Pottery

Clay Animal Bells: Owl or Cat • Open to all / Ages 18+

Saturday, May 31 ~ 9am to 11am *Just added!

Saturday, May 31 ~ 1:30pm to 3:30pm

*This class is open to adults 18 and over, no prior clay experience is needed.

Get into the spirit of spring with these adorable clay animal bells. In this fun, hands-on class, you’ll create your choice of either an owl or cat bell using a simple hand-building technique with extruded tubes. Your instructor, 577’s Pottery Coordinator Alison Buchanan, will guide you through the process step by step and help bring your vision to life.

Once your animal is formed, you’ll have the opportunity to personalize it with touches of color using underglaze (liquid colored clay). After class, your piece will be bisque-fired, glazed in clear, and fired again by 577. You’ll receive an email about two weeks later when your bell is ready for pickup.

Perfect for all experience levels—come play in the clay!

577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan

Unique Clay Slab Vase • Open to all / Ages 18+

Friday, June 13 ~ 9:30am to 11:30am

*This class is open to adults 18 and over, no prior clay experience is needed.

Celebrate summer’s blooms with a beautiful, one-of-a-kind skinny vase made by you—perfect for showing off fresh flowers and garden posies. In this hands-on class, 577’s Pottery Manager and Ceramic Artist Julie Beutler will guide you step-by-step through the process.

You’ll start by learning how to roll a good slab, then cut and shape the front, back, and sides of your new vase. Explore textures and decorative additions, and choose your favorite color from our selection of glazes to make your piece truly unique. After final construction, you’ll leave your vase with us to be fired and glazed. We’ll email you in about 14 to 18 days when your vase is ready for pickup.

Perfect for all experience levels. Come play in the clay and make something special for your summer flowers.

577 Staff Instructor: Julie Beutler

Clay Wall Pockets • Open to all / Ages 18+

Thursday, June 19 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm

*This class is open to adults 18 and over, no prior clay experience is needed.

Wall pockets are a versatile and charming addition to any home. Use them to collect mail, store matches, or display real or faux flowers indoors. They’re equally delightful outdoors, adding character to a fence or front door, or even serving as bird feeders or planters for ivy and succulents with added drainage holes. In this hands-on class, Pottery Manager and Ceramic Artist Julie Beutler will guide you step-by-step through making your own wall pocket.

You’ll start by learning how to roll a great slab, add texture or decorative elements, and prep your piece for hanging in a style that suits you. Patterns will be available to use, or you can create a freeform design with Julie’s help. At the end of class, you’ll choose a glaze color, and our staff will fire, glaze, and fire your piece again. We’ll email you about two weeks later when your wall pocket is ready for pickup.

Perfect for all experience levels. Come play in the clay and make something functional and beautiful for your space.

577 Staff Instructor: Julie Beutler

Clay Snowpeople • Open to all / Ages 18+

Tuesday, July 1 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm

*This class is open to adults 18 and over, no prior clay experience is needed.

A yearly favorite—Clay Snowpeople is back with a Christmas in July twist! Celebrate the season early in this fun and hands-on class as you create your very own adorable snowperson using classic pinch pot techniques. These charming winter characters are perfect for gifting or adding a touch of personality to your seasonal décor—even in the middle of summer!

Your instructor will guide you through the basics of building the body and demonstrate a variety of ways to add scarves, hats, mittens, and other whimsical details. Depending on the accents you choose, you’ll make one or two snowpeople during class.

Participants will have the opportunity to paint their accessories (hat, scarf, nose, etc.) using underglazes. After the first firing, staff will glaze each piece in clear to preserve the snowy white clay body, then fire them again. You’ll receive an email when your pieces are ready for pickup—estimated 14 to 18 days later—just in time to show off your cool creation.

This class is perfect for all levels—no prior clay experience needed. Come play in the clay and enjoy a little holiday magic in July!

577 Staff Instructor: Julie Beutler

Pinch Pot Penguins • Open to all / Ages 18+

Thursday, July 3 ~ 9:30am to 11:30am

*This class is open to adults 18 and over, no prior clay experience is needed.

Cool off with creativity in this cheerful Christmas in July pottery class—just for adults! Celebrate the festive spirit—with a frosty twist—in this holiday-in-summer class designed exclusively for grown-ups. In this fun and whimsical session, you’ll create your very own adorable penguin, perfect for holiday décor or simply adding a bit of winter charm to your summer season (no snow shoveling required!).

Your instructor will guide you step-by-step through shaping your penguin and adding personality with underglaze paints. Whether you stick with classic black and white or go bold with bright, playful colors, your penguin will be one-of-a-kind.

Once complete, our pottery staff will bisque-fire your piece, glaze it in clear for a glossy finish, and fire it again. You’ll receive an email in about two weeks when your piece is ready for pickup. No experience needed—just bring your imagination and a sense of fun! All materials are provided.

Class Note: This session is open to adults ages 18+. Families with young artists can check out our kid-friendly penguin pottery class happening this month.

577 Staff Instructor: Julie Beutler

Sushi Sets • Open to all / Ages 18+

Thursday, July 10 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm

*This class is open to adults 18 and over, no prior clay experience is needed.

Enjoy creative time in the pottery studio as you make a beautiful handmade sushi set—perfect for yourself or the sushi lover in your life! In this evening class, you’ll create two complete sets, each including one rectangular tray, one small dish for soy sauce, and one smaller dish for wasabi—six dishes total.

Your instructor will guide you step-by-step through rolling out slabs, shaping pinch pots, and using a decorative slip transfer technique to apply a gorgeous cloud pattern (see photo) to each piece. It’s a fun way to explore surface design while making a versatile serving set you’ll want to use all year long.

While intended as a sushi set, these dishes are perfect for appetizers, chips and salsa, shrimp and cocktail sauce—the possibilities are endless!

Once completed, each piece will be bisque-fired, glazed in clear for a glossy, food-safe finish, and fired again by our staff. We’ll email you in about two weeks when your set is ready for pickup.

Perfect for all experience levels—come get your hands dirty and leave with something special!

577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan

Thumbprint Tree • Open to all / Ages 18+

Monday, July 14 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm

*This class is open to adults 18 and over, no prior clay experience is needed.

Celebrate a little Christmas in July with this festive pottery class! Get prepared for the upcoming winter days by crafting your own cone-shaped tree using slab and ball techniques. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to master this process and bring your tree to life—no clay experience needed.

Your instructor will guide you step-by-step and share finishing ideas. These whimsical trees can be styled for the holidays or left green for year-round charm. Once completed, your piece will be bisque-fired, glazed in your choice of green or white, and fired again by our staff. We’ll send an email when it’s ready for pickup, approximately 14 to 18 days later.

This class is perfect for all levels—no experience required, just bring your creativity and holiday spirit!

577 Staff Instructor: Julie Beutler

Adult Pottery 6-Week Course

Tuesdays, April 29; May 6, 13, 20, 27; June 3 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Wednesdays, April 30; May 7, 21, 28; June 4, 11 ~ 1:30pm to 3:30pm

Thursdays, July 31; August 7, 13, 21, 28; September 4 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm

*This class is open to adults 18 and over, no prior clay experience is needed.

Join us for this comprehensive adult pottery class. This multiple-week class is for adult beginners through advanced potters – all levels are welcome. This class is the pre-requisite class needed for many of our pottery classes at The 577 Foundation.

Open to students 18 and over, this class offers in-depth demos followed immediately by your own work time to create and have fun. You will be able to try all hand-building methods like pinch, coil, slab, and extruded techniques, plus a chance at the wheel. Finally, we will learn about glazing. Class is built around learning one skill each week. 

All supplies and firings are included. Come play in the clay!

577 Staff Instructors: Julie Beutler, Pottery Studio Manager and Ceramic Artist & Alison Buchanan, Pottery Coordinator 

Youth Pottery: Fantastic Clay Fishbowls (Ages 7 to 17)

Wednesday, May 28 ~ 4:30pm to 6pm

This fun and creative pottery class is perfect for the young artist in your life—especially those who love aquatic or plant life! In this hands-on session, each child will roll out slabs of clay and use them to create their own imaginative fishbowl or terrarium scene. Led by Alison Buchanan, 577’s Pottery Coordinator, children will learn how to clean edges and shape all kinds of fun additions—like fish, sea creatures, and plants for aquariums, or bugs, leaves, and flowers for terrariums.

Once their designs are assembled, each child will personalize their creation with underglazes, adding bright stripes, colors, and patterns to bring their scene to life. After the first kiln firing, 577 staff will apply a clear glaze to give each piece a glossy finish and added durability. Projects will be ready for pick-up in about two weeks, and an email will be sent when they’re ready.

Class note: This class is open to children ages 7 to 17. No prerequisite or experience is required. Adults are not required to attend youth pottery classes. Youth participants may be dropped off at the beginning of class and picked up at the scheduled end time. 

577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan

Family Pottery: Sipper Cups (Ages 5-6 & Adult 18+)

Friday, June 6 ~ 10am to 11:30am

Join us in the Pottery Studio for a fun, hands-on family class where each participant will make one custom sipper cup (2 total per family) that will be decorated/painted by you! This class is open to children 5 and 6 with an adult over 18, no prerequisite or experience is required.

Each person will receive one extruded cylinder to transform into unique sipper cups by adding a base and embellishments. Led by Alison, 577’s Pottery Coordinator, the class will explore different decoration techniques with plenty of inspiring examples to spark creativity. We will paint our decorations with underglazes for that perfect pop of color.

Once completed, each creation will be bisque-fired, glazed in clear, and fired again. Finished pieces will be ready for pick-up in about two weeks, with email notifications sent when they are ready.

This family class is for both children and their accompanying adults to enjoy an exploration of hand-built pottery projects. Class is open to children 5 to 6 with an adult over 18, no prerequisite or experience is required.

577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan

Family Pottery: Clay Pinch Pot Animals (Ages 5-6 & Adult 18+)

Tuesday, June 24 ~ 10am to 11:30am

Enjoy creative time together in the 577 Pottery Studio as you make a charming animal pinch pot, choosing from a cat, dog, elephant, mouse, or ladybug. You’ll learn simple pinch pot and sculpting techniques to bring your chosen animal to life, and you will have the opportunity to decorate your creation with underglazes during class.

Alison Buchanan, 577’s Pottery Coordinator, will guide you step-by-step through the process and offer helpful tips along the way. Once completed, each creation will be bisque-fired, glazed in clear, and fired again by our staff. We’ll email you in about two weeks when your piece is ready for pickup. Perfect for beginners! Come make memories and a special work of art to take home.

This family class is for both children and their accompanying adults to enjoy an exploration of hand-built pottery projects. Class is open to children 5 to 6 with an adult over 18, no prerequisite or experience is required.

577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan

Slab of Summer ~ Youth Pottery Camp: Ages 7 to 13

Session I: Monday, June 16 – Friday, June 20 ~ 9:30am to 11:30am

Session II: Monday, July 21 – Friday, July 25 ~  9:30am to 11:30am

Slab of Summer ~ Youth Pottery Camp: Ages 7 to 17

Monday, June 16 – Friday, June 20 ~ 2pm to 4pm

Join the 577 pottery staff for a fun and creative weeklong exploration of clay! Led by Pottery Coordinator Alison Buchanan, this exciting camp invites young artists to explore the endless possibilities of clay.

Throughout the week, your kiddo will learn foundational hand-building techniques such as pinch, slab, and coil to craft a variety of unique projects. Inspired by animals, nature, and the beautiful surroundings of 577, we will create a new piece each day, with a special project designed exclusively for summer camp. Toward the end of the session, everyone will get to experience the glazing process firsthand on one of their pieces (all other pieces will be glazed by staff due to firing limitations).

This camp is open to two age groups, with dedicated sessions for each. For ages 7 to 13, we are offering two sessions. For ages 7 to 17, we are offering an extended-age session in June. Each session will feature fresh projects, so students are welcome to sign up for both. All materials and firings are included. No prior experience is necessary. Drop-off and pick-up information: Adults are not required to attend youth pottery classes. Children should be dropped off at the start of class and picked up promptly at the scheduled end time.

Get ready to roll up your sleeves, play with clay, and bring your imagination to life at 577 this summer!

577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan

Family Pottery: Lake-Themed Trinket Trays (Ages 7-17/Adult 18+)

Monday, July 14 ~ 10am to 12pm

Dive into creativity with the whole family in this fun and hands-on pottery class! Together, you’ll explore the basics of working with clay slabs as you design and build your own lake-inspired trinket trays—think rippling water textures, fish, boats, lily pads, and more. Let your imagination set the scene!

Your instructor will guide you step-by-step through the process, from rolling and shaping slabs to adding texture and decorative details. You’ll finish by painting your trays with underglazes, using bright colors, stripes, and patterns to bring your lakeside designs to life. After class, each piece will be bisque-fired, glazed with a clear coat for shine and durability, and fired again by our staff. We’ll email you in about two weeks when your artwork is ready for pickup.

This class is designed for children ages 7–17 with an accompanying adult (18+). No experience needed—just come ready to get creative and make something special together!

577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan

Family Pottery: Penguin Pinch Pots (Ages 5-6/Adult 18+)

Thursday, July 17 ~ 10am to 11:30am

Waddle into creativity! Join us for a fun and creative family pottery session where everyone can get their hands dirty and their imaginations soaring! Families will learn the basics of pinch pot techniques as they sculpt their very own adorable penguin-themed clay creations—no experience necessary.

Your instructor will guide you step-by-step through forming, shaping, and adding personality to each penguin pinch pot. It’s a perfect opportunity for parents, grandparents, and kids to bond through art while making a keepsake to treasure. All materials and firing are included. After class, each piece will be bisque-fired, glazed in clear for a glossy finish, and fired again by our staff. We’ll email you in about two weeks when your artwork is ready for pickup.

This class is designed for children ages 5 to 6 with an accompanying adult (18+). Just bring your creativity and a willingness to play with clay!

577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan

Textured Clay Strip Bowl *New Class!

Thursday, May 29 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Prerequisite: To register for this class, participants must have successfully completed the 577 Adult Pottery 6-Week Class.

Spend a creative evening in the pottery studio learning how to build a unique, handcrafted small bowl using textured clay strips. You’ll explore the basics of decorating and constructing your piece by carefully layering the strips into a bisque mold to create a one-of-a-kind, functional form.

Julie will also demonstrate a handled option and share tips on how to glaze your bowl. These charming small bowls make great fruit bowls, coffee table catch-alls, or simply beautiful decorative pieces.

Class Note: Glazing will be completed independently during Indie Studio Time.

577 Staff Instructor: Julie Beutler 

Saturday Workshop: Garden Art Extravaganza

Saturday, June 7 ~ 10am to 3pm

Prerequisite: To register for this class, participants must have successfully completed the 577 Adult Pottery 6-Week Class.

Join us in the pottery studio for a fun, all-day garden art making celebration. Julie will kick off the day with demonstrations, ideas, and examples to help spark your creativity before everyone starts working on their own garden-inspired pieces. Guidance and support will be available throughout as you create art to brighten your garden, yard, patio, or porch. The focus will be on handbuilding to make it accessible for all skill levels, but those with strong wheel skills are welcome to create wheel-thrown pieces as well.

We’ll make and discuss a variety of items, including birdhouses and feeders, garden signs and markers, hanging signs, flowerpots, green man faces, frogs, turtles, and other creative ideas. If you have specific projects in mind, you’re welcome to email images to Julie by May 25 so feedback and prep can be provided. We’ll take a break for a potluck lunch around noon before returning to creating. Details on lunch will be sent the week before class.

Class Note: Glazing will be completed independently during Indie Studio Time.

577 Staff Instructor: Julie Beutler

Slab Cups & Mugs

Wednesday, June 25 ~ 9:30am to 11:30am

Prerequisite: To register for this class, participants must have successfully completed the 577 Adult Pottery 6-Week Class.

Join us in the Pottery Studio for this exciting slab building class! Julie will discuss the different styles of making mugs or cups and how she makes patterns. She will demonstrate how to roll successful slabs, cutting/cleaning, and tips for adding bottoms to your cups/mugs. Finally, she will review several handle styles, how to make them comfortable and usable, and how to best attach them. Depending on the size, style, and details you choose, you will complete two (2) to four (4) cups/mugs in class.

This class is perfect for those wanting to sharpen their hand building skills and knowledge from this class will be helpful for many future pots, not just cups/mugs.

Class Note: Glazing will be completed independently during Indie Studio Time.

577 Staff Instructor: Julie Beutler

Clay Flowers

Friday, June 27 ~ 9:30am to 11:30am

Prerequisite: To register for this class, participants must have successfully completed the 577 Adult Pottery 6-Week Class.

Bring a little joy to your day with Clay Flowers! This is a class all about creating blooms that never fade. Julie will provide several demonstrations covering techniques like slab, pinch, and coil, showing you how to craft freestanding flowers for a vase or attach them to plates, vases, and other handbuilt or wheel-thrown pieces.

We’ll explore using underglazes, along with tips for glazing on your own and ideas for non-firing finishes. Julie’s demos will include how to finish and assemble your creations, and each student will have the opportunity for individual guidance as needed.

Class Note: Glazing will be completed independently during Indie Studio Time.

577 Staff Instructor: Julie Beutler

Clay Napkin Holders

Saturday, June 28 ~ 9am to 11am

Prerequisite: To register for this class, participants must have successfully completed the 577 Adult Pottery 6-Week Class.

Looking for a fun way to add something new to your tabletop or counter décor? Join Alison in the studio to create your own unique napkin holder, perfect for adding a personal touch to your home or giving as a thoughtful gift.

The class will start with a demonstration on rolling and working with slabs. Alison will share different styles, decorating ideas, and texturing techniques, along with useful tips for building and drying that you can use in future clay projects.

Class Note: Glazing will be completed independently during Indie Studio Time.

577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan

Clay Ramekin Dip Bowls

Wednesday, July 2~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Prerequisite: To register for this class, participants must have successfully completed the 577 Adult Pottery 6-Week Class.

Discover the versatility and elegance of the ramekin—small but mighty dishes used in both professional kitchens and home cooking. In this hands-on pottery class, participants will explore the creative potential of the clay extruder to craft functional and stylish ramekins. Ideal for beginners and intermediate potters alike, this session focuses on using dies and extrusion techniques to form consistent walls.

Participants will learn key skills such as joining extruded components, adding custom textures, and refining forms for firing. By the end of class, each participant will complete at least a set of two (2) unique, handmade ramekins—perfect for baking, serving, or gifting.

You’ll build essential pottery skills while creating beautiful, oven-safe pieces ideal for soufflés, dips, desserts, and more (think crème brûlée or pots de crème!). Come get your hands dirty and leave with something both beautiful and practical!

Class Note: Glazing will be completed independently during Indie Studio Time.

577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan

Half Day Throwing

Saturday, June 28 ~ 1:30pm to 4:30pm

Monday, June 30 ~ 5:30pm to 8:30pm

Tuesday, July 15 ~ 5:30pm to 8:30pm

Prerequisite: To register for this class, participants must have successfully completed the 577 Adult Pottery 6-Week Class.

Practice your skills on the wheel in this intensive study class with Julie. Class is set around your individual goals but the focus is to help you gain confidence on the wheel.

Start the session with a couple of short demonstrations from Julie, then you will have the rest of the time to work. Don’t worry if you feel a little rusty, your instructor will rotate between students to give advice and help. Prior to class, you will also receive an email with links to throwing videos to help rekindle that memory of throwing on the potter’s wheel.

Waitlists are available if class is listed as full. 

Supervised Indie Time

Monday, May 26 ~ 9:30am to 11:30am

Thursday, June 5 ~ 9:30am to 11:30am

Monday, June 23 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Wednesday, July 9 ~ 9:30am to 11:30am

Prerequisite: To register for this class, participants must have successfully completed the 577 Adult Pottery 6-Week Class.

Supervised Indie Time sessions are perfect for folks who have recently completed the 6-week adult class and need additional time with your instructors or for those needing a refresher after a short break from the studio.

Join us for these casual supervised classes perfect for you to work independently on your projects where you can use the table, extruder, slab roller, and even the wheel. If you need some tips on projects or ideas you are working on, Julie will be in the studio to help answer questions, remind you of techniques or where things are, and just be there to help give you inspiration on a project.

Hybrid Pottery to Go – Raku

Sessions Available Each Month

June Firing: Pick-up: May 1; Drop-off: May 29; Raku Fire: June 9

July Firing: Pick-up: Jun. 3; Drop-off: Jun 25; Raku Fire: July 8

August Firing: Pick-up: Jul. 8; Drop-off: Jul. 30; Raku Fire: August 11

Prerequisite: To register for this class, participants must have successfully completed the 577 Adult Pottery 6-Week Class.

This class is a hybrid of our popular “work from home” classes where you will make all the pieces at home and then join us for an in-person outdoor firing of the raku kiln. We will supply you with all the tools and resources you need to make for to six pieces: clay, pottery tools, drywall board, plastic bags to make your pieces at home.

You will also have options to receive links to videos on basic constructions to make pots of your choosing using techniques including, pinch, coils, slabs, as well as instructions/ideas for what to make for your raku firing. You can also choose to use your block of clay to create your pieces at home, in your own indie times or other clay classes at 577, or a combo of both.

Pottery to Go – Custom Design by You!

Multiple Dates – See below

Prerequisite: To register for this class, participants must have successfully completed the 577 Adult Pottery 6-Week Class.

Try this unique at-home class that allows students a chance to work from the comfort of their home strengthening their pottery skills. The only (mostly) limits are your imagination. This class is designed to be what you want to make. Experiment with new forms, work out a pattern, or work on more labor-intensive techniques like sgraffito or coils. It’s your clay to create what you would like.

Don’t worry if you are stumped for ideas. Julie can provide you with videos from previous Pottery-to-Go classes like pinch pot animals, slab plates, coil pots, and more. In this “work from your home” class, we will supply you with all the tools and resources you need to make this project: clay, pottery tools, drywall board, plastic bags, a few short videos if you choose, plus email support from Julie. Optional: underglazes are available for an additional fee.

Important Note: For those interested in this class, we HIGHLY RECOMMEND completing 15 to 20 hours of indie studio time and a couple of other pottery classes before signing up for these at-home classes (in addition to the required 577 six-week class). Please note: This class no longer counts toward the three classes needed to keep indie time privileges.  

June ~ Pick-up: June 3; Return: June 25

July ~ Pick-up: July 8; Return: July 30