Discover the joy of working with clay in 577’s dynamic pottery studio, where creativity, learning, and community come together. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced potter, our classes offer hands-on opportunities to explore new techniques and refine your skills. With access to three distinct kilns—wood, raku, and electric—participants can experience a range of firing methods that bring their work to life.
Our classes encourage artistic growth in a supportive and inspiring environment. Participants who complete the adult six-week pottery course gain access to independent studio time, allowing for continued exploration and creativity.
Join us and become part of a thriving community of makers dedicated to craftsmanship and discovery.
Upcoming Classes
July classes open for registration on Wednesday, May 27, at 9am. Click HERE to view a full list of upcoming classes.
Berry & Herb Bowl
Wednesday, June 17 ~ 1:30pm to 3:30pm
*This class is open to adults 18 and over; no prior clay experience is needed.
Whether you’re growing herbs at home or picking up fresh berries from the market, this class brings beauty and function to everyday moments. Create a beautiful and functional berry bowl using slab-building techniques, resulting in a fruit pint–style vessel that is as charming as it is useful.
During class, your instructor will guide you through the process, including how to roll slabs, add drainage holes, incorporate handles, and create an optional under dish (if time allows). Along the way, she’ll share tips for successful construction and decoration, so your piece is ready to shine in the kitchen—whether you’re harvesting from your backyard or shopping at local markets.
To complete the process, single-color glaze options will be provided, and Julie will glaze your piece after it has been bisque-fired. You’ll be notified by email when your berry bowl is ready for pickup, approximately two weeks after the class.
577 Staff Instructor: Julie Beutler
Xmas in July: Clay Snowpeople
Thursday, July 9 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm
*This class is open to adults 18 and over; no prior clay experience is needed.
A yearly favorite is back! Celebrate Christmas in July in this fun and hands-on pottery 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 step by step through the process of building the body and adding whimsical details like scarves, hats, mittens, and carrot noses. Depending on the accents you choose, you may create one or two snowpeople during class. This class is perfect for all experience levels, and no prior clay experience is needed.
Participants will have the opportunity to paint accessories using underglazes (liquid colored clay). After the first firing, staff will glaze each piece in clear to preserve the snowy white clay body and fire them again. Finished pieces will be ready for pick-up in approximately 14 to 18 days, and participants will receive an email notification when their pottery is ready.
577 Staff Instructor: Julie Beutler
Xmas in July: Thumbprint Tree
Monday, July 13 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm
*This class is open to adults 18 and over; no prior clay experience is needed.
A festive favorite is back! Celebrate a little Christmas in July as you create a whimsical thumbprint tree in this fun and hands-on pottery class. Using simple slab and ball techniques, you’ll craft a cone-shaped tree that can be styled for the holidays or left green for year-round charm.
Your instructor will guide you step by step through the process and share creative finishing ideas. You’ll be amazed at how easy it is to bring your tree to life, making this class perfect for all experience levels.
Once completed, your piece will be bisque-fired, glazed in your choice of green or white, and fired again. Finished pieces will be ready for pick-up in approximately 14 to 18 days, and participants will receive an email notification when their pottery is ready.
577 Staff Instructor: Julie Beutler
Adult Pottery 6-Week Course
Tuesdays, May 19, 26; June 2, 9, 23, 30 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm*
Thursdays, May 28; June 4, 11, 18, 25; July 2 ~ 1:30pm to 3:30pm
Tuesdays, July 21, 28; August 4, 11, 18, 25 ~ 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!
*Please note: There will be no class on June 16 for the Tuesdays (May/June) session.
577 Staff Instructors: Julie Beutler, Pottery Studio Manager and Ceramic Artist & Alison Buchanan, Pottery Coordinator
Family Pottery: Bird in the Nest (Ages 7-17/Adults 18+)
Wednesday, May 27 ~ 4:30pm to 6pm
Looking for a creative way to spend time together? Join us in the 577 Pottery Studio to shape, sculpt, and design an adorable bird-in-the-nest sculpture as a family. Join your instructor as she guides families through simple pinch pot and sculpting techniques to create these delightful little sculptures. She will demonstrate each step, making the process approachable and fun for all experience levels.
Once completed, each creation will be bisque-fired, glazed in your choice of color, and fired again. Finished pieces will be ready for pick-up in about two weeks, and families will receive an email notification when their sculpture is ready.
Class Notes: Each registration is for one (1) youth between the ages of 7 to 17, with an accompanying adult 18 years old and older. Due to the small class size, only one adult may accompany the youth registered. If an adult would like to accompany multiple youth participants, please sign up each youth participant individually and list the adult’s name for each registration.
577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan
Family Pottery: Garden Gnomes (Ages 7-17/Adults 18+)
Friday, June 12 ~ 9:30am to 11:30am
Step into a storybook moment in the pottery studio as you and your child sculpt charming garden gnomes together, each one with its own unique expression and style. Your instructor will demonstrate how to cut gnome forms from pre-rolled slabs and construct each piece step-by-step. Families will learn how to securely assemble their gnome and explore decorating and texturing techniques for hats, beards, clothing details, and expressive features. While you’ll work alongside one another, each participant will create their own unique gnome.
Once the clay work is complete, everyone will paint their gnomes using colorful underglazes, adding creative flair and distinctive finishing touches. After class, Alison will handle the firing process and apply the finishing glaze. Pieces will be kiln-fired and ready for pickup once complete, and families will receive an email notification when their creations are ready, typically 2 weeks later.
Class Notes: Each registration is for one (1) youth between the ages of 7 to 17, with an accompanying adult 18 years old and older. Due to the small class size, only one adult may accompany the youth registered. If an adult would like to accompany multiple youth participants, please sign up each youth participant individually and list the adult’s name for each registration.
577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan
Family Pottery: Animal Bells (Ages 7-17/Adults 18+)
Wednesday, July 8 ~ 2pm to 4pm
Create lasting memories together in the 577 Pottery Studio as you shape and decorate adorable clay animal bells in this hands-on family pottery class.
Your instructor will guide families step by step as they use simple hand-building techniques and pre-extruded clay tubes to create charming animal-shaped bells. Alison will demonstrate how to shape the bell form and add features to bring each animal to life, making the process enjoyable for all experience levels.
Families will also have the opportunity to personalize their creations with textures, details, and colorful underglazes (liquid colored clay). After class, each piece will be bisque-fired, glazed in clear, and fired again. Finished bells will be ready for pick-up in about two weeks, and families will receive an email notification when their pottery is ready.
Class Notes: Each registration is for one (1) youth between the ages of 7 and 17, with one accompanying adult age 18 or older. Due to the small class size, only one adult may accompany each registered youth. If an adult would like to attend with multiple youth participants, please register each youth individually and list the adult’s name for each registration.
577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan
Family Pottery: Dino/Dragon Pinch Pots (Ages 7-17/Adults 18+)
Friday, July 10 ~ 9:30am to 11:30am
Get ready for a prehistoric or magical adventure in the 577 Pottery Studio as you sculpt your very own dinosaur or dragon in this imaginative family pottery class.
Your instructor will guide families step by step as they use the pinch pot method to form the body and sculpt details like heads, tails, spikes, and wings. Alison will share inspiration for adding texture and unique features to give each prehistoric or magical creature its own personality, making the process fun for all experience levels.
Families will also have the opportunity to add color using underglaze (liquid colored clay), bringing their creations to life with bold and vibrant designs. After class, each piece will be bisque-fired, glazed, and fired again. Finished sculptures will be ready for pick-up in about two weeks, and families will receive an email notification when their pottery is ready.
Class Notes: Each registration is for one (1) youth between the ages of 7 and 17, with one accompanying adult age 18 or older. Due to the small class size, only one adult may accompany each registered youth. If an adult would like to attend with multiple youth participants, please register each youth individually and list the adult’s name for each registration.
577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan
Family Pottery: Pinch Pot Turtles (Ages 5-7/Adults 18+)
Monday, July 13 ~ 9:30am to 11am
Get creative together in the 577 Pottery Studio as you shape and decorate adorable pinch pot turtles in this fun, hands-on family pottery class.
Your instructor will guide families step by step as they learn how to form a pinch pot and shape the turtle’s head, legs, and tail. Alison will share inspiration for adding texture and decorative details, such as patterned shells and expressive features, making the process fun for all experience levels.
Families will also have the opportunity to add color using underglaze (liquid colored clay), bringing their creations to life with bright and playful designs. After class, each piece will be bisque-fired, glazed in clear, and fired again. Finished pieces will be ready for pick-up in about two weeks, and families will receive an email notification when their pottery is ready.
Class Notes: Each registration is for one (1) youth between the ages of 5 and 7, with one accompanying adult age 18 or older. Due to the small class size, only one adult may accompany each registered youth. If an adult would like to attend with multiple youth participants, please register each youth individually and list the adult’s name for each registration.
577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan
Youth Pottery: Slab of Summer Workshop (Ages: 7-17)
Week A: Monday, June 15 – Friday, June 19 ~ 9:30am to 11:30am
Week B: Monday, June 22 – Friday, June 26 ~ 9:30am to 11:30am
Week C: Monday, July 27 – Friday, July 31 ~ 9:30am to 11:30am
Registration opens Wednesday, April 1, at 9am for all sessions
Get ready to roll up your sleeves, play with clay, and bring your imagination to life at 577 this summer! Join the 577 Pottery Staff for a fun and creative weeklong exploration of clay. This exciting 5-day workshop 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, including a special project designed just for summer workshop. Toward the end of the week, 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 youth ages 7 to 17, making it a great option for siblings or families who want to create together.
Three sessions will be offered this summer. While the overall structure is the same for each session, participants who register for multiple weeks will have the opportunity to create new designs within the guidelines of each project.
Important Class Notes: This class is open to children ages 7 to 17. No prior pottery experience is required. Youth Pottery Classes are designed to be drop-off classes to support the creative process. Adult guardians will be asked to drop students off at the beginning of class and return at the scheduled end time for pickup. This allows young artists to fully engage, explore, and create independently. Please remember to arrive on time for both drop-off and pick-up.
Registration opens Wednesday, April 1, at 9am for all sessions.
577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan
Textured Clay Strip Bowl
Friday, May 29 ~ 9:30am to 11:30am
Prerequisite: To register for this class, participants must have successfully completed the 577 Adult Pottery 6-Week Class.
Back by popular demand! Spend a creative morning 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 an option wth a handle, 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
Slip/Underglaze and Transfers
Monday, June 22 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm
Prerequisite: To register for this class, participants must have successfully completed the 577 Adult Pottery 6-Week Class.
Expand your creativity in this inspiring and informative class focused on decorating on wet and leather-hard clay with colorful slips, underglazes, and slip transfers. Discover the fun and expressive techniques of Sgraffito, slip transfers, and a touch of silk screening techniques using selections of screens from Julie’s collection.
In this hands-on session, you’ll experiment with carving, layering, and wax-on-wet-clay methods using both our underglazes and handmade slips, plus the fun of transfers and silkscreens. Whether you’re a recent graduate of the 6-week class or an experienced potter looking to grow your skills, this class offers a perfect opportunity to learn, play, and create in the studio.
Each participant will receive a couple of professionally made slip transfers to use in class or save for a future project. This class is ideal for anyone eager to try new techniques, refine their surface decoration skills, and create expressive, beautiful pottery.
Class Note: Participants must bring at least one leather-hard premade piece in red clay and one in white clay—either wheel-thrown or handbuilt. Glazing will be completed independently during Indie Studio Time.
577 Staff Instructor: Julie Beutler
Half Day Throwing
Friday, May 29 ~ 1:30pm to 4:30pm
Monday, June 1 ~ 9am to 12pm
Wednesday, June 10 ~ 5:30pm to 8:30pm
Tuesday, July 7 ~ 5:30pm to 8:30pm
Wednesday, July 22 ~ 9am to 12pm
Prerequisite: To register for this class, participants must have successfully completed the 577 Adult Pottery 6-Week Class.
Practice your pottery skills in this intensive wheel-focused class! Designed around your personal goals, the class aims to build your confidence and refine your technique on the potter’s wheel.
Each session begins with a couple of quick demonstrations from Alison, providing inspiration and guidance to get you started. Afterward, you’ll have plenty of time to practice and work on your projects. Don’t worry if you’re feeling a bit out of practice—your instructor will rotate between everyone in the class, offering personalized tips and support. To help you prepare, you’ll also receive an email before class with links to helpful throwing videos, so you can refresh your memory and hit the ground running.
577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan
Supervised Indie Time
Wednesday, June 24 ~ 1:30pm to 3:30pm
Thursday, July 30 ~ 1:30pm to 3:30pm
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 those who have recently completed the 6-week adult class and want a little extra time with instructors, or for anyone needing a refresher after a short break from the studio. It’s also a great opportunity if you’re looking to challenge yourself with new projects or are feeling low on inspiration. Many participants find these sessions helpful for fresh ideas and extra guidance.
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, the wheel, and glazing advice. If you need some tips on projects or ideas you are working on, Alison or 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.
577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan or Julie Beutler
Hybrid Pottery to Go – Raku
Sessions Available Each Month
June Firing: Pick-up: May 1; Drop-off: June 12; Raku Fire: June 29
July Firing: Pick-up: June 5; Drop-off: June 30; Raku Fire: July 23
August Firing: Pick-up: July 1; Drop-off: July 29; Raku Fire: August 24
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 four 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.
May ~ Pick up: May 1; Return: May 28
June ~ Pick up: June 5; Return: June 30
July ~ Pick up: July 1; Return: July 29
Independent Studio Time
Access to our pottery studio for independent time is designed to give qualified students equipment andstudio space to create pottery. Students must have completed the 6 week adult pottery course and beapproved by the Pottery Studio Manager.
Class Locations & Parking Map
Signed up for a class and need help finding your classroom location and parking? Each class description lists its location. Click the button below to view a full map of the grounds and buildings with two lots available for easy and convenient parking.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Because space is limited, we rely on you to register for classes thoughtfully. Please help us continue to offer these wonderful classes as affordably as possible by adhering to the following registration, cancellation, and refund policies.
Photo & Video Release
Photos and videos may be taken during 577 classes and events for use on our website and other relevant media outlets and your attendance constitutes consent. View the full policy below including how you can opt-out of this release.