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1435 North Oak Street
Calistoga, CA 94515

(707) 942-2278

CERAMICS

CAC offers different ceramic learning opportunities; Open Ceramics Studio, and occasional ceramics workshops. Nature Printing & Textures ceramic plate, Carved Sculptural Vessels, Intro the the Wheel, Intermediate Wheel Skills, scroll down below…

Classes and workshops are small enough to receive a lot of individual attention. Please register/pay in advance. Email with questions: info@calistogaartcenter.org


student work unglazed

*ALERT CERAMICS CANCELLED TONIGHT 7/15/26: because of HEAT

OPen Ceramics for 16 years+

Monitor/facilitator: Natalie Carpello

Available each Monday and Wednesday (unless otherwise noted),

5:00pm - 8:00pm

NEW Friday time, 11am-2pm (no instructor/ceramics facilitator) only for participating Monday/Wednesday students*

Fee options - MONTH passes and drop-in available. See below.

This open format studio time is geared towards students who have had a basic introduction to ceramics before. An experienced monitor will be present to help participants with questions as you work on individual projects.

We recommend that you have taken at least an intro to ceramics class and have a basic understanding of hand building/throwing, wheel maintenance, glazing before enrolling in this ceramics open studio format.

But you are welcome to come with no experience as long as you let us know in advance so that we can prepare and can make sure you can be accommodated. Email CAC to alert us that you would like to attend: info@calistogaartcenter.org

Monthly Session Cost: $150.00. Starts the beginning of each month. 8 classes monthly (usually, closed Monday holidays)

Ceramics Class Drop-In Fee: $30 (Drop-in fees max out at $150 which allow the same privileges as monthly participants.)

*Friday drop in; This is only available to ceramicists who have participated in the regular Monday/Wednesday evenings and understand equipment use and clean up proceedures. Fee is the same as a drop in. If you paid for the month pass then you can switch a Monday/Wednesday for a Friday or pay $20 to come on a Friday. If you want it all, Mondays/Wednesday/Fridays, the fee is $210.

If you want to use a wheel and you are new to our program, contact us to communicate your intention to come so we can manage time on using the wheels: (info@calistogaartcenter.org | 707-942-2278)

Materials fee: $30 / standard clay (25lb bag of clay & glazes)

Special clays: $35 / porcelain / black / B-Mix w/speckles / The Grey Stuff

 

Carved Sculptural Vessels

with Kade

Sunday August 9th, 2026

11:00am - 1:30pm

Cost: $55

In this workshop, participants will transform simple base forms premade from red clay, into unique, dynamic vessels inspired by patterns and structures in nature. Kade will demonstrate a range of carving and sculpting techniques that participants may use to alter their forms. A variety of texturing tools will be available, and participants are encouraged to bring any small objects with interesting texture that they are curious to test on clay (think rocks, wood, shells, fabric, etc.). Focus will be on intuitive making, experimentation, and tactile play. No prior clay experience is necessary, only an open mind and the desire to create something that feels exciting and honest to you!  

All materials and firing included. Allow up to 2 weeks for pieces to be fired and ready for pick up.


Intermediate Wheel SKILLS: 7 week session

Instructor: Kade HB

Tuesdays: September 8th - October 20th

Time: 6:00pm - 8:30pm

The course will be structured around 3 projects; 3 throwing-focused sessions and 3 focused on trimming/assembling/finishing plus 1 for glazing.

For more information and to register click button below;


Intro to the Wheel: 6 week session

Instructor: Michelle Hamilton

IN PROCESS-Mondays: June 8 - July 13, Time: 10:00am - 12:30pm

IN PROCESS-Tuesdays: June 9 - July 14, Time: 6:00pm - 8:30pm

Cost: $270*

Welcome to the wonderful world of wheel-throwing! A skilled potter will make throwing look effortless, but anyone who has given it a try knows it is anything but. In this hands on, six-week course, we will break it down so you can build solid foundations that will keep you learning and growing for years to come. Whether you’re brand new to throwing or looking to get back into your practice this class is the perfect place to start. We’ll teach you the best techniques for every step, from wedging and throwing clay on the wheel to trimming and adding handles as well as basic glazing your final creations. Expect up to 2 weeks to pick up fired work.

Wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and be ready to to start throwing!

*Clay, glaze and firing costs are included. The CAC has basic throwing tools for you to use. We can provide details on what to buy if you would like your own.