Tribeca Clayworks at the Downtown Community Center
Tribeca Clayworks, the first clay studio in Tribeca, has been conducting ceramics classes for the past 30 years. Now housed at the Downtown Community Center, we offer classes for all ages from toddlers to adults. Our classes are taught by professional ceramic artists in our fully-equipped ceramics studio. With pottery wheels, slab rollers, clay extruders, electric kilns and lots of space to work, our classes are designed for all levels.
Our class sizes are kept small so that sessions can be structured around the individual student. Classes are specially designed for each age group and level. Depending on the class there will be demonstrations of new skills and fun projects. Beginner students are given simple projects ranging from functional items such as cups, plates, and bowls to sculptures large and small while learning basic skills. Adult students, that have more experience, can work on their own projects. Our instructors help guide students down whichever path they choose while introducing new techniques and processes to the whole class along the way. We would love to help you explore this very special medium.
During these uncertain times we ask that anyone entering our building please read our safety guidelines. Please keep in mind that as of September 10th, 2021, anyone 18 and over who is eligible for the Covid-19 vaccine must show proof of vaccination in order to enter the Downtown Community Center. Masks are required anytime you are in the Center, even with a vaccination. Masks will be provided if you do not have one.
SPRING SESSION OPENS FEBRUARY 26
CHECK BACK THEN FOR CLASS INFORMATION!
Adult Classes:
Whether you are new to ceramics, would like to brush up on some skills or are comfortable working in clay, our Adult Ceramics Classes are open to all levels.
Join us in December for some special Holiday intensives, December 27th -30th. Classes available for ages 5 - 8, and adults too.
Adult Ceramics Classes
Winter Classes: Adult Ceramic Registration (Capacity: 12 Students)
10 WEEK SESSIONS
POTTERY WHEEL AND HANDBUILDING
This course will cover many aspects of working on the pottery wheel, handbuiilding, glazing/surface and design. Whether you are interested in functional or sculpture work, you will get individual attention according to your skill level and interest. The classes are structured with demonstrations and information sharing. There will be plenty of time to work on your own during class, as well as, uninstructed open studio hours for enrolled students.
Tuition: 10 week session $450.
Additional non-refundable minimum $45 fee towards firing.
(priced at .05 cents per cubic inch per piece) There will be charges for work done after minimum fee is used up.
Session 1: Monday 10 classes (All Levels) 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
1/8, 1/15, 1/22, 1/29, 26, 2/13, 2/27, 3/6, 3/13, 3/20
Session 2: Tuesday 10 classes (All Levels) 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
1/3, 1/10, 1/17, 1/24, 1/31, 2/7, 2/14, 2/28, 3/7, 3/14
Session 3: Tuesday 10 classes (All Levels) 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM
1/3, 1/10, 1/17, 1/24, 1/31, 2/7, 2/14, 2/28, 3/7, 3/14
Session 4: Wednesday 10 classes (All Levels) 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
1/4, 1/11,1/18,1/25, 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 3/1, 3/8, 3/15
Session 5: Wednesday 10 classes (All Levels) 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM
1/4, 1/11,1/18,1/25, 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 3/1, 3/8, 3/15
Session 6: Sunday 10 classes (All Levels) 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM
1/4, 1/15,1/22,1/29, 2/5, 2/12, 2/26, 3/5, 3/12, 3/19
HANDBUILDING AND SURFACE
Handbuilding is an ancient pottery-making technique that involves creating forms without a pottery wheel, using the hands, fingers, and simple tools. allowing for a wide range of creativity.
This class will also explore many surface decoration and finishing techniques. Surface treatments can occur at any stage of the ceramic process. On wet clay creating textures with stamps , lace, shape aids etc. /leather hard stage you can carve, scratch and apply many underglaze techniques. Once your piece is fired and ready to be glazed going beyond dipping, pouring and brushing glazes onto your work, you’ll find the alternatives to surface decoration using glaze pencils, water color, image transfer ,stencils, wax resist and more
Tuition: 10 week session $450.
Additional non-refundable minimum $45 fee towards firing.
(priced at .05 cents per cubic inch per piece) There will be charges for work done after minimum fee is used up.
Session 7: Thursday 10 classes (All Levels) 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
1/5, 1/12, 1/19, 1/26, 2/2, 2/9, 2/16, 3/2, 3/9, 3/16
Open studio hours for 10 week enrolled students:
In the Art Studio: (no pottery wheels): Monday and Tuesdays 6:30-9:00PM
In the Ceramic Studio (pottery wheels)
Thursday- 11:00AM-2:00PM
Thursday - 6:30-9:00PM
Saturday (time slots)- 12:30PM-3:00PM, 3:00PM-5:00PM
Sunday (time slots)- 1:00PM-3:00PM, 3:00PM-5:00PM
4 WEEK INTRO HANDBUILDING WORKSHOP
Handbuilding is an ancient pottery-making technique that involves creating forms without a pottery wheel, using the hands, fingers, and simple tools.
This class will introduce the basic handbuilding techniques used to build functional pottery forms. Focusing mostly on slab building techniques using bisque molds and stamps, will also cover the basics of pinch pots and coil building. No previous experience in clay is needed for this class.
Sunday 4 classes 1:30PM-4:00PM
WS-2 2/5, 2/12, 2/26, 3/5
WS-3 3/12, 3/19, 3/26, 4/2
WS-4 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7
WS-5 5/14, 5/21, 6/4, 6/11
WS-6 6/18, 6/25, 7/9, 7/16
Wednesday 4 classes 6:30PM - 9:00PM
WW-2 2/1, 2/8, 2/15, 3/1
WW-3 3/8, 3/15, 3/22, 3/29
WW-4 4/19, 4/26, 5/3, 5/10
WW-5 5/17, 5/24, 5/31, 6/7
WW-6 6/14, 6/21, 6/28, 7/5
FEE: $250 each section (additional firing fee, priced at .05 cents per cubic inch per piece)**
4 WEEK INTRO PORCELAIN WORKSHOP
Porcelain has been around since A.D. 700 in China and is one of the finest clays you can work with. Its smooth white finish and the ability to be slightly translucent makes it one of the most luxurious mediums to work with. In this workshop you will be introduced to the basics working with this type of clay. Either throwing or handbuilding, you will get a sense of its characteristics that are quite different from other types of clay. Some clay experience is required.
Saturday 10:00-12:30
- PW-1 1/14, 1/21, 1/28, 2/4
- PW-2 2/11, 2/18, 3/4, 3/11
FEE: $300 (additional firing fee .05 cents per square inch)
INTRODUCTION TO THE POTTERY WHEEL
Never used the pottery wheel before? This 4-week workshop will introduce you to the basics of throwing. You will have a chance to take a spin through the process. There will be demonstrations, drills and one on one support. The first 2 weeks making the vessels, the 3rd week tooling (cleaning up) your pieces, 4th week glazing. There is a 2 week turnaround where you can then pick up your finished piece.
Saturdays- 3/18, 3/25, 4/1, 4/8
FEE: $300 (additional firing fee .05 cents per square inch)
REGISTER FOR ALL CLASSES HERE
Password to register: winter23pottery!
Toddler & Family Ceramics
MY Grownup and Me Ceramics
You and your child can drop-in to our ceramics studio and work with an instructor who will take you through the process of making your own masterpiece! All work is non-toxic and food-safe.
Mondays 10:15 AM, 11:15 AM.
Wednesdays 10:15 AM, 11:15 AM and 12:30 PM.
Family Clay Day
Spend an hour with your whole family in our ceramics studio. You can be led through a project or simply work on your own handbuilding project with access to our full ceramics studio. All pieces will remain in the studio to be fired and will be ready for pick up within two weeks time. All work is non-toxic and food-safe. All ages!
Saturdays 10:30am, 12pm, 1:30pm, 3pm
After School Classes
Please visit our Downtown Community Center After School Page for more information, and to register your child today!