Gather: A Handmade Dinnerware Intensive

Class Description

Gather: A Handmade Dinnerware Intensive Creating functional pottery for everyday gathering There is something deeply satisfying about eating from plates and bowls you made with your own hands. Gather is a six-week handbuilding intensive designed to guide you through the creation of a cohesive, functional dinnerware set—pieces meant to be used, shared, and enjoyed around the table. This is a fully scripted, start-to-finish class, meaning each week builds intentionally on the last. You’ll be supported every step of the way, from your first slab to your final fired pieces, resulting in work that feels both personal and beautifully consistent. What You’ll Make Students will create at least eight finished pieces, including: • 2 dinner plates • 2 salad plates • 2 dessert plates • 2 bowls What You’ll Learn • How to roll smooth, even slabs with confidence • Proper compression for strong, long-lasting plates • Forming plates and bowls using molds • Creating clean rims and refined surfaces • Managing timing, drying, and preparation for firing Small Class, Big Experience Class size is limited to just 6 students, allowing for true hands-on instruction, personalized feedback, and one-on-one guidance throughout the process. This intimate format creates a relaxed, supportive learning environment where questions are welcome and no one gets lost in the room. Studio Time to Practice Students receive up to 4 hours of weekend studio access during the session. This additional time allows you to refine pieces, practice techniques, and enjoy working in the studio outside of class. What’s Included • Clay • All firings for class projects • Guided instruction and demonstrations • A celebratory final-class dinner, catered by Finest, where we gather, share a meal, and celebrate the work created together Tools & Materials Students will need to purchase a basic handbuilding tool kit for this class. A detailed supply list with links to purchase tools will be emailed prior to the start of class so you can arrive prepared and ready to work. Who This Class Is For This class is open to complete beginners as well as students of all skill levels. No prior experience is required. The structured format makes it approachable and confidence-building for first-time students, while experienced makers will appreciate the focus on refinement, repetition, and creating a cohesive body of functional work. Gather is about more than making pottery.