottery tradition can be linked to the Great Chicago Fire in 1871. Following this catastrophic incident, the demand for inexpensive and fire-resistant materials became apparent, leading to the emergence of the architectural terra cotta industry

Learning pottery in Chicago offers many compelling reasons to engage in this art form. Pottery offers a unique avenue for creativity and self-expression, enabling the transformation of ideas and visions into tangible forms through clay. Its meditative and therapeutic qualities provide a mindful escape and stress relief through the rhythmic process of shaping and molding. By fostering patience, perseverance, and the exploration of different techniques, pottery connects individuals to historical and cultural traditions, cultivating an appreciation for the craftsmanship that spans generations.

In-Person Pottery Classes & Schools in Chicago

Various types of venues teach in-person pottery classes, including community centers, art studios, colleges and universities, recreation centers, and private pottery studios. Community and recreation centers offer affordable beginner-level pottery classes, while ateliers, private studios, and educational institutions provide a range of classes catering to different skill levels. Pottery manufacturers and retailers also frequently organize classes and workshops to showcase their products and techniques.

Evanston Art Center near Chicago in Evanston, Illinois, is a non-profit visual arts organization that specializes in art education, scholarship programs, community events, public programs, outreach, and exhibitions that are free to visitors. The Art Center boasts an extensive offering of visual arts classes, including in-person pottery classes. Beginning Wheel Throwing at Evanston Art Center will equip you with a basic introduction to the potter’s wheel, giving you a solid foundation on which to build your throwing skills. Keep in mind that buying a beginner's pottery set from a local art store is required.

Also at Evanston Art Center, High School: Ceramic Handbuilding is an appropriate five-session class for high school students, ages 14-18, at all experience levels. In this class, students will discover clay's captivating and versatile nature as a medium. The instruction centers around developing essential ceramic hand-building skills, including pinching, coiling, and working with slabs. 

Jyl Bonaguro, a self-taught sculptor and playwright based in Chicago, specializes in hand-carving Italian marble with a modern approach that diverges from traditional academic methods. Her sculptures narrate stories through composition and style. The artist’s works have been featured in various publications and exhibited in notable venues, including SOFA Chicago and Scope Miami, with her latest project being the Modern Athena Sculpture. In addition to her own work, Bonaguro teaches in-person classes using materials such as stone and clay.

The Stone Carving Workshop at Bonaguro’s studio lets you design, carve, and polish your own sculpture in alabaster during this one-day workshop class under the tutelage of a professional stone sculptor. Using traditional manual tools such as a hammer, point, flat chisels, tooth chisels, and rasps, you’ll learn techniques for blocking and detailing and how to finish a stone sculpture in alabaster.

Virtual Pottery Classes & Schools

Online pottery classes and in-person pottery classes differ in several significant ways. Firstly, the physical presence in an in-person class allows for immediate feedback and guidance from the instructor, creating a more hands-on learning experience. Secondly, in-person classes often provide you with access to a broader range of tools and equipment, enhancing your learning opportunities. Also, the social aspect of in-person classes, including interaction with fellow students and a sense of community, may be lacking in online settings. However, online classes offer the convenience of learning from anywhere at any time, while in-person classes require physical attendance at specific locations and times.

Food Craft, situated in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood, promotes home-cooking and food made from scratch. They believe that anyone can learn how to cook. With this philosophy in mind, they offer social food and beverage activities that help build your culinary confidence. In addition, they sometimes host in-person and online classes that can extend your creativity beyond food and into the visual arts. Ceramic Llama Painting at Food Craft is a live online class suitable for all experience levels. You’ll enjoy easy ceramic painting as you decorate your own ceramic llama pottery with the colors you desire. Your finished llama can house small plants like succulents.

Located in Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood, CraftJam is a fun-loving group of instructors teaching a variety of hands-on workshops as well as online classes. Hand Building Basics: Air Dry Clay Trinket is an online pottery class for beginners hosted by CraftJam. Get creative in new and exciting ways by exploring the basics of hand-building using air dry clay. The focus of this class is an introduction to pottery as a mindful creative practice.

Private Group Pottery Classes in Chicago

CourseHorse offers live online group classes that can be delivered to your business or organization. If you’re interested in scheduling a group pottery class, it can be an exciting and engaging team-building event.

CourseHorse can provide pottery classes for private groups. Reach out through the contact form to learn about the available options. By booking group events with CourseHorse, you can enjoy several benefits such as the flexibility to modify the group size if needed. You’ll also get a confirmation email within 24 hours. Additionally, there are no fees associated with booking an event, and CourseHorse supports multiple virtual platforms to facilitate your group's online gathering.

Participating in a group pottery class is an excellent team-building activity for several reasons. Pottery is a hands-on creative endeavor that promotes camaraderie among team members regardless of their roles or seniority. It requires attention to detail, patience, and communication, which are vital skills in the workplace. Creating pottery together allows team members to appreciate each other's strengths and fosters trust and collaboration. Additionally, engaging in a creative activity outside the office helps reduce stress, builds morale, and provides a relaxed social setting for improved communication and workplace relationships.

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