Pottery

GardenArt: Greenman/Garden Faces

Saturday, January 11 ~ 9am to 11am

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

As winter settles in, let’s think spring! Join 577’s Pottery Manager and Ceramic Artist, Julie Beutler, for a fun and creative class where you’ll craft your very own Greenman or garden face to hang on your house, tree, or fence.

Julie will guide you step-by-step, making it easy to sculpt the main face and add personalized details like clay leaves, simple bugs, or decorative sticks. Once your piece is complete, it will be fired and glazed in a single color of your choice—selected from a variety of options Julie will recommend during the class. After a second firing, your unique creation will be ready for pickup in about 14 to 16 days.

Celebrate the coming season with this hands-on pottery project that’s perfect for gardeners and art enthusiasts alike!

New! Clay Valentine Fun

Friday, January 17 ~ 9:30am to 11am

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

With Valentine’s Day less than a month away, join us in spreading love and creativity with a workshop full of heartwarming projects! Julie Beutler, 577 Pottery Manager and Ceramic Artist, and Alison Buchanan, 577 Pottery Coordinator, are excited to present this new, delightful workshop where you’ll craft Valentine-inspired treasures perfect for decorating or gifting to someone special.

In this class, you’ll create a heart-shaped trinket dish, a small heart wall pocket, and an adorable magnetic air plant hanger (air plant not included). Using simple hand-building techniques, Julie and Alison will guide you through each step, providing expert tips and support along the way.

Your pieces will be glazed by 577 in the colors you select during class and ready for pickup in approximately two weeks. You’ll be notified by email when your creations are ready. Don’t miss this fun and meaningful way to share the love this Valentine’s season!

Set of Four Square Bowls

Tuesday, January 28 ~ 5:30pm to 8pm

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

Join us for a hands-on pottery class where you’ll create a set of four unique square bowls! Each bowl will measure approximately five inches across at the top and taper down for a stackable design, making them perfect for ice cream, snacks, soups, and more. You can choose to make a matching set or explore different decorations and textures to personalize each bowl.

Your instructor, Julie Beutler, 577s Pottery Manager & ceramic artist, will guide you step-by-step through the basics of slab construction-style bowls. She’ll be available throughout the class to answer questions and help bring your creations to life.

Once completed, your bowls will be glazed in a color of your choice (selected from a wide range of options shown during class), then fired twice by our staff. You’ll receive an email notification when your finished pieces are ready for pick-up, typically within 14 to 18 days.

This class is perfect for all levels, no experience is needed. All supplies and firings are included. Come play in the clay!

Adult Pottery 6-Week Course

Wednesdays, January 8, 15, 22, 29; February 5, 12 ~ 9:30am to 11:30am

Mondays, January 13, 20, 27; February 3, 10, 17 ~ 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!

The class instructors are Julie Beutler, Pottery Studio Manager and Ceramic Artist & Alison Buchanan, Pottery Coordinator 

*New 6-week Adult Pottery session coming in March. Registration for March classes opens on Wednesday, January 29, at 9am

Clay Salt Pig/Cellar

Tuesday, February 4 ~ 9:30am to 11am

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

Love to cook and want a stylish way to keep your salt within arm’s reach? Join us for a brand-new pottery class where you’ll create your very own handcrafted salt pig! Guided step-by-step by your instructors, 577 Pottery Manager and Ceramic Artist Julie Beutler, along with 577 Pottery Coordinator Alison Buchanan, you’ll learn simple pinch pot techniques to shape and build a charming salt cellar perfect for your kitchen counter or dining table.

Salt cellars have a rich history dating back centuries, symbolizing both the value of salt and status in Greek, Roman, and medieval times. Your modern twist on this classic kitchen essential will surely become a family favorite!

To make the experience even more flavorful, we’ll offer a tasting of a few salty treats from Julie’s incredible collection of salts sourced from around the world.

Once your salt pig is complete, it will be fired and glazed in the color of your choice (you’ll select from samples shown during class). After a second firing, it will be ready for pickup 14 to 18 days later. Don’t miss your chance to craft a functional and beautiful addition to your kitchen!

Date Night: Clay Sipper Cup • Open to all / Ages 18+

Thursday, February 13 ~ 5:30pm to 7pm

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

Grab friend, family member, or your partner and join us for a hands-on pottery class where you’ll craft your very own sipper cup — also known as a travel cup! Guided step-by-step by your instructors, 577 Pottery Manager and Ceramic Artist Julie Beutler, along with 577 Pottery Coordinator Alison Buchanan, you’ll learn the simple steps to create a beautiful and functional piece.

Using a provided template, each participant will roll their own clay slabs and select textures from our extensive collection of rollers, mats, and stamps to personalize their design. Once the basic structure is complete, we will add a top half-slab – this clever addition helps minimize splashing during travel and includes space for a straw, making it both stylish and practical.

Once complete, it will be fired and glazed in the color of your choice (you’ll select from samples shown during class). After a second firing, it will be ready for pickup 14 to 18 days later. Each participant will make their own cup (one cup each), all supplies are included. This class is perfect for all levels, no experience is needed.

GardenArt: Coil Flowerpot • Open to all / Ages 18+

Tuesday, February 18 ~ 9:30am to 11:30am

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

Whether you’re dreaming of warm spring weather or looking for a new home for your favorite houseplant, this fun coil pot class is perfect for you! Join 577 Pottery Manager and Ceramic Artist Julie Beutler, along with 577 Pottery Coordinator Alison Buchanan, in this beginner-friendly class where you’ll create your own 7 to 9-inch tall pot using a combination of extruded and hand-rolled coils.

We’ll be working with red clay that, once fired, will showcase a beautiful terra cotta color for you to enjoy. To promote healthy root systems, these pots will be bisque-fired only (not glazed), making them as functional as they are beautiful. Please note: Your pot will need to stay indoors for the winter but can be enjoyed outside during the other three seasons.

Your pieces will be ready for pickup in approximately two weeks. You’ll be notified by email when your creations are ready. This class is perfect for all levels, no experience is needed.

Valentine’s Pottery ~ Youth Pottery: Ages 7 to 17

Saturday, January 18 ~ 10am to 11:30am

Your kiddo will love getting into the Valentine’s spirit with this fun pottery class that lets them express their creativity! Alison, 577’s Pottery Coordinator, will guide everyone step-by-step as they craft their own custom heart-shaped trinket dish, perfect for holding jewelry, earbuds, change, and other small treasures. Next, everyone will create a coiled heart-lidded pot to stash their secret little finds. These adorable pieces will be cherished all year round!

Once completed your child’s design will be bisque-fired, dipped in their favorite glaze chosen during class, and fired again. Pickup will be scheduled for two to three weeks later. Each child will receive a notification via email. No experience is necessary. Come play in the clay!

Please 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. Students may be dropped off at the beginning of class and picked up at the scheduled end time. Please remember to be on time.

577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan

Clay Igloo Diorama ~ Youth Pottery: Ages 7 to 17

Saturday, January 18 ~ 2pm to 3:30pm

This class is perfect for the kiddo in your life who loves winter! 577’s Pottery Coordinator, Alison, will guide students through the fun process of making a pinch pot, which will then be transformed into a charming igloo with just a few easy steps. Next, we’ll create an “ice slab” to set the igloo on, followed by fun decorations of each student’s choice.

Demos will include how to make penguins, snowmen, ladders, polar bears, campfires, and other winter-inspired creations! Using both underglazes and glazes, the pieces will be finished (glazing will be done by staff after bisque firing). Pottery will be available for pick-up in two to three weeks, with an email notification sent to each child. 

Please 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. Students may be dropped off at the beginning of class and picked up at the scheduled end time. Please remember to be on time.

577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan

Frog Snack Set ~ Youth Pottery: Ages 7 to 17

Monday, January 20 ~ 10am to 11:30am

Monday, January 20 ~ 2pm to 3:30pm

Make the most of your day off school by getting creative in the pottery studio! Join Alison, 577’s Pottery Coordinator, for a fun and hands-on session where you’ll craft a frog-tastic snack plate and dip bowl set.

Alison will guide the class through the process, starting with the basics of creating a pinch pot that will become a playful frog dip bowl. Then, each student will explore slab-building techniques to create a beautiful lily pad plate. This adorable set is sure to be a snack-time favorite for years to come!

Each student will have the opportunity to finish their pieces with underglazes, and staff will apply the final glazes after bisque firing. These adorable pottery sets will be ready for pick-up in about two weeks, and each student will receive an email when it’s ready.

Choose from two available sessions, morning and afternoon, on January 20. We can’t wait for you to join us for creativity and fun!

Please 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. Students may be dropped off at the beginning of class and picked up at the scheduled end time. Please remember to be on time.

577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan

Koi Fish Trinket Dish ~ Youth Pottery: Ages 7-17

Saturday, February 15 ~ 10am to 11:30am

This class is perfect for the kid in your life who loves nature! 577’s Pottery Coordinator Alison will guide kiddos through the fun process of creating their own custom koi fish-inspired trinket dish, perfect for holding jewelry, earbuds, change, and other small treasures.

Class will begin with a quick visit to our onsite koi pond in the Geodesic Dome for inspiration. Then, Alison will guide the group through each step of the process, from exploring slab-building techniques to learning how to mold. Each student will create a tray that transforms into their very own koi fishpond and will mold and attach a koi fish to their tray, along with other fun extras of their choice, such as lily pads, flowers, or even another koi fish.

Each participant will have the opportunity to finish their piece with underglazes, and pottery staff will apply the final glazes after bisque firing. This adorable trinket dish will be ready for pick-up in about two weeks, and each child (guardian) will receive an email when it’s 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. Students may be dropped off at the beginning of class and picked up at the scheduled end time. Please remember to be on time.

577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan

Cool Tic-Tac-Toe Board ~ Youth Pottery: Ages 7-17

Saturday, February 15 ~ 2pm to 3:30pm

Looking for a fun and interactive pottery project for the young artist in your life? This is the perfect class! Join Alison, 577’s Pottery Coordinator, for an interactive, hands-on session where each child will create a custom, one-of-a-kind tic-tac-toe board and game pieces. These unique creations will provide years of fun and memories.

Alison will guide the class through the process, starting with the basics of slab-building to help everyone craft their own game board. Each kiddo will have full creative freedom to choose the theme for their board and pieces, so bring your ideas and inspiration! Alison will demonstrate techniques and offer helpful options for those who want a bit more guidance.

Each participant will finish their pieces with underglazes, and our staff will apply the final glazes after bisque firing. The Boards will be ready for pick-up about two weeks after class, with an email notification sent when it’s finished.

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. Students may be dropped off at the beginning of class and picked up at the scheduled end time. Please remember to be on time.

577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan

Clay Slab Cat or Dog ~ Youth Pottery: Ages 7-17

Monday, February 17 ~ 1:30pm to 3pm

This class is the perfect fit for any animal-loving child! Your child will spend a fun afternoon in the Pottery Studio learning how to create a unique cat or dog clay slab creation. These adorable pieces will feature a hole at the top for easy hanging, making them a lasting decoration for your home.

Alison, 577’s Pottery Coordinator, will guide the class through the fun process of slab building, offering two templates to choose from—cat or dog. Each child will have plenty of artistic freedom to decorate and add texture to their piece. Alison will teach how to roll and attach coils, plus create fun, eye-catching textures to bring the designs to life.

Once completed, each creation will be bisque-fired, glazed in your choice of color, and fired again. Finished creations will be ready for pick-up in about two weeks, and each participant will receive an email notification when their piece is 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. Students may be dropped off at the beginning of class and picked up at the scheduled end time. Please remember to be on time.

577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan

Clay Maracas ~ Youth Pottery: Ages 7-17

Wednesday, February 26 ~ 4:30pm to 6pm

Looking for the perfect class for the music-loving child in your life? This is the one! Join Alison, 577’s Pottery Coordinator, for a fun and hands-on experience where the kiddo in your life will learn simple pinch pot techniques to create their very own maracas. These interactive, musical pieces are sure to be cherished and enjoyed for years!

Alison will guide the class through the process, teaching how to shape and form the maracas with pinch pot techniques. Each child will have creative freedom to design and personalize their maracas to reflect their style.

Once complete, your child’s maracas will be bisque-fired, dipped in their glaze of choice, and fired again. Finished pieces will be available for pick-up in about two weeks, and each participant will receive an email notification when they’re ready to collect.

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. Students may be dropped off at the beginning of class and picked up at the scheduled end time. Please remember to be on time.

577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan

New Class! Create Your Own Pottery Bookends

Thursday, January 9 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Mandatory: MUST have successfully completed the 577 Adult Pottery 6 Week Class to participate.

Join Julie and Alison for this exciting new class! Using a variety of hand-building techniques (or the pottery wheel if you are proficient and that’s your preference) they will guide you through creating unique and custom bookends. Learn about weight, design, and the building techniques to bring your unique ideas to life.

Have an idea in mind? Feel free to email Julie ahead of time or bring your inspiration to class. Think animals, initials, books, slabs, coils, or even mod-inspired designs—anything goes! And if you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry; we’ll have plenty of inspiration to spark your creativity.

Class Note: Glazing and any additional time needed to finish your piece needs to be completed independently after class during indie time.

Pottery Q&A with Julie

Saturday, January 11 ~ 1pm to 3:30pm

Mandatory: MUST have successfully completed the 577 Adult Pottery 6 Week Class to participate.

It’s time to dust off your tools and get back into the studio! Feeling a bit apprehenisive about indie time? Have questions about projects or skills you’d love answered? Maybe you’ve got a few pieces stuck on the pottery purgatory shelves or you’re working to keep your three classes per year going strong.

This special session with Julie is designed for potters at any stage—from those with specific questions to those seeking guidance on broad techniques. It’s the perfect opportunity for anyone who hasn’t been in the studio recently, wants a refresher on skills and ideas, or has graduated from our 6-week adult class and would like some in-person support.

In this two and half hour workshop, we’ll cover a wide range of topics to help you feel more confident and inspired. Bring your notebook, your curiosity, and let’s have some fun in the studio together!

Wax Fun in Pottery!

Thursday, January 23 ~ 5:30pm to 7pm

Mandatory: MUST have successfully completed the 577 Adult Pottery 6 Week Class to participate.

Discover the creative possibilities of working with wax on both wet clay and during glazing in this unique class! Join Julie as she demonstrates Mishima, a wet clay technique of wax and underglaze. The class will also explore using wax while glazing to discover new and easy ways to expand how you glaze. Learn simple techniques that will be fun to try and can be used in all our different ways of firing.

Class Note: Each student should bring two (2) to three (3) bisque-fired pieces and two (2) to three (3) leather hard pots that have been hand-built or thrown.

Slab Cups & Mugs

Friday, January 31 ~ 9:30am to 11:30am

Mandatory: MUST have successfully completed the 577 Adult Pottery 6 Week Class to participate.

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 your pieces will need to be completed independently after class during indie time.

New! Clay Chicken or Chicken Pot

Tuesday, February 11 ~ 9:30am to 11:30am

Mandatory: MUST have successfully completed the 577 Adult Pottery 6 Week Class to participate.

Join us in the Pottery Studio for this new, fun technique-filled class. Julie and Alison will demonstrate how to construct two different styles of chickens using different pinch pot skills including two-part construction, “pierogi style” and dowel rod style. After the demos, they’ll be on hand to answer questions and offer personalized guidance.

Depending on the size and level of detail you choose, you’ll create one (1) to three (3) chickens during class. The techniques you’ll learn can be applied to future projects, and you’ll also receive tips and ideas for using glazes and underglazes.

Class Note: Glazing your pieces will need to be completed independently after class during indie time.

New! Miniature Clay Fireplace Wax Melt Warmer

Thursday, February 20 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Mandatory: MUST have successfully completed the 577 Adult Pottery 6 Week Class to participate.

Join us in the Pottery Studio for a fun, technique-filled class where you’ll create the cutest miniature faux fireplace using cool new slab skills. We’ll explore beveling, finding the perfect moisture level for building, and tips on texturing as you craft your own fireplace.

This charming piece is perfect for melting popular wax melts or simply enjoying a “fire” with either an electric or real tea light or votive candle. Plus, you’ll learn glazing techniques and get ideas for incorporating underglazes into your project.

Class Note: Glazing your pieces will need to be completed independently after class during indie time.

New! Fancy Clay Tic-Tac-Toe Board

Monday, February 24 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Mandatory: MUST have successfully completed the 577 Adult Pottery 6 Week Class to participate.

Join us in the Pottery Studio for a fun, hands-on class where you’ll create a custom tic-tac-toe board and game pieces—perfect for years of use! Alison, 577’s Pottery Coordinator, will guide participants through the process, starting with a quick refresher on slab-building techniques to help you craft your game board, while also offering new tips and insights along the way.

You’ll have artistic freedom to design the theme of your board and pieces, so come prepared with creative ideas and inspiration (bacon vs. eggs, stars vs. moon, etc.). Alison will provide a demo and offer several options, including mini cookie cutters and other patterns to help bring your vision to life.

Depending on the complexity of your project, participants may need to complete their work during independent time. Glazing your pieces will need to be completed independently after class during indie time.

Half Day Throwing

Friday, January 24 ~ 9am to 12pm

Wednesday, February 19 ~ 9am to 12pm

Mandatory: MUST have successfully completed the 577 Adult Pottery 6 Week Class to participate.

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

Friday, January 10 ~ 9:30am to 11:30am

Thursday, January 16 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Thursday, January 30 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm

Friday, February 28 ~ 9:30am to 11:30am

Mandatory: MUST have successfully completed the 577 Adult Pottery 6 Week Class to participate.

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

• January Firing: Pick-up: Dec. 4; Drop-off: Jan.3; Raku Fire: Jan. 14

• February Firing: Pick-up: Jan. 3; Drop-off: Jan. 22; Raku Fire: Feb. 6

• March Firing: Pick-up: Feb. 3; Drop-off: Feb. 25; Raku Fire: Mar. 10

Mandatory: MUST have successfully completed the 577 Adult Pottery 6 Week Class to participate.

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

Mandatory: MUST have successfully completed the 577 Adult Pottery 6 Week Class to participate.

The only (mostly) limits are your imagination in this “work from your home” class. This class is designed to be what you want to make. Experiment with new forms, work out a pattern, or make presents for the upcoming holidays or birthdays. 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. Please note: This class no longer counts toward the three classes needed to keep indie time privileges.  

December ~ Pick-up: December 4; Return: January 3

January ~ Pick-up: January 3; Return: January 22

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