All Levels Wheel Throwing for adults beginning through advanced levels. Due to small class size, we can offer enough individual attention to teach multiple techniques to everyone. This is a great class for those who had a class awhile ago or intermediate potters just getting back into it. We cover an introduction to basic studio knowledge and continued instruction in glazing. Students can repeat a few times as they advance. 

This class was first taught by Ellen to first year students at University of Michigan. It is for adults that want to learn how to make pottery, cups, bowls, and plates on the Potter's Wheel. If you have never tried this before, or maybe it has been awhile since you took another class, this is the best class to sign up for. You will learn basic studio knowledge, learn to center clay on the wheel, and create cups, bowls, and plates. You will learn the basics of glazing to finish your work. My teaching methods help you achieve confidence in beginning pottery during your first 6 week session.

I realized very early that pottery made on the wheel wasn't going to get me to the ideas I wanted to express. Then I had to develop techniques in hand building that could get me there. After getting my MFA in Michigan, I took a teaching job near Chicago. I first exhibited my slab work in juried shows and small gallery shows in Chicago. One of those led to a commissioned project for a large mural!

I enjoy teaching students to start with an idea and then get the clay to create that idea, sticking closely to their desired outcome and not giving way to letting the clay decide what it will be.  This introduces the idea of having a mental concept and a vision for a piece before you begin. Then students will be presented with techniques for creating in clay using hand building forming methods. It will be their choice to do each assignment with slabs or coils. Direction will be given in coming up with an inspiration or idea for the project and then the techniques to carry out that vision. 

All Levels Wheel Throwing for adults beginning through advanced levels. Due to small class size, we can offer enough individual attention to teach multiple techniques to everyone. This is a great class for those who had a class awhile ago or intermediate potters just getting back into it. We cover an introduction to basic studio knowledge and continued instruction in glazing. Students can repeat a few times as they advance. 

This is the class Ellen taught at the Ecole des Beaux Arts (National Art Academy) in Aix en Provence, France. Ceramic Sculpture methods include coiling, slabs, geometric and organic forms. The forms may be functional like bowls, platters, and vases. Other forms may be purely sculptural. These forms may come from drawings or other research, natural forms you've gathered from nature, or found objects you wish to use as inspiration. Whether you are a beginner or intermediate level, sign up for this class to explore the many other ways that you can work with clay. Basic studio knowledge will be covered as well as introduction to colored slips and glazing techniques. This class is usually repeated a few times as students advance.

Celebrate Spring with expressive serving bowls, platters, and plates, inspired by Betty Woodman from the University of Colorado, Boulder. She was a truly innovative potter and brought tremendous playfulness to her life and art.  I think Betty was in my artistic sphere since my first class with her at age 7 in the Boulder Potters Guild. She was certainly a force in the CU Ceramics Dept. when I was getting my BFA there. In this class, you’ll explore thrown and altered forms, incorporating handles, decorative rims, and artistic flourishes to create truly unique pieces. This process is fun, freeing, and deeply gratifying, and perfect for expanding your repertoire as a potter.

I hope you’ll enjoy this blog article: Baskets, April, May, and June

This class was first taught by Ellen to first year students at University of Michigan. It is for adults that want to learn how to make pottery, cups, bowls, and plates on the Potter's Wheel. If you have never tried this before, or maybe it has been awhile since you took another class, this is the best class to sign up for. You will learn basic studio knowledge, learn to center clay on the wheel, and create cups, bowls, and plates. You will learn the basics of glazing to finish your work. My teaching methods help you achieve confidence in beginning pottery during your first 6 week session.

This class was first taught by Ellen to first year students at University of Michigan. It is for adults that want to learn how to make pottery, cups, bowls, and plates on the Potter's Wheel. If you have never tried this before, or maybe it has been awhile since you took another class, this is the best class to sign up for. You will learn basic studio knowledge, learn to center clay on the wheel, and create cups, bowls, and plates. You will learn the basics of glazing to finish your work. My teaching methods help you achieve confidence in beginning pottery during your first 6 week session.