Pottery

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

Clay Gingerbread House • Open to all / Ages 18+

Friday, July 18 ~ 9am to 12pm *Just added!

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

One of our most popular Xmas in July classes is back this summer! In this class, you will make a darling gingerbread house out of clay. No experience in clay work is necessary, as we will walk you through each step.

Participants will be shown several techniques to create their own gingerbread house decorations, including how to make clay candies, shrubs, wreaths, windows, doors, and snowmen, plus how to top it with “snow” and tips on how to make it light up. This is the perfect class to repeat to build your own village!

Once finished, your house will be fired and glazed clear, and fired again by 577 staff. You will receive an email when they are ready for pick up, estimated 14 to 18 days later.

This class is perfect for all levels; no prior clay experience is required. Come play in the clay!

577 Staff Instructor: Julie Beutler

Creative Clay Spoon Rests • Open to all / Ages 18+

Tuesday, August 19 ~ 6pm to 7:30pm

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

Looking for a fun, hands-on pottery experience? Join us to create two unique spoon rests using clay slabs—perfect for beginners and experienced potters alike!

Led by Alison Buchanan, 577’s Pottery Coordinator and Ceramic Artist, this class gives you full creative control. Go classic with elegant shapes and patterns or get playful with novelty designs that show off your personality. Use stamps, textures, carving tools, or freeform shaping techniques to make each spoon rest truly your own.

Once your pieces are formed, you’ll have the option to paint them with colorful underglazes (liquid colored clay) which will be finished with a clear glaze by our staff. Or, you can choose from a selection of studio glazes to be applied after bisque firing. After class, all spoon rests will be glazed and fired by our team. We’ll email you in about two weeks when your finished work is ready for pickup.

This relaxed and welcoming class is all about creativity, exploration, and making something both functional and fabulous for your kitchen. Class Notes: This class is open to adults ages 18 and up. No prior pottery experience is needed—just bring your creativity and enjoy the process!

577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan

Eyeglass/Trinket Dish • Open to all / Ages 18+

Friday, August 22 ~ 9:30am to 11am

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

New Class Alert! Join us for a fun and creative pottery class where you’ll craft a custom eyeglass holder—perfect for your bedside table, desk, or workspace. Julie Beutler, 577’s Pottery Manager and Ceramic Artist, will guide you step-by-step through the process using basic slab construction techniques, with the option to incorporate a pinch pot or coil elements into your design. Whether your style is whimsical or sleek and modern, you’ll enjoy bringing your vision to life in clay.

Once your holder is built, you’ll decorate it using colorful underglazes (liquid colored clay) or choose from a selection of studio glazes to complete your piece. After class, your artwork will be bisque-fired, glazed (if needed), and fired again by our staff. We’ll email you in approximately 14–18 days when your finished piece is ready for pickup.

Class Notes: This class is open to adults ages 18 and up. No prior pottery experience is needed—just bring your creativity and enjoy the process!

577 Staff Instructor: Julie Beutler

Clay Pumpkins • Open to all / Ages 18+

Wednesday, August 27 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm

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

Welcome the fall season by creating two charming clay pumpkins, one small and one medium, using the simple pinch pot technique. Each pumpkin will be as unique as the real thing and add a touch of handmade happiness to your autumn décor for years to come.

Julie Beutler, 577’s Pottery Manager and Ceramic Artist, will guide you step-by-step through the building process. You will have the opportunity to decorate your pieces with colorful underglazes or choose from a selection of studio glazes to suit your style.

After class, your pumpkins will be bisque fired, glazed in clear or the colors you selected, and fired again by our staff. We will email you in approximately 14 to 18 days when your finished pieces are ready for pickup. Class Notes: This class is open to adults ages 18 and up. No prerequisite or experience is required. Just come ready to get creative and celebrate the season with clay!

577 Staff Instructor: Julie Beutler

Adult Pottery 6-Week Course

Thursdays, July 31; August 7, 14, 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 

A new 6-week Adult Pottery course opens for registration on July 25 at 9am, with classes beginning in September. Stay tuned—details coming soon!

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

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

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

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

Youth Pottery: Mushroom Jar (Ages: 7-17)

Tuesday, August 5 ~ 9:30am to 11am

Calling all young artists ready to get creative! In this fun-filled pottery class, kids will learn the basics of working with clay by making their very own Mushroom Jar—a whimsical container inspired by the magic of forests and fairy tales.

Alison Buchanan, 577’s Pottery Coordinator and Ceramic Artist, will guide your kiddo through simple pinch pot techniques as they form and shape their mushroom-inspired creations. Each participant will personalize their jars with texture and colorful underglazes, bringing their imaginative 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 finished artwork is ready for pickup.

Each mushroom jar makes a great treasure holder or handmade gift. This class encourages creativity, patience, and the development of fine motor skills in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Class Notes: 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: Pinch Pot Pumpkins (Ages 7-17/Adult 18+)

Friday, August 8 ~ 9:30am to 11am

Get ready to get your hands dirty and your creativity glowing! In this hands-on pottery class, kids and teens, along with their accompanying adult partner, will learn the classic pinch pot technique to sculpt their very own charming pumpkin creations.

Using simple clay shaping methods, each participant will craft a unique pumpkin perfect for fall decorating. Alison Buchanan, 577’s Pottery Coordinator and Ceramic Artist, will guide you step-by-step—from forming the shape and adding details to painting your pumpkins with vibrant autumn colors.

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: Fall Fun! (Ages 5-6/Adult 18+)

Tuesday, August 26 ~ 9:30am to 11am

Join us for a hands-on, creative afternoon perfect for little hands and big imaginations! In this family-friendly pottery class, children ages 5 to 6 and their grown-up partners will roll up their sleeves to make festive fall-themed decorations like pumpkins, bats, apples, and more.

We’ll start with soft, pre-rolled clay slabs—no mess or stress! Using fun cookie cutters, your family will create a variety of autumn shapes, then add texture and detail for extra fall flair. Finish by painting your pieces with bright, cheerful colors to bring your creations to life. Each family will leave with their own collection of handmade hangers, ornaments, and magnets—perfect for decorating your home or sharing as seasonal gifts. These little treasures look adorable on wreaths, in windows, or on the fridge!

After class, your pieces 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 finished pieces are ready for pickup. This class is designed for children ages 5–6 with an accompanying adult (18+). No pottery experience needed—just bring your smiles and get ready for a clay-filled afternoon of creativity and fall fun!

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

Making Slip Transfers

Monday, July 21 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm

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

Back by popular demand! Making slip transfers is fun and offers the freedom to explore a variety of designs and styles for your pottery. Everyone in class will receive a couple of professionally made transfers to keep and will also learn how to make their own. Julie will demonstrate techniques using newspaper and rice paper to achieve interesting effects—similar to temporary tattoos—and will also share how she creates custom silk screens.

After making transfers, there will be a discussion on layering and carving techniques to enhance your designs. Please bring two (2) to three (3) non-textured pieces (plates or bowls, either thrown or hand-built) that are still damp to ensure the transfers work smoothly. All supplies are included, but if you have specific underglaze colors you’d like to use, feel free to bring them.

Class Note: Glazing will be completed on your own during indie time.

577 Staff Instructor: Julie Beutler

Halloween Clay Extravaganza

Saturday, August 2 ~ 9am to 2pm

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

Get into the spooky spirit with a full day of hands-on Halloween clay fun! This festive making session includes four unique projects designed to celebrate the season with creativity and charm. We’ll start the day using the clay extruder to build a cute Frankenstein figure that can be used as a vase, pencil holder, or candy container. Next, you’ll create a pumpkin using simple pinch pot techniques. Choose to keep it timeless for fall decorating or cut out a playful jack-o’-lantern face for Halloween flair.

You’ll also make two decorative leaf dishes using real leaves to create natural imprints, perfect for holding candles, keys, or jewelry, or for adding a festive touch to your fall table. We’ll wrap up by adding detail and color with underglazes. If there’s time, you’ll also be guided through a bonus surprise project to round out the day.

Julie will lead the class and provide step-by-step instructions throughout the session. Please plan to take a lunch break around noon. You’re welcome to pack a lunch: refrigerator space is available. What could be more fun than a day in clay!

Class Note: Glazing will be completed on your own during indie time.

577 Staff Instructor: Julie Beutler

Glazing Help: Learn to Love Glazing!

Tuesday, August 12 ~ 1:30pm to 3:30pm

Wednesday, August 20 ~ 5:30pm to 7:30pm

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

Does glazing feel overwhelming? Not sure where to start with colors, techniques, or the many glazing options available? Whether you’re looking to build confidence, clarify the process, or strengthen your existing skills, this class is designed to support you.

In this hands-on session, you’ll receive guidance from Julie on all things glazing. Learn how to approach color with intention and get tips for glazing unusual shapes or larger pieces. You’ll also be introduced to the spray booth and its proper use.

Participants are encouraged to bring 1 to 3 bisque-fired pots of their own to glaze during the class. Don’t forget to bring paper or a journal for note-taking—there’s a lot of great info to capture!

577 Staff Instructor: Julie Beutler

Slab Building with Template & Altering Techniques

Saturday, August 23 ~ 9:30am to 11:30am

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

Designed for intermediate* to experienced potters ready to take their skills to the next level, this hands-on workshop dives deep into the art of slab building. Learn how to create your own custom templates to craft precise, consistent forms and unlock new possibilities for your pottery projects.

The class will also explore advanced alteration techniques such as darting, an essential method for shaping and refining slab-built pieces with clean edges and professional finishes.

Bring your creativity and technical skills to this focused session and leave with the confidence to design and build complex, one-of-a-kind pottery forms. Glazing will be completed independently during indie time.

*Class Notes: This class is intended for those with intermediate or advanced experience. Intermediate students are typically those who have completed the 6-week pottery class, along with at least two or three additional pottery classes, and have some experience with indie time.

577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan

Half Day Throwing

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

Saturday, August 23 ~ 1:30pm to 4:30pm

Monday, August 25 ~ 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 Alison, 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.

577 Staff Instructor: Alison Buchanan

Supervised Indie Time

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

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

Wednesday, August 6 ~ 1:30pm to 3:30pm

Wednesday, August 13 ~ 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 or Alison 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

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

September Firing: Pick-up: Aug. 5; Drop-off: Aug. 27; Raku Fire: Sept. 17

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.  

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

August ~ Pick-up: August 5; Return: August 27