Intro to Throwing

$350 Per Person — Ages 18 and up

Ages 16–18 may participate with prior approval. Please contact info@taoofclay.com for more information.

This course is a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals of wheel throwing, designed for true beginners or those returning to clay after time away. Over six weeks, you’ll build a solid foundation in ceramic technique while creating functional pieces from start to finish.

Students will learn how to wedge clay, center it on the wheel through a technique called coning, and throw basic cylinders—the core form behind many ceramic shapes. As your skills progress, we’ll explore how to shape your forms inward and outward, trim the base, and add handles to create mugs or other handled forms. In addition to time at the wheel, we’ll cover essential off-the-wheel skills like pulling handles by hand and glazing your finished work.

What makes this course unique is our step-by-step method, rooted in the Tao of Clay approach to throwing. With hands-on support and detailed instruction, we guide you not only in how to throw, but why we teach it this way—offering a principled process that builds confidence and ease at the wheel. While there are many ways to throw, this method ensures you’re developing strong habits and thoughtful technique, giving you the tools to continue your practice well beyond beginner.

You’ll also be introduced to the principles of mindfulness in throwing—helping you connect with clay in a way that’s both grounded and expressive.

Level: Beginner

Prerequisite: No prior experience is necessary. Open to all skill levels.

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Tools & Materials: We provide all the clay, glaze, and tools needed for this introductory course. A selection of our favorite tools are also available for purchase in our on-site shop.

Firing: The class fee includes firing for up to 5 pieces. Additional pieces may be fired at our standard rate of $3/lb.

Studio Access: As a student, you’ll have access to the studio outside of class hours to practice and develop your skills further!

Student Practice Open Hours:

• Tuesdays: 6–9 PM
  
• Wednesdays: 10 AM–2 PM
• Fridays: 6–9 PM
• Sundays: 1–5 PM

*Please note: The studio is occasionally closed for events. Be sure to check our studio calendar online for any updates or closures affecting open hours.

We reserve the right to cancel the class due to low enrollment or for other necessary reasons.

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Cancellation Policy:

• Cancel more than 14 days in advance for a full refund.
• Cancel between 7–14 days in advance for a 50% refund.
• Cancellations within 7 days of the class start date are non-refundable.

Missed Classes:

We do not offer refunds or make-up classes. If you need to miss a class, our staff will do their best to help you catch up during the next session or open studio hours.

Questions? Email info@taoofclay.com.