Classes are held at Capitol Clay Arts Company, located on D Street in South Charleston, West Virginia.  Sessions are held continuously throughout the year.  One session lasts six weeks, then a new session begins.  The cost for one session of classes is 150.00, which includes instruction, 25 lbs of clay, firings, and the use of studio glazes.  Class hours are 6-8:30 pm.  Please  give Capitol Clay Arts Company a call at (304) 720-9851 for more information on specific classes or to sign up for your session.

Wheel Classes

PictureThe wheel studio.
Both beginners and intermediate students are welcome in the Wednesday night wheel class.  For beginners, the focus is primarily on learning the techniques involved with creating a wheel-thrown pot.  During your first session, you will be learning to center clay, pull up the walls of your pot, and add outside curves to give your pot flair.  You will also be learning trimming techniques, how to make handles, some surface decoration techniques, and how to glaze.  Advanced students will be asked to create more complicated projects, for example: altered, double-walled, and lidded pieces.
Wheel classes are held Wednesday nights from 6:00 to 8:30 pm.
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A student throws a bowl.
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A pitcher set with sgraffito surface decoration.
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A student begins to trim a cup.

Hand Building Classes

PictureThe hand building studio.
Hand building is a technique for creating pottery without using a potter's wheel.  There are several ways to make pots without the need for a wheel (in fact, it's how pottery began!).  During class, you will be exploring all of these techniques.  You will also be experimenting with many different surface decoration methods, including: sgraffito, carving, wax resist, slip trailing, stamping, and more.  You will also have the opportunity to create your very own, handmade stamps.  Hand building is a wonderful class for anyone who would like to spend a relaxing and creative evening working with clay.
Hand building classes are held Wednesday nights from 6:00 to 8:30 pm.
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Hand built plate with surface decoration.
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A student works on a hand built bowl.
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Previous class project: A hand built bowl created using a "quilting" technique.

Current Students

  • Student Gallery:  Please click the link to view the gallery of student work.  Their beautiful pottery pieces are a testament to all their hard work, dedication, and creativity.  Congratulations to all my students on their accomplishments!
  • Tips and Tricks:  Please click the link to view a few tips & tricks.  Here you will find information, photographs, and videos to help you learn and grow as a potter.