Pottery and clay classes
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.
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2024 spring & summer registration dates
Registration for spring & summer programs, classes and day camps is open.
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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Teens will learn clay techniques to create sculpture and pottery, while growing their handbuilding skills and creativity. All supplies are provided.
Age: 13 - 17 years
Prerequisite: None
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You will be introduced to handbuilding with clay while learning a variety of building methods and decorating techniques.
Age: 18+
Prerequisite: None
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Through fun and imaginative activities, kids will be introduced to building with clay. All supplies are provided.
Age: 6 - 12 years
Prerequisite: None
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Challenge yourself as you learn to make all components of the teapot. This class is suitable for handbuilders and wheel throwers.
Age: 18+
Prerequisite: Confident in advanced handbuilding or wheel throwing skills or above
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Teens will be introduced to wheel throwing techniques through instruction and practice. All supplies are provided.
Age: 13 - 17 years
Prerequisite: None
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You will be introduced to wheel throwing techniques through instruction and practice.
Age: 18+
Prerequisite: None
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Continue to grow your wheel throwing skills while practicing more advanced techniques.
Age: 18+
Prerequisite: Confident in beginner wheel throwing skills or above
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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.