Ceramics Program

Our ceramic arts programming offers several options for anyone looking to work with clay. The studio features 8 wheels, work space for classes, space for open studio program, semi-private studios, and three kilns. The program is run by Donna Pioli who joined the MBACC as Ceramics Director in September 2024.
Students and Artists have the opportunity to participate in hands-on classes and workshops designed to build skills and learn about working with clay. Classes are categorized by skill level.
Ceramics Classes
Instructor: Lisa Walker
This beginner class will cover the fundamentals of wheel throwing, including wedging, centering, pulling and more. No experience required.
Instructor: Jane Zell
This beginner-friendly class series will cover basic hand-building and surface decorating techniques tailored to students’ interests. No experience required. This course is appropriate for youth ages 8-12 years old.
Instructor: Jane Zell
This hybrid class series will cover both wheel throwing and basic hand-building and surface decorating techniques tailored to your interests. No experience required.
Instructor: Lisa Walker
This All Levels class is perfect for students looking to work in an environment where they have the support of an instructor while improving both wheel throwing and hand-building skills. No experience required.
Instructor: Lisa Walker
This All Levels class is perfect for students looking to work in an environment where they have the support of an instructor while improving both wheel throwing and hand-building skills. No experience required.
Instructor: Kymberlee Keckler
This 6-week project-centered class will be all about sugar and creamer sets. Students will master all the components that make up this iconic pottery set, including learning how to make lids, handles, foot rings, spouts and more. A strong foundation in basic wheel throwing is required - students will need to have the skills to center and pull walls.
Instructor: Martín Hanley
This beginner class series will help students new to the potter’s wheel learn the foundations of throwing. No experience necessary.
Instructor: Lisa WB Walker
This intermediate class series will guide advanced beginners to the next level of wheel throwing skill. A strong foundation with basic wheel throwing is required - students should be able to center and pull walls proficiently.
Instructor: Martín Hanley
This intermediate class series will help advanced beginners get to the next level of throwing. Students are required to have a strong foundation of throwing, including being able to center and pull straight walls independently.
Have you always wanted to try the wheel? Or are you ready to dust off your skills from a time past?
Join us for a special opportunity to learn how to use the potter's wheel from a seasoned professional! Under their guidance, learn the basics of throwing. At the end of the night, choose one piece to keep. We will glaze the piece for you with your preferred glaze color!
Have you always wanted to try the wheel? Or are you ready to dust off your skills from a time past?
Join us for a special opportunity to learn how to use the potter's wheel from a seasoned professional! Under their guidance, learn the basics of throwing. At the end of the night, choose one piece to keep. We will glaze the piece for you with your preferred glaze color!
Have you always wanted to try the wheel? Or are you ready to dust off your skills from a time past?
Join us for a special opportunity to learn how to use the potter's wheel from a seasoned professional! Under their guidance, learn the basics of throwing. At the end of the night, choose one piece to keep. We will glaze the piece for you with your preferred glaze color!
Instructor:
Donna Pioli
Do you dread glazing? Does it feel like you need a refresher on the basics? This workshop provides students and independent potters the opportunity to learn how to glaze successfully step by step, from start to finish.
Instructor: Elissa Dunlap
This is an excellent opportunity for potters to participate in a gold luster firing! Learn how to prep your surface and apply luster decoratively in different ways. Pots will be fired immediately following the workshop and ready for pick up shortly thereafter.
IMPORTANT: Students must bring their own bottle of gold or silver luster rated to fire at 018 or share with another participant. Please bring pots that have already been through a glaze firing. Pots with matte glaze with have matte gold luster results, and glossy glazes will yield glossy luster results.
This workshop takes place outdoors - please dress accordingly. The rain date is Friday, June 6, 10am-1pm.
This course is a required prerequisite for current CSAs who would like to participate in future luster firings.
Have you always wanted to try the wheel? Or are you ready to dust off your skills from a time past?
Join us for a special opportunity to learn how to use the potter's wheel from a seasoned professional! Under their guidance, learn the basics of throwing. At the end of the night, choose one piece to keep. We will glaze the piece for you with your preferred glaze color!
Instructor: Elissa Dunlap
School’s out for summer! Join us for a fun one-week youth clay series, Monday-Friday 1:30pm-5:00pm. Students will learn the ins and outs of sculpting in this Hand-Building Class. No experience required. This course is appropriate for youth ages 8-12 years old.
Instructor: Elissa Dunlap
School’s out for summer! Join us for a fun one-week youth clay series, Monday-Friday 1:30pm-5:00pm. Students will learn the ins and outs of wheel throwing and sculpting in this hybrid Class. No experience required. This course is appropriate for youth ages 8-12 years old.
Instructor: TBD
School’s out for summer! Join us for a fun one-week youth clay series, Monday-Friday 1:30pm-5:00pm. Students will learn the ins and outs of sculpting in this hand building class. No experience required. This course is appropriate for youth ages 8-12 years old.
Instructor: TBD
School’s out for summer! Join us for a fun one-week youth clay series, Monday-Friday 1:30pm-5:00pm. Students will learn the ins and outs of sculpting in this hand building class. No experience required. This course is appropriate for youth ages 8-12 years old.