Ceramics

The Center has ceramics classes for beginners and professionals at both the Downtown and North Phoenix Thunderbird campus. Classes include all the tools needed such as wheels and kilns. Beginners can learn to throw on a wheel or handbuild. Advanced students are welcome to work on their own projects in the Open Studio classes.

Note: Click the “Sign Up” button at the bottom of a class description to register through the Center’s Mindbody registration platform. A Mindbody account is required to register for classes at the Center. Questions about registration or financial aid? Call (602) 254-3100 or email frontdesk@phoenixcenterforthearts.org to speak to a Patron Services Associate to speak to a Patron Services Associate.

By signing up for a class you are acknowledging and accepting our Student Agreement.

If there isn’t a “Sign Up” button visible, it means that the class and waitlist are currently full.

 
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Beginning Wheel Throwing  (Thunderbird)

Beginning Wheel Throwing (Thunderbird)

Date: August 09, 2025 10:00 am - December 13, 2025 1:00 pm

Location: Thunderbird Arts Center

Available Slots: 12/12

Registration ends 2 days prior to the first class.
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.

Instructor: Chelsea Koressel

Description: This class is for those who wish to begin their ceramics education by learning to throw on the potter's wheel. For beginners and those with very little experience. Also for those who have been away from the throwing process for a while and need a refresher course. Please purchase a ceramics tool kit from Marjon's Ceramics Supply prior to class time.
 
Materials: Clay is available for purchase.Please bring cash! Student will also need their own hand tools. Expect to spend at least $50 depending on skill level and projects.
 
Duration: 18 weeks 
 
Day Off: November 29th

Prerequisites: No experience Required

Ages: 18+

Cost: $365
 
Please arrive 15 minutes before class begins.
Making Better Pots

Making Better Pots

Date: August 11, 2025 6:00 pm - December 08, 2025 9:00 pm

Location: Phoenix Center For The Arts

Available Slots: 11/12

Registration ends 2 days prior to the first class.
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.

Instructor: Don Ridley

Description: This class is weighted towards the "throwing" potter although hand builders are welcome. A great evening class to start your week off on the right foot. Instructor will work with students one on one, and with class demonstrations to move you further along your pottery skills path.

Materials: Clay is available for purchase.Please bring cash! Student will also need their own hand tools. Expect to spend at least $50 depending on skill level and projects.

Duration: 15 Weeks

Days Off: 9/1/2025 Labor Day, 10/13/2025 Indigenous Day 11/24/2025, Thanksgiving week off

Prerequisites: Throwing/Clay experience required

Ages: 18+

Cost: $365

Please arrive 15 minutes before class begins.

Monday Studio

Monday Studio

Date: August 11, 2025 1:00 pm - December 08, 2025 4:00 pm

Location: Phoenix Center For The Arts

Available Slots: 12/12

Registration ends 2 days prior to the first class.
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.
 
Instructor: Don Ridley

Description: Instructor supervised studio class. Students will work on individual projects and must be able to complete those projects in a proper manner on their own.

Materials: Clay is available for purchase.Please bring cash! Student will also need their own hand tools. Expect to spend at least $50 depending on skill level and projects.

Duration: 15 Weeks

Days Off: 09/01/2025 Labor Day, 10/13/2025 Indigenous Day, 11/24/2025 Thanksgiving week off

Prerequisites: Throwing/Clay experience required

Ages: 18+

Cost: $365.00

Please arrive 15 minutes before class begins.

Beginning Hand Building

Beginning Hand Building

Date: August 11, 2025 5:30 pm - December 08, 2025 8:30 pm

Location: Phoenix Center For The Arts

Available Slots: 6/6

Registration ends 2 days prior to the first class.
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.

Instructor: Allison Moore

Description: Join us in a supportive, low-pressure setting where we will explore beginning Handbuilding. Handbuilding is an ancient pottery-making technique that involves creating forms without a pottery wheel, using the hands, fingers, and simple tools. This class will explore the most common handbuilding techniques: pinch pottery, coil building, and slab building. Please purchase a ceramics tool kit from Marjon's Ceramics Supply prior to class time.

Materials: Please purchase a ceramics tool kit from Marjon's Ceramics Supply prior to class time. Clay is available for purchase.Please bring cash! Student will also need their own hand tools. Expect to spend at least $50 depending on skill level and projects.

Prerequisite: No Experience Required

Duration: 15 Weeks

Days Off: 9/1/2025 Labor Day, 10/13/2025 Indigenous Day, 11/24/2025 Thanksgiving week off

Ages: 18+

Cost: $340.00

Please arrive 15 minutes before class begins.

All In One

All In One

Date: August 12, 2025 9:00 am - December 09, 2025 12:00 pm

Location: Phoenix Center For The Arts

Available Slots: 8/12

Registration ends 2 weeks prior to class beginning. Student or Guardian must bring ID to first class.

Instructor: Don Ridley

Description: Throwing, Hand Building, we try it all in this class. This is not a class for beginners, but we are usually up for trying some different things. Join Don and the Tuesday crowd and we'll see what happens.

Materials: Clay is available for purchase.Please bring cash! Student will also need their own hand tools. Expect to spend at least $50 depending on skill level and projects.  

Duration: 16 Weeks
 
Days Off: 11/11/2025 Veterans Day, 11/25/2025 Thanksgiving week off

Prerequisites: Throwing/Clay experience required

Ages: 18+

Cost: $365.00
 
Please arrive 15 minutes before class begins.
Beginning Throwing

Beginning Throwing

Date: August 12, 2025 5:30 pm - December 09, 2025 8:30 pm

Location: Phoenix Center For The Arts

Available Slots: 5/6

Registration ends 2 days prior to the first class.
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.

Instructor: Dulce Ramirez

Description: This class is for those who wish to begin their ceramics education by learning to throw on the potter's wheel. For beginners and those with very little experience. Also for those who have been away from the throwing process for a while and need a refresher course. Please purchase a ceramics tool kit from Marjon's Ceramics Supply prior to class time.

Materials: Clay is available for purchase.Please bring cash! Student will also need their own hand tools. Expect to spend at least $50 depending on skill level and projects. .

Duration: 16 weeks
 
No Class: 11/11/2025 Veterans Day, 11/25/2025 Thanksgiving week off

Prerequisites: No experience required

Ages: 18+

Cost: $365.00
 
Please arrive 15 minutes before class begins.
Tuesday Studio

Tuesday Studio

Date: August 12, 2025 1:00 pm - December 09, 2025 4:00 pm

Location: Phoenix Center For The Arts

Available Slots: 12/12

Registration ends 2 days prior to the first class.
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.
 
Instructor:Don Ridley

Description: Instructor supervised studio class. Students will work on individual projects and must be able to complete those projects in a proper manner on their own. Instructor will not be doing demonstrations. .

Materials: Clay is available for purchase.Please bring cash! Student will also need their own hand tools. Expect to spend at least $50 depending on skill level and projects.

Duration: 16 Weeks

Days Off: 11/11/2025 Veterans Day, 11/25/2025 Thanksgiving week off

Prerequisites: Throwing/Clay experience required

Ages: 18+

Cost: $365.00

Please arrive 15 minutes before class begins.

Intermediate Throwing

Intermediate Throwing

Date: August 12, 2025 6:00 pm - December 09, 2025 9:00 pm

Location: Phoenix Center For The Arts

Available Slots: 0/12

Registration ends 2 days prior to the first class.
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.

Instructor: Don Ridley
 
Description: Join the Tuesday evening class for entertaining ceramics lessons and an all around good time. This is the class for those intermediate throwers looking to take their skills to the next level. Join Don and any other instructors who show up for a class that will improve your clay skills and make sure you enjoy the process.

Materials: Clay is available for purchase. Please bring cash! Student will also need their own hand tools. Expect to spend at least $50 depending on skill level and projects.

Duration: 16 weeks
 
Days Off: 11/11/2025 Veterans Day, 11/25/2025 Thanksgiving week off

Ages: 18+

Cost: $365.00
 
Please arrive 15 minutes before class begins.
Beginning Throwing

Beginning Throwing

Date: August 13, 2025 5:30 pm - December 10, 2025 8:30 pm

Location: Phoenix Center For The Arts

Available Slots: 6/6

Registration ends 2 days prior to the first class.
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.

Instructor: Chelsea Koressel (She/Her)

Description: This class is for those who wish to begin their ceramics education by learning to throw on the potter's wheel. For beginners and those with very little experience. Also for those who have been away from the throwing process for a while and need a refresher course. Please purchase a ceramics tool kit from Marjon's Ceramics Supply prior to class time. 

Materials: Clay is available for purchase.Please bring cash! Student will also need their own hand tools. Expect to spend at least $50 depending on skill level and projects.

Duration: 17 weeks

Prerequisites: No Experience Required

Ages: 18+

Cost: $365

Please arrive 15 minutes before class begins.

Wednesday Handbuilding

Wednesday Handbuilding

Date: August 13, 2025 9:00 am - December 10, 2025 12:00 pm

Location: Phoenix Center For The Arts

Available Slots: 6/12

Registration ends 2 days prior to the first class.
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.

Instructor: Don Ridley

Description: This is your class if you want to play with clay but not on the wheel. We will work on class projects and take the time to help with any individual ideas students may have. Handbuilding experience is required. Very popular class. Fills quickly.

Materials: Clay is available for purchase.Please bring cash! Student will also need their own hand tools. Expect to spend at least $50 depending on skill level and projects.

Duration: 17 weeks
 
No Class:  11/26/2025 Thanksgiving week off

Prerequisites: Throwing/Clay experience required

Ages: 18+

Cost: $365.00
 
Please arrive 15 minutes before class begins.
Wednesday Studio

Wednesday Studio

Date: August 13, 2025 1:00 pm - December 10, 2025 4:00 pm

Location: Phoenix Center For The Arts

Available Slots: 5/12

Registration ends 2 days prior to the first class.
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.

Instructor: Don Ridley
 
Description: Instructor supervised studio class. Students will work on individual projects and must be able to complete those projects in a proper manner on their own. Instructor will not be doing demonstrations.

Materials: Clay is available for purchase. Please bring cash! Student will also need their own hand tools. Expect to spend at least $50 depending on skill level and projects.

Duration: 17 weeks

Days Off: 11/26/2025 Thanksgiving week off

Prerequisites: Throwing/Clay experience required

Ages: 18+

Cost: $365.00

Please arrive 15 minutes before class begins.

Unique Thrown Ceramics

Unique Thrown Ceramics

Date: August 13, 2025 6:00 pm - December 10, 2025 9:00 pm

Location: Phoenix Center For The Arts

Available Slots: 9/12

Registration ends 2 days prior to the first class.
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.
 
Instructor: Anne Rasmussen

Description: Join instructor Anne Rasmussen in her long running evening clay class and learn her unique style of producing and decorating her thrown work. This class is for intermediate students, and anyone else looking to take the next step along the clay path.

Materials: Clay is available for purchase. Please bring cash! Student will also need their own hand tools. Expect to spend at least $50 depending on skill level and projects.

Duration: 17 Weeks

Days off:  11/26/2025 Thanksgiving week off

Prerequisites: Throwing/Clay experience required

Ages: 18+

Cost: $365

Please arrive 15 minutes before class begins.

Beginning Throwing

Beginning Throwing

Date: August 14, 2025 6:00 pm - December 11, 2025 9:00 pm

Location: Phoenix Center For The Arts

Available Slots: 9/12

Registration ends 2 days prior to the first class.
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.

Instructor: Char Applen (She/Her)

Description: This class is for those who wish to begin their ceramics education by learning to throw on the potter's wheel. For beginners and those with very little experience. Also for those who have been away from the throwing process for a while and need a refresher course. Please purchase a ceramics tool kit from Marjon's Ceramics Supply prior to class time..

Materials: Clay is available for purchase.Please bring cash! Student will also need their own hand tools. Expect to spend at least $50 depending on skill level and projects.

Duration: 17 weeks

Prerequisites: No experience required

Ages: 18+

Cost: $365

Please arrive 15 minutes before class begins.

Beginning + Intermediate Handbuilding

Beginning + Intermediate Handbuilding

Date: August 14, 2025 1:00 pm - December 11, 2025 4:00 pm

Location: Phoenix Center For The Arts

Available Slots: 7/12

Registration ends 2 days prior to the first class.
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.

Instructor: Pam Harrison

Description: This class is for those who wish to begin their ceramics education by learning various hand building methods for making vessels. For beginners andIntermediate continuing students. Please purchase a ceramics tool kit from Marjons Ceramics Supply prior to class time. Clay is available for purchase at class. 

Materials: Clay is available for purchase.Please bring cash! Student will also need their own hand tools. Expect to spend at least $50 depending on skill level and projects.

Duration: 17 weeks

Days off:  11/27/2025 Thanksgiving week off

Prerequisites: No Experience Required

Ages: 18+

Cost: $365

Please arrive 15 minutes before class begins.

Saturday Clay

Saturday Clay

Date: August 16, 2025 9:00 am - December 13, 2025 12:00 pm

Location: Phoenix Center For The Arts

Available Slots: 1/12

Registration ends 2 days prior to the first class.
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.
 
Instructor: Anne Rasmussen and Char Applen
 
Description: Instructor supervised studio class. Students will work on individual projects and must be able to complete those projects in a proper manner on their own. Instructor will not be doing demonstrations.

Materials: Clay is available for purchase.Please bring cash! Student will also need their own hand tools. Expect to spend at least $50 depending on skill level and projects. .

Duration: 17 weeks

No Class:  11/29/2025 Thanksgiving week off

Prerequisites: Throwing/Clay experience required

Ages: 18+

Cost: $365

Please arrive 15 minutes before class begins.

Ceråmica para Principiantes

Date: August 16, 2025 1:00 pm - December 13, 2025 4:00 pm

Location: Phoenix Center For The Arts

Available Slots: 12/12

Instructor: Victor Contreras

Description: Esta es una clase introductoria para personas que quieren aprender como hacer cerámica usando barro. Vamos a empezar construyendo ollas a mano usando métodos tradicionales. Seguiremos aprendiendo a usar el torno y formar vasijas. La clase incluye la técnica de como aplicar esmaltes para convertir nuestra obras en objetos útiles y decorativos. La más importante de esta clase será que aprendemos y nos divertiremos!

Materials: Clay is available for purchase.Please bring cash! Student will also need their own hand tools. Expect to spend at least $50 depending on skill level and projects.

Prerequisite: No Se Require Experiencia

Duration: 17 weeks

Days Off:  11/29/2025 Thanksgiving week off

Ages: 18+

Cost: $365.00

Beginning Throwing / Comenzando a construir a mano

Beginning Throwing / Comenzando a construir a mano

Date: August 16, 2025 10:00 am - December 13, 2025 1:00 pm

Location: Phoenix Center For The Arts

Available Slots: 6/6

La inscripción finaliza 2 días antes de la primera clase.
Los estudiantes o tutores deberán traer identificación a la primera clase.

Instructor: Dulce Ramirez (She/Her)

Descripción: This class is for those who wish to begin their ceramics education by learning to throw on the potter's wheel. For beginners and those with very little experience. Also for those who have been away from the throwing process for a while and need a refresher course. Please purchase a ceramics tool kit from Marjon'sCeramics Supply prior to class time.

Esta clase es para aquellos que desean comenzar su educación en cerámica aprendiendo a tirar el torno de alfarero. Esta clase es para principiantes y aquellos con muy poca experiencia. También para aquellos que llevan un tiempo alejados del proceso y necesitan un curso de actualización. Aprenderán a usar los glaseados para terminar sus piezas. Compre un juego de herramientas de cerámica de Marjon's Ceramics Supply antes de la hora de clase.

Materiales: Clay is available for purchase.Please bring cash! Student will also need their own hand tools. Expect to spend at least $50 depending on skill level and projects.

Clay está disponible para su compra. ¡Traiga dinero en efectivo! El estudiante también necesitará sus propias herramientas manuales. Espere gastar al menos $50 dependiendo del nivel de habilidad y los proyectos.

Duración: 17 semanas

NO CLASE:   11/29/2025 Thanksgiving week off

Requisito Previo: No Experience Required / No Se Require Experiencia

Ages: 18+

Precio: $340.00

Por favor, llega 15 minutos antes de que comience tu clase.

Please arrive 15 minutes before your class begins.

Intro to Ceramics

Intro to Ceramics

Date: August 17, 2025 10:00 am - December 14, 2025 1:00 pm

Location: Phoenix Center For The Arts

Available Slots: 4/12

Registration ends 2 days prior to the first class.
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.

Instructor: Liz Benhke

Description: This class is for those with no clay experience who would like to learn some of the possibilities inherent in the ceramics arena. Handbuilding techniques as well as "throwing" on the potters wheel will be covered. A great opportunity to explore your clay options and discover your areas of interest as instructors help you navigate your way through an entertaining maze of ceramic projects.

Materials: Clay is available for purchase.Please bring cash! Student will also need their own hand tools. Expect to spend at least $50 depending on skill level and projects. .

Prerequisite: No experience required

Duration: 17 weeks

Weeks Off: 11/30/2025 Thanksgiving week off

Ages: 18+

Cost: $365

Please arrive 15 minutes before class begins.

Ceramics

Ceramics

Date: September 02, 2025 1:00 pm - December 16, 2025 4:00 pm

Location: Thunderbird Arts Center

Available Slots: 7/10

Instructor: Cheryl Broderick (she)

Description: "Let’s get dirty together. Join me Tuesday afternoons where I will help you learn the basics, centering and pulling a cylinder, or improving your skill level. Everyone has different strengths I will help you hone in on your individual throwing style."

Materials: Clay is available for purchase. Please bring cash! Student will also need their own hand tools. Expect to spend at least $50 depending on skill level and projects.

Prerequisite: No experience required

Duration: 16 weeks

Ages: 18+

Cost: $365.00

Beyond Basic Wheel Throwing (Thunderbird)

Beyond Basic Wheel Throwing (Thunderbird)

Date: September 02, 2025 6:00 pm - December 16, 2025 9:00 pm

Location: Thunderbird Arts Center

Available Slots: 2/10

Registration ends 2 days prior to the first class.
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.

Instructor: Jon Higuchi

Description: Designed for Intermediate and Advanced level students who wish to improve their pottery wheel throwing skills beyond basic pottery forms. Emphasis will be on exploring the more complex throwing principles of developing a wider range of pot shapes such as the lidded vessel, plate, bottle forms through structured group assignments, instructor lead demonstrations and tailored supervision.

Materials: Please bring your own pottery hand tools, an apron and hand towel. Depending on project of choice, students should expect to spend a minimum of $50 for materials. Clay is available for purchase in class at $30 per 25lb. bag. Please bring cash!

Duration: 16 weeks

Prerequisites: Must be able to throw a centered cylinder on the potter’s wheel.

Ages: 16+

Cost: $395

Please arrive 15 minutes before class begins.

Better Pots - Better Wheel Throwing (Thunderbird)

Better Pots - Better Wheel Throwing (Thunderbird)

Date: September 03, 2025 6:00 pm - December 17, 2025 9:00 pm

Location: Thunderbird Arts Center

Available Slots: 4/10

Registration ends 2 days prior to the first class.
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.

Instructor: Jon Higuchi

Description: Designed for Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced level students who wish to improve their pottery wheel throwing and glazing skills. Emphasis will be on analyzing /correcting poor wheel throwing habits that prevent you from advancing to the next level. Learn more complex throwing principles in developing a wider range of pot shapes and glazing techniques through instructor lead demonstrations and tailored supervision.

Materials: Please bring your own pottery hand tools, an apron and hand towel. Depending on project of choice, students should expect to spend a minimum of $50 for materials. Clay is available for purchase in class at $25 per 25lb. bag. Please bring cash!

Duration: 15 weeks

Prerequisites: Wheel throwing experience and must be able to throw a centered cylinder on the potter’s wheel.

Ages: 16+

Price: $395

Please arrive 15 minutes before class begins.

Open Clay Studio - Handbuilding  (Thunderbird)

Open Clay Studio - Handbuilding (Thunderbird)

Date: September 03, 2025 6:00 pm - December 17, 2025 9:00 pm

Location: Thunderbird Arts Center

Available Slots: 6/10

Instructor: Jon Higuchi

Description: All levels of Hand Builders welcome! Students can work independently with limited hands-on help from the instructor as needed.

Materials: Please bring your own pottery hand tools, an apron and hand towel. Depending on project of choice, students should expect to spend a minimum of $50 for materials. Clay is available for purchase in class at $30 per 25lb. bag. Please bring cash!

Prerequisite: Previous clay experience and be able to work independently.

Duration: 6 Weeks

Ages: 16+

Cost: $395.00

Wednesday Daytime Clay (Thunderbird)

Wednesday Daytime Clay (Thunderbird)

Date: September 03, 2025 1:00 pm - December 17, 2025 4:00 pm

Location: Thunderbird Arts Center

Available Slots: 8/10

Registration ends 2 days prior to the first class.
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.

Instructor: Jon Higuchi

Description: Designed for both experienced wheel throwers and hand builders. Emphasis will be on a casual hands-on approach with the instructor, who will work with you one on one as needed to help move you further along in your pottery skills path. Engaging class demonstrations and discussion are also included. Students also have the option to work independently.

Materials: Please bring your own pottery hand tools, an apron and hand towel. Depending on project of choice, students should expect to spend a minimum of $50 for materials. Clay is available for purchase in class at $30 per 25lb. bag. Please bring cash!

Duration: 16 weeks

Prerequisites: Previous wheel and/or hand building experience required.

Ages: 16+

Cost: $395.00

Arrival Time: Please arrive 15 minutes before the start of class to check-in.

Beginning Wheel Throwing (Thunderbird)

Beginning Wheel Throwing (Thunderbird)

Date: September 04, 2025 6:00 pm - December 18, 2025 9:00 pm

Location: Thunderbird Arts Center

Available Slots: 2/10

Registration ends 2 days prior to the first class.
Students or Guardians must bring ID to the first class.

Instructor: Jon Higuchi (He/Him)

Description: Designed for Beginner and Intermediate level students who wish to begin or improve their ceramics education by learning about various ceramic materials and methods of throwing on the potter’s wheel. Emphasis will be on exploring the basic throwing principles of forming and finishing cylindrical forms through instructor lead group demonstrations and individual hands-on instruction.
 
Materials: Please bring your own pottery tools, apron and hand towel, (9 piece set available at Marjon Ceramics Supply or via Amazon). Students should expect to spend a minimum of $50.00 for materials. Clay is available for purchase in class for $30.00 per 25lb. bag. Please bring cash!
 
Prerequisite: Basic potter’s wheel and/or hand building clay construction experience helpful, but not required.

Duration: 16 Weeks

Ages: 16+

Cost: $395