Sat/Sun, Jan 4th & 5th: Handbuilt Vessels & Underglaze Decoration | All Level

2pm-6pm w/visiting artist Glenn Hendrick at Ilwaco Artworks – 109 1st Ave N. Ilwaco, WA. Ages 10+ w/an adult or ages 14+. Beginner-friendly/all experience levels welcome.

In this 2-day, beginner-friendly workshop, students will learn the basics of handbuilding with clay to create two bowls or tumblers. They will then explore two underglaze surface decoration techniques: sgraffito and water etching.

• Sgraffito involves carving through a layer of underglaze to reveal the clay beneath, creating intricate designs.
• Water etching uses wax resist to form patterns, allowing students to achieve a textured underglaze design.

Tuition includes all tools, clay, glaze, and firing for two finished pieces.

Glenn Hendrick is a San Juan Island, Washington-based artist working primarily in printmaking, painting, drawing, and ceramics. Glenn moved from Chicago to San Juan Island in 2013, helping to found Alchemy Art Center in 2018 where she is now Co-Executive Director. Much of Glenn’s pottery uses sgraffito and water etching techniques.

Sat, Dec 28th, 2pm-6pm: Handbuild your own bud vase w/visiting artist, Laura Hoopenjans

at Ilwaco Artworks – 109 1st Ave N. Ilwaco, WA. Ages 10+ w/an adult or ages 14+. Beginner-friendly/all experience levels welcome.

Learn or expand on the basics of handbuilding using coils and slabs to make expressive and fun bud vases! This class is for all-levels and includes everything you need to make one or two finished small ceramic vases.

Laura Hoppenjans (she/they) is the artist behind Hop & Jans Studio, making fun ceramics to bring joy and color to your everyday life. They primarily focus on using handbuilding techniques to bring more expressive shapes and organic feels to their pottery. Visit hopandjans.com or follow @hopandjans on Instagram to learn more.

Sat, Jan 18th, 2pm-6pm: Sat, Jan 18th: Selecting, Designing, & Applying Decals to Glaze-Fired Mugs w/visiting artist, AJ Wahl

at Ilwaco Artworks – 109 1st Ave N. Ilwaco, WA.

Ages 10+ w/an adult or ages 14+. Beginner-friendly/all experience levels welcome.

In this class, students will learn how to apply overglaze decals to glaze-fired ceramics. The instructor will provide wood-fired mugs and a variety of decals to choose from. The workshop will also cover  applying decals to your work, purchasing overglaze decals online, designing simple custom decals, and the firing process needed to complete your decorated pieces. Participants may bring their own glaze-fired piece to decorate in addition to the provided mug (maximum size: 8 inches tall and 6 inches in diameter). Your finished work will be fired after the workshop and ready for pickup the following day, January 19th. For visiting attendees, shipping of finished pieces is available for $15 plus shipping costs.

Sat, Feb 8th, 2pm-6pm: Create Your Own Candlestick Holders w/visiting artist Nickolas Hurlbut

at Ilwaco Artworks – 109 1st Ave N. Ilwaco, WA.

Ages 10+ w/an adult or ages 14+. Beginner-friendly/all experience levels welcome.

Create your own candlestick holder set! This beginner-friendly class provides all the essentials, including tools, clay, glaze, and firing for at least 2 candlestick holders.You will learn how to create candlestick holders through two methods of hand building- sculpting and slab building. 

Nickolas Hurlbut is a seasoned ceramic artist and high school ceramics teacher currently based in Portland, OR. With a bachelors in Art Education and Studio Art and a Masters in Art Education. He is a queer ceramicist making Sassy inspired ceramics bringing together style and function to create unique and joyous housewares and fine art. A member of the Oregon Potters association, he sells work through his website, and participates in markets throughout the PNW.

2/15/2025: Serving Dish Workshop w/visiting artist, Taylor Stefanski

at Ilwaco Artworks Community Clay Studio – 109 1st Ave N Ilwaco, WA. Ages 10+ w/an adult or ages 14+. All experience levels welcome. 2pm-6pm. $72/person

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Impress your guests at your next dinner party with a serving dish made by you! In this workshop you will have the opportunity to create and decorate your own serving dish!

Sun, Nov 3rd: Working in the Ceramic Studio: Wedging to Glazing. 2pm-3:30pm. $20

Ilwaco Artworks Community Clay Studio – 109 1st Ave N Ilwaco, WA. Ages 10-13 w/an adult or ages 14+. All levels welcome.

This class will prepare you to be self-directed in the ceramics studio, making it ideal for anyone considering a studio membership or punch card! We encourage participants to have taken at least one ceramics class in the past to establish a foundation for this course. You’ll build on your existing knowledge and learn the essentials of studio work, including prepping your clay and workspace, using basic tools, handbuilding techniques, different clay body types, and reclaiming clay. The course also covers moisture content, wrapping and storing, glazing, firing cycles, and finishing your work.

STUDIO COURSE BUNDLE – 3 Classes for only $90 when you register for all 3!

1. Working in the Ceramics Studio – Wedging to Glazing
2. Surface Explorations
3. All Things Glaze

Discount automatically applied when you add all three classes to your cart.

Thursdays, Nov 7th – 28th: 4-Week Wheel Throwing Series | All Levels | 5:30pm-7:30pm w/Hans Miles at Ilwaco Artworks. 109 1st Ave N Ilwaco, WA. All levels welcome. Ages 10-13 w/an adult or ages 14+.

This class will begin with the basics of throwing pottery on the wheel and guide students towards their choice of creating one of three final forms: cups, bowls, or planters. The first session will cover the fundamental mechanics and processes of wheel throwing. The second session will focus on the nuances of form and technique for your specific project, while the third and fourth sessions will be dedicated to refining your work.

Mondays, Nov 4th – Nov 25th: 4-Week Handbuilding Series – Global Traditions of Ceramics w/Hans Miles at Ilwaco Artworks. 109 1st Ave N Ilwaco, WA. All levels welcome. Ages 10-13 w/an adult or ages 14+. 2pm-4pm.

In this class, students will learn essential handbuilding techniques like pinching and coiling to create vessels inspired by a historical object (e.g., a Jomon pot, Minoan octopus vase, or Incan Moche vessel). A great way to incorporate personal narrative and explore ceramics’ rich history. 

The course enhances handbuilding skills and concepts through in-depth practice and discussions on techniques, surface decoration, and materials, alongside perfecting fundamentals like wedging and glazing.

Day One:

Students will cover basic handbuilding techniques and complete their first, smaller vessel, gaining hands-on experience. The instructor will provide resources for researching the historical object for the second project.

Day Two:

This session focuses on refining the first vessel and starting the second. Students will learn about form design principles, discuss their chosen object’s history, and explore ways to integrate personal stories into their work.

Days Three and Four:

These sessions are dedicated to developing the personalized vessel project. With guidance, students will apply their skills to create a unique vessel that reflects their creativity and evolving style.

Sun, Dec 1st: All Things Glaze. 2pm-5pm. $50

Ilwaco Artworks Community Clay Studio – 109 1st Ave N Ilwaco, WA

BYOP (Bring your own pottery). In this class you will be working on bisqued pottery to learn about all things glaze related. You will learn about underglaze, mineral washes, kiln processes and glaze chemistry as well as many different application methods.

NEW Studio Course Bundle – 3 Classes for $90 when you register for:

Working in the Ceramics Studio & All Things Glaze

This bundle will prepare you to be self-directed in the clay studio or for a punch card or membership. Discount auto-applied when you add all three to cart.

Sun, Nov 24th: Surface Explorations. 2pm-5pm. $50.

Ilwaco Artworks Community Clay Studio – 109 1st Ave N Ilwaco, WA

In this class you will learn a variety of surface design techniques and take your pottery to the next level. You will make stamps, explore sgraffito using colored slips, learn basic monoprinting and play with texture. Students will be given tiles to practice these methods. Includes glazing and firing.

STUDIO COURSE BUNDLE – 3 Classes for only $90 when you register for all 3!

1. Working in the Ceramics Studio – Wedging to Glazing
2. Surface Explorations
3. All Things Glaze

Discount automatically applied when you add all three classes to your cart. These courses recur monthly, if any of them are not currently released they will be soon!

Sun, Nov 17th: Raku Class at Ilwaco Artworks Community Clay Studio – 109 1st Ave N Ilwaco, WA. 10am-1pm. $40-$60/person. Ages 10-13 w/an adult or ages 14+. All levels welcome.

Exploring Raku, Obvara, and Alternative Firing Methods

In this hands-on class, you’ll explore alternative firing techniques such as Raku, Obvara, and more, in a communal kiln firing setting. Each method involves opening the kiln while it’s red-hot and applying ancient techniques to create fascinating, one-of-a-kind pieces.

Option one $40: Pick up 2lbs of raku clay at the studio any time after purchase and build your pieces at home. Drop your work off at the studio to be bisque-fired by Oct 5th. Then, join us for the raku fire, Oct 19th, 10a-1p where we will glaze and fire your pieces and they will be ready to take home that day. Basic tools kits are also for sale in the studio.

Option two $60: Join us on Oct 19th, 10a-1p and choose from pre-made, bisqued pieces to be glazed and fired and taken home that day!

American Raku is a contemporary take on the traditional Japanese method. In this process, works are removed from the kiln at peak heat, where rapid oxidation or combustible reduction produces dramatic surface effects on the clay and glaze. The results, uniquely colored by fire and smoke, are ready to handle in less than an hour. While pre-made ceramic vessels are provided by Ilwaco Artworks, students are encouraged to create their own pieces.

Obvara—also known as “Baltic Raku”—is a little known Eastern European technique in which pottery, fresh from the kiln, is quickly submerged into a fermented mixture of water, sugar, and yeast. This process results in organic, black-and-white surface patterns and pigmentation that are completely unique, and is completed in under an hour.

Sat, Feb 1st: Intro to Natural Dye | 10am-2pm w/visiting artist, Katey Rissi at The Sou’wester Lodge Pavilion. 3728 J Pl Seaview, WA. Ages 10+ w/an adult or ages 14+.

Learn about the magic of creating color with plants in this introduction to natural dye workshop. This class will lay a solid foundation down to help you understand the fundamentals of how natural dyeing works, so you can continue a dye practice yourself. We will discuss the history of plant color, what fabrics to use, how to prepare fabric for dyeing, and of course, which plants to work with. Students will leave the class with a dye swatch book and a bundle dyed bandana.

Sat/Sun, Jan 25th & 26th: Relief prints on Fabric | 10am-2pm w/visiting artist Natalie Woodlock at The Sou’wester Lodge Pavilion. 3728 J Pl Seaview, WA. Ages 12+ w/an adult or ages 14+.

In this 2-day workshop we’ll make a small (9″ x 6″) decorative wall hanging, celebrating something or someone that is iconic to us. We’ll start by carving an image into a linoleum block, then hand-print it onto fabric. Using a template, we’ll cut the fabric into a decorative shape, sewing the edges with fringe and trim. Students will take home a decorative wall hanging of their own design, as well as extra prints on fabric.

San/Sun, Jan 18th & 19th: Learn Cameraless Photography w/visiting artist, Michaela Anderson. 10am-2pm at The Sou’wester Lodge Pavilion. 3728 J Pl Seaview, WA. Ages 10+ w/an adult or ages 14+

Discover the timeless art form of cyanotype through cyanotype weaving! Learn about the history behind this fun and unique photographic process while making paper weavings and creating beautiful textures to be exposed into photograms. Create your own stunning Prussian-blue prints and gain knowledge about bleaching and toning your prints to create dynamic designs. All materials are provided and no experience is necessary.

Michaela is a passionate photographer, educator, and weaver who enjoys teaching others about the joys of cameraless photography. She loves to spark creativity within learners of all ages through hands-on workshops. Michaela has expertise and a background in digital and film photography and loves to share about her experience with all kinds of photo processes. She hopes to cultivate a supportive learning environment and show others how easy it is to create stunning photographs and photograms right at home.

Sat/Sun, Jan 11th & 12th: Sculptural Wireworking | 10am-2pm w/visiting artist, Kristin Tollefson at The Sou’wester Lodge Pavilion. 3728 J Pl Seaview, WA. Ages 16+

Create small sculptural structures and jewelry elements using wire and techniques borrowed from fiber traditions. Learn how to use a small set of easily accessible tools and materials to build parts and pieces that are strong, flexible, and lightweight. Beginning students will focus on learning basic processes and creating a sampler of techniques; experienced students may make multiples or scale up to more complex constructions. All are welcome.

Kristin Tollefson is a Tacoma-based artist and educator whose work embraces the relationship between the body, the senses, and the environment. Her practice includes sculpture, jewelry, installation and writing. Kristin earned an MFA in Metalsmithing from Cranbrook Academy of Art and a BA in Art History and Sociology/Anthropology from

Carleton College. She has received Fulbright US Scholar awards for research in Slovakia and Iceland, and multiple American-Scandinavian Foundation awards for work Iceland. Find her work at kltollefson.com or on social media @kltollefson.

Sat/Sun, Jan 4th/5th: Block Printing Workshop (Mixed Level)| 10am-2pm – w/visiting artist, Eleanor Elektra Larsen.

Ages 10+ w/an adult or ages 14+. At The Sou’wester Lodge Pavilion 3728 J Pl Seaview, WA.

Learn the basics of block printing and experiment with DIY techniques for creating unique print media at home. This class is open to beginners as well as intermediate level printmaking students; we will cover techniques for rendering images in the carving block, hand-pressing prints and developing creative ideas.

Eleanor Elektra is an interdisciplinary artist based out of Boston MA and originally from the Pacific Northwest. Her work juxtaposes tangible and spiritual realms through juxtapositions of abstract and representational elements. When she’s not teaching private lessons and workshops she can be found working in her print studio or performing with her band.

CLAY PLAY AT ILWACO ARTWORKS COMMUNITY CLAY STUDIO 10am-1pm

Clay Plays are casual, beginner-friendly pottery sessions where you will learn basic ceramic handbuilding skills to create functional or decorative objects. Ages 10+ with an adult or ages 14+. Pieces are glazed, fired and ready for pick up in 3-6 weeks. Shipping is available for our visiting attendees for $15 plus shipping costs.

November Clay Plays:

• Sat 11/2: Sugar Skulls
• Sun 11/3: Tree Luminaries
• Sat 11/9: Wine Cups
• Sun 11/10: Handled Cups
• Sat 11/16: Soap Dishes & Spoon Rests
• Sun 11/24: Ornaments & Winter Decor
• Sat/Sun 11/30 & 12/1: Gingerbread Houses

REGISTER

• Inspiration for upcoming Clay Plays
• Please email souwestertv@gmail.com to join a waitlist!
• Ilwaco Artworks Community Clay Studio – 109 1st Ave N Ilwaco, WA
• Visiting attendees can have their pieces shipped! We will invoice you for $15 handling, plus the cost of shipping.
• Returns: We understand that sometimes plans change. For Clay Plays: We will issue a full refund up to 7 days from the event. Cancellations within 7 days of the event will be issued a refund OR credit towards a future class minus a $15 cancellation fee if notified. No refunds if canceled the same day as the event. No refunds for no call, no shows.

Sat, Feb 15th: Learning Linoleum-Cut Block Printing | 10am-2pm w/visiting artist, Heidi Keith at The Sou’wester Lodge Pavilion. 3728 J Pl Seaview, WA. Ages 10-13 w/an adult or ages 14+. All levels welcome.

Join Heidi to explore the vibrant world of lino block printing and take home your own stunning prints! This workshop provides an excellent opportunity to learn the process of creating beautiful linoleum prints. Participants will be guided step-by-step through the technique, ensuring they gain hands-on experience and develop their skills in this unique art form. This workshop promises to be both educational and fun.

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Heidi Keith was raised in western Montana. She currently lives in Portland, Oregon where she paints and teaches studio art. She earned a Bachelor and Masters degree from Portland State University. Keith also attended Pacific Northwest College of Art as a post bachelorette studying painting. Keith’s work is informed by her community and the land of the Pacific Northwest. Her large scale landscape and figurative projects have been exhibited throughout the west coast.