UPCOMING WORKSHOPS
Led by Sou’wester Artist-in-Residence instructors, our all-ages workshops give you hands-on experience so you can unleash your inner artist, acquire a new skill, and gain a deeper appreciation for craftsmanship.
Aug 10
Raku Class: Obvara & Traditional Methods
w/Hans Miles $45
Option one: Pick up 2lbs of raku clay at the studio any time, build your pieces at home and then drop your work off at the studio to be bisqued by Aug 1st. Then, join us for the raku fire, August 10th, 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: Just join us on Aug 10th, 10a-1p and choose a pre-made and bisqued piece to be glazed and fired and taken home that day! Please select an option from the drop-down menu.
- Saturday 10a-1p
Location: Ilwaco Artworks
Aug 13 & 14
Surface Decoration Intensive
(Mixed Level)
w/visiting artist, Courtney Murphy $115
In this class we will explore different surface decorations on greenware working with underglazes. Techniques covered will include sgraffito, carving, paper resist, and image transfers. We will use tiles to try out different techniques, before using these new techniques to create a finished piece. Includes one week of open studio time.
- Tuesday 3-6p
- Wednesday 3-6p
Location: Ilwaco Artworks
Aug 17 & 18
Refresher/Beginner Wheel Throwing
w/Hans Miles $140
For the beginning or intermediate pottery enthusiast! (Folks with previous wheel experience welcome). Class includes the preparation of clay, the techniques of centering and throwing, texturing, trimming and glazing your work. Fee includes clay, glazing and firing.
- Saturday 2-5p
- Sunday 2-5p
Location: Ilwaco Artworks
Aug 20 & 21
w/visiting artist, Taylor Stefanksi $120
Learn the basics of hand building through various coil and paddling techniques. The first day students will learn coil building techniques to build their own pots. The second day folks will learn how to refine the forms, add adornments and some detail color. Includes one week of open studio time.
- Tuesday 3-6p
- Wednesday 3-6p
Location: Ilwaco Artworks
Sep 2nd-23rd
Intro to Hand Building 4-Week Series
w/Hans Miles $170
In this class, learners will gain a comprehensive understanding of the handbuilding fundamentals of pinching and coiling to create their own unique vessels.
Day One: We will cover the basics of handbuilding, including the essential techniques and skills required for working with clay. By the end of the first session, you will have begun creating a small vessel, giving you hands-on experience with the process.
Day Two: This session will focus on refining your first vessel. We explore form design principles, helping you understand the aesthetics and functionality of pottery.
Days Three and Four: These sessions are dedicated to bringing your personal vessel project to life. With guidance and support, you will apply the skills and knowledge you’ve gained to create a personalized vessel. This is an opportunity to explore your creativity and develop your unique style.
- Mondays 5:30-7:30p
Location: Ilwaco Artworks
Sep 5-19th
w/Hans Miles $140
This class will begin with the basics of throwing pottery on the wheel and guide learners towards their choice of one of three final projects: cups, bowls, or planters. The first session will cover the fundamental mechanics and process of throwing. The second session will focus on the nuances of form and technique for your specific project, while the third session will be dedicated to refining your work.
- Thursdays 5:30p-7:30p
Location: Ilwaco Artworks
Sep 6th
w/Hans Miles $50
In this class, we will cover the basics of throwing pottery on the wheel. Learners will explore wedging, centering, and forming clay on the potter’s wheel with the goal of creating the fundamental pottery form: a cylinder. This introduction aims to provide a brief yet immersive experience in pottery making and inspire further exploration.
- Friday 5:30-7:30p
Location: Ilwaco Artworks
Sep 7th
w/Hans Miles $50
In this introductory level class you will learn the three foundations of handbuilding: pinch pots, coil building, and slab building. This workshop will prepare you to be self-directed in the clay studio and includes a demonstration of common tools and underglazes on greenware.
- Saturday 10a-1p
Location: Ilwaco Artworks
Sep 13th
w/Hans Miles $50
This class is designed for those who have taken the introductory class or have prior experience with the wheel. Instruction is individualized and tailored to the goals of each learner. Whether you are interested in honing the basics, expanding your forming abilities, mastering advanced throwing methods, or anything in between, this class will build on and expand your existing knowledge.
- Friday 5:30-7:30p
Location: Ilwaco Artworks
Sep 14th
w/Hans Miles $50
Designed to follow “Handbuilding Fundamentals”, in this class you will learn introductory surface design and texture techniques including stamp making, sgraffito and using colored slips on handbuilt projects.
- Saturday 10a-1p
Location: Ilwaco Artworks
Sep 20th
w/Hans Miles $50
In this class, we will cover the basics of throwing pottery on the wheel. Learners will explore wedging, centering, and forming clay on the potter’s wheel with the goal of creating the fundamental pottery form: a cylinder. This introduction aims to provide a brief yet immersive experience in pottery making and inspire further exploration.
- Friday 5:30-7:30p
Location: Ilwaco Artworks
Sep 21
w/visiting artist, Sarah Benson $60
Learn to weave your own turkey wing and hawk’s tail hand broom in this introductory, hands-on class. We will discuss the tools, materials, and techniques for crafting beautiful and functional brooms that will have you sweeping out the corners in style. Open to all beginners. Please be aware that broom making is a physical task and moderate hand strength is recommended.
- Saturday 2-6p
Location: Sou’wester Lodge Pavilion
Sep 22nd
Multi Media Embroidered Landscapes
w/visiting artist, Chloe Jacobson $55
Learn five embroidery stitches and basic techniques through stitching your favorite landscape. We will experiment with water coloring canvas fabric to create a multidimensional piece while gaining competency in embroidery.
- Sunday 12-4p
Location: Sou’wester Lodge Pavilion
Oct 5th
Clay Foods: Making Favorite Meals
w/visiting artist, Kate Thornhill $76
Delve into sculpting your favorite foods while exploring ceramic hand building foundations. From pizza to sushi, cheeseburgers to cupcakes, indulge in the art of clay sculpting with guidance from visiting artist, Kate Thornhill. Learn essential techniques such as slipping and scoring, strengthening clay joints, using underglazes, templates, and preparing sculptures for the kiln. No experience required – just bring your inner child and an appetite for learning!
- Saturday 2-6p
Location: Ilwaco Artworks
Oct 19th
Handbuilt Ceramic Shelves/Altars
w/visiting artist, Celina Roseman $75
Learn how to handbuild a ceramic shelf or altar to hold your beloved trinkets and treasures. This class is beginner friendly and will teach you the basics of using slab building techniques. All tools, clay, glaze and firings will be provided.
- Saturday 2-6p
Location: Ilwaco Artworks
COMMUNITY CLAY PLAY
Learn ceramic handbuilding skills & create finished pieces! $35/person | Includes demo, clay, glazing & firing. Pick-up or shipping available. Ages 10+ w/an adult or 14+. No Experience necessary. Sign up for any four for $100.
*Photos are linked and credited in our Ideas & Inspiration page
Interested in teaching a workshop? Apply for our Teaching Residency Program.
Shipping: Visiting workshop attendees can have their pieces shipped! We will invoice you for $15 handling, plus the cost of shipping.
Cancellations: 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. For artist-led workshops: We will issue a full refund up 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 $30 cancellation fee if notified. No refunds if canceled the same day as the event. No refunds for no call, no shows.
Please email souwestertv@gmail.com to cancel any workshops taking place at The Sou’wester.
Please email ilwacoartworks@gmail.com to cancel ceramics workshops at Ilwaco Artworks.