CAC offers different ceramic learning opportunities; Open Ceramics Studio, and occasional ceramics workshops. Kurinuki Box - Ceramic Treasure Boxes, Intro the the Wheel scroll 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

OPen Ceramics for 16 years+

Monitor/Ceramics Master: Natalie Carpello plus sometimes a guest ceramicist - December 10th: Jasper Summers

Available each Monday and Wednesday (unless otherwise noted)

no class 12/24, 12/29 or 12/31, Begins again January 5th 2026

5:00pm - 8:00pm

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 Anna at CAC to alert us that you would like to attend: info@calistogaartcenter.org

Monthly Session Cost: $125.00. Starts the beginning of each month. 8 classes monthly (usually, closed some holidays)

Ceramics Class Drop-In Fee: $25 (Drop-in fees max out at $125 which allow the same privileges as monthly participants.)

There is a limit to number of participants for the wheel. For drop-in, if you want to pay with cash or check when you arrive, you should email to communicate your intention to come so we are aware: (info@calistogaartcenter.org)

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

Special request clays: porcelain / black / B-Mix w/speckles - $35

EXTRA - A guest ceramicist will be invited to demo a particular skill/technique some months and is included in month fee or pay as a drop-in. Wednesday December 10th - Jasper Summers

kurinuki

ceramic Treasure Boxes

with Kade HB

Sunday January 25, 2026

Time 11:00am - 1:00pm

Cost: $45

Ages: 12+ (ages 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult)

Make and decorate a lidded box out of clay using the solid-building/carving (kurinuki) method! An open-ended project for all skill levels. 

Students will learn to make boxes with fitted lids by hollowing and carving solid blocks of clay. Blocks of various sizes and basic shapes will be provided that students may then alter/add onto as they like. Students will have the opportunity to decorate their boxes with underglaze and learn sgraffito inlay techniques (time permitting). 

All materials and firing included.

Intro to the Wheel: 6 week session

Instructor: Michelle Hamilton

Thursdays, begins January 22nd through to February 26th, 2026

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.