The basics Class meets Thursdays 6-8pm Six classes May 21 – June 25, 2026 Students in this class must be at least 16 years old. Description Explore the many facets of clay slab building with teaching artist Sarah Blosser as you learn to build functional clay projects from soft, medium, and stiff clay slabs. This is a handbuilding class– rather than using a pottery wheel, pieces in this class will begin with a rolled sheet of clay. No experience with clay is needed. Repeat students and anyone with clay handbuilding skills who wishes to improve is welcomed. Sarah has been making with clay for over 20 years and has taught off and on in community settings for 10 years. Sarah has an MA in Community Art from the Maryland Institute College of Art. 6-Week Course Overview: Week 1: Studio intro and tour. Demo the slab roller and soft slab construction. Soft slab project options- molded shallow bowl or platter using a full slab, strips, or shapes Week 2: Demo medium slab construction, using PVC pipe to make cylindrical forms, and tripod feet. Medium slab project options- ramekin set, potbelly mug (flat or tripod bottom) , or tripod planter Week 3: Medium slab work and finishing medium slab projects. Roll out and prep slabs for next week’s stiff slab projects. Week 4: Demo stiff slab construction. Stiff slab project options- small lidded box, slab bud vase, or tealight luminary Week 5: Finish up stiff slab work and any other unfinished work. Put all work on bisque shelves to dry and be bisque fired. Week 6: Glazing day! What’s the fee include? Members of the SVAC and SAAC receive a 10% discount. They should email to request a coupon code. Members of Make Waynesboro should log in to receive their discount. The class fee includes 6 weeks of instruction, clay, use of studio tools, and firing credit. (Firing credit is limited. You’ll be able to bisque some of your pieces, and glaze fire up to a half-shelf of work. Trust us– that’s enough. If you want to fire more, you’ll be able to pay extra for it.) Covid-19 Precautions and Considerations As of January, when this is being posted, masks are required for unvaccinated folks and recommended for all others. Subject to change according to health dept advice. Where? The studio’s address is 200 W 12th St., Waynesboro VA 22980. The studio is part of a larger complex at The Mill at South River. Students will be provided with specific directions (including code for the gate, which you need after 6pm) before the first class. More about the class sessions During each class meeting, the instructor will demonstrate skills and give students time to practice. In general, the 5th class is devoted to completing “wet work”, and the last class is for glazing. By the end of the session, everyone should have some finished work to take home! About the studio: Make Waynesboro Clay Studio is operated by Jake Johnson Ceramics LLC.