Classes & Workshops

DATE NIGHT AT PETALUMA POTTERY

Ages: 18+up
Instructors: Kelly Brothers | Forrest Middelton | Lara Birchler | Lily Hourigan | Heather Fordham
Cost: $105 - Covers TWO People
Skill Level: All levels, great for beginners.

UPCOMING DATES: May 16, 17, 23, 24, 30 from 6:00-8:00pm.

Clay is more fun in pairs! Want to learn the basics of making pottery on the wheel with your best friend, a date, your mom? Join us at Petaluma Pottery for a night of wheel throwing and fun. Sign up fees include clay, use of tools, glaze, and firing of 1-2 pieces. Arrive ready to get dirty wearing clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting clay on. Bring your own apron.

What to Expect
Our instructor will give a demo and then help you create your own pot on the wheel. Let yourself be a beginner or dust off those old skills, all skill levels are welcome. We can’t guarantee a masterpiece on your first try but rest assured you’ll have fun with a friend whether you end up with an ash tray or the holy grail. After your class your work will be glazed, fired, and ready for pick up within a few weeks.

one AFTERNOON / ONE night on the wheel

Instructors: Kelly Brothers | Forrest Middelton | Lara Birchler | Heather Fordham
Cost: $53
Skill Level: All levels, great for beginners.
Ages: 13+up
UPCOMING DATES: April 25 from 6:00-8:00pm. (Sold Out)
May 17 from 3:00-5:00pm. May 31 from 6:00-8:00pm

CLASS DESCRIPTION
Want to learn the basics of making pottery on the wheel but not ready to commit to a multi-week class? Sign up on your own or with a friend and join us at Petaluma Pottery for a night of fun and wheel throwing. Sign up fees include clay, use of tools, glaze, and firing of 2 pieces. Arrive ready to get dirty wearing clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting clay on. Bring your own apron.

WHAT TO EXPECT
Our instructor will give a demo and then help you create your own pot on the wheel. Let yourself be a beginner or dust off those old skills, all skill levels are welcome. We can’t guarantee a masterpiece on your first try but rest assured you’ll have fun whether you end up with an ash tray or the holy grail. After your class your work will be glazed, fired, and ready for pick up on average between 2-3 weeks.

ONE NIGHT OF HANDBUILDING

Ages: 12+ up
Instructor: Stephanie LeBaudour
Cost: $53
Skill Level: All levels, great for beginners.
Date: May 3 from 6:00-8:00pm

Want to learn the basics of handbuilding pottery? Join us at Petaluma Pottery for a night of light hearted handbuilding projects. In this one night class you will make one small trinket dish using pinching techniques and one mug using slab building techniques. Sign up fees include clay, tools for your use, glaze, and firing of 1 mug and 1 trinket dish. If you make more than 2 pieces you will pick your favorite 2 only for firing. Arrive ready to get dirty wearing clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting clay on. Bring your own apron.

What to Expect
Our instructor will give a demo and then help you create your own projects. Let yourself be a beginner or dust off those old skills, all skill levels are welcome. After your class your work will be glazed (using the glaze you choose at the end of class), fired, and ready for pick up within a few weeks.

HANDBUILT MUGS

Ages: 12+ up
Instructor: Kelly Brothers
Cost: $53
Skill Level: All levels, great for beginners.
Date: May 31 from 3:00-5:00pm

CLASS DESCRIPTION
Join us at our community studio to make your own slab built mugs, perfect for morning coffee or tea! Learn construction techniques and make your mugs unique through stamping and decoration. Sign up fee includes enough clay to make two slab built mugs, use of tools, instruction, glaze, and firing of up to 2 pieces. Learn construction techniques and use decoration and stamping techniques to make your mugs unique. Arrive ready to get dirty wearing clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting clay on. Bring your own apron.

What to Expect
Our instructor will give a demo and then help you create your own projects. Let yourself be a beginner or dust off those old skills, all skill levels are welcome. After your class your work will be glazed (using the glaze you choose at the end of class), fired, and ready for pick up within a few weeks.

2 DAY Tile making WORKSHOP WITH Forrest middelton

When: Saturday, April 26 and Sunday, April 27 from 10:00-4:00 each day.
Instructor: Forrest Middelton | www.flmceramics.com
Cost: $335
Skill Level: All Levels, some experience is helpful but not required.

COURSE DESCRIPTION
Join Forrest at his own studio, FLM Ceramics (which is in the same space and adjacent to Petaluma Pottery), for an all things tile, two-day workshop. In addition to learning tile basics including rolling slabs, extruding tile, cutting, finishing, and drying tile, Forrest will cover image transfer, and developing your own molds for making tiles. Additionally, students will learn about screen printing in a clay studio and have the chance to print from pre-exisiting screens. We will cover transferring images onto tile in multiple ways, as well as many other surface techniques useful for tile. Forrest has over 15 years of experience working in the handmade tile industry and will give advice and answer questions about his experiences.

MATERIALS AND FIRING
Your class fee includes enough clay to make samples of each of the techniques covered. There are a few basic tools you will need and we will send an email with what you need to bring and other logistics 2-3 weeks prior to class. The class does not include firing, if you’d like for us to bisque fire your tiles we can accommodate that with an additional fee. The timeline for bisque firing may be up to 3 weeks and you’ll need to plan to pick up your pieces or arrange for shipping within the next two weeks.

Wheel throwing level 1 : 8 Week class

When: Monday mornings from 9:30am-12:30pm. 8 Weeks beginning April 28 and ending June 16.
Instructor: Kelly Brothers
Ages: 18+up
Cost: $306
Skill Level: All levels, great for beginners. Many students will take Level 1 multiple times to continue making and build up their skill level before taking level 2.

CLASS DESCRIPTION
Learn the skills necessary to make handmade, functional ceramics. In this beginner level class (great for first timers or those who haven’t thrown in years) students learn step by step how to throw successfully from start to finish primarily focusing on smaller cups, mugs, bowls, and plates. Each class will begin with an in depth wheel demonstration highlighting various pitfalls, solutions, and proper body mechanics. As students practice, they will receive one-on-one guidance and correction at the wheel. We will learn methods for centering, trimming, techniques for handles, and basic surface and glazing techniques. Your instructor will work with each individual to progress their skills based on their skill level. This class is hands on. Come prepared to get dirty and make work!

LOGISTICS
Class fee includes 20 lbs of our in-house clay and firing. You can purchase additional clay if you end up wanting more. You will need a basic tool kit which you can either purchase from our online store or on the first day of class. You are also welcome to bring your own tools! Your class comes with 8 hours of open studio time to come in and practice what you are learning in class. More details about open studio times and logistics during the first week of class.

Handbuilding level 1 : 8 week class

When: Monday evenings from 6:00pm-9:00pm. 8 Weeks beginning April 28 and ending June 16.
Ages: 18+up
Instructor: Stephanie LeBaudour
Cost: $306
Skill Level: All levels, great for beginners. Many students will take Level 1 multiple times to continue making and build up their skill level before taking level 2.

CLASS DESCRIPTION
In this class you will learn a wide array of hand building techniques that can be used for both functional or sculptural applications depending on your interests! Your instructor will demonstrate pinching, slab building with both hard and soft slabs, and coil building. Students will also learn stamping, decorating, and glazing techniques. Every class will begin with a hand-building or surface demonstration. This class is hands on! Come prepared to get dirty and make work.

LOGISTICS
Class fee includes 20 lbs of our in-house clay and firing. You can purchase additional clay if you end up wanting more. You will need a basic tool kit which you can either purchase from our online store or on the first day of class. You are also welcome to bring your own tools! Your class comes with 8 hours of open studio time to come in and practice what you are learning in class. More details about open studio times and logistics during the first week of class.

LEVEL 1 Handbuilding : 8 Week class

When: Tuesday mornings from 9:30am-12:30pm. 8 Weeks beginning April 29 and ending June 17.
Ages: 18+up
Cost: $306
Instructor: Stephanie LeBaudour
Skill Level: All levels, great for beginners. Many students will take Level 1 multiple times to continue making and build up their skill level before taking level 2.

CLASS DESCRIPTION
Join sculptor Stephanie LeBaudour at our community studio to learn the basics of sculpting. Over the course of 8 weeks you will learn solid construction, coil joining techniques, and slab construction for sculptural applications. Learn how to plan your pieces and make maquettes using 2 dimensional reference material and then how to make those plans a reality in 3D. Stephanie will talk about structure, attachments, hollowing, and more. Create the subject matter of your choice. This class offers the opportunity to talk about your work and receive feedback from your teacher and peers as wanted. Each class is 3 hours, your teacher will give instruction at the beginning of each class and then be available throughout the rest of the work time to answer questions.

LOGISTICS
Class fee includes 20 lbs of our in-house clay and firing. You can purchase additional clay if you end up wanting more. Bring your own tools or buy a kit from our shop prior to class! Students will also need a few of their favorite small paintbrushes. Your class comes with 8 hours of open studio time. More details about open studio times and logistics during the first week of class.

Wheel Throwing Level 1 : 8 WEEK CLASS

When: Tuesday evenings from 6:00pm-9:00pm. 8 Weeks beginning April 29 and ending June 17.
Instructor: Joe Farnham
Ages: 18+up
Cost: $306
Skill Level: Beginner Level. Many students will take Level 1 multiple times to continue throwing and build up their skill level before taking Level 2.

CLASS DESCRIPTION
Learn the skills necessary to make handmade, functional ceramics or build on your past wheel throwing knowledge. In this class students learn step by step how to throw successfully from start to finish. Each class will begin with an in depth wheel demonstration highlighting various pitfalls, solutions, and proper body mechanics. As students practice, they will receive one-on-one guidance and correction at the wheel. We will discuss methods for trimming, techniques for handles, and of course glazing! This class it is for all levels and Joe will work with each individual to progress their skills based on their experience and current skill level. This class is hands on. Come prepared to get dirty and make work!

LOGISTICS
Class fee includes 20 lbs of our in-house clay and firing. You can purchase additional clay if you end up wanting more. You will need a basic tool kit which you can either purchase from our online store or on the first day of class. You are also welcome to bring your own tools! Your class comes with 8 hours of open studio time to come in and practice what you are learning in class. More details about open studio times and logistics during the first week of class.

Wheel throwing Level 1 : 8 Week class

When: Wednesday mornings from 9:30am-12:30pm. 8 Weeks beginning April 30 and ending June 18.
Instructor: Kelly Brothers
Ages: 18+up
Cost: $306
Skill Level: Beginner Level. Many students will take Level 1 multiple times to continue throwing and build up their skill level before taking level 2.

CLASS DESCRIPTION
Learn the skills necessary to make handmade, functional ceramics. In this beginner level class (great for first timers or those who haven’t thrown in years) students learn step by step how to throw successfully from start to finish primarily focusing on smaller cups, mugs, bowls, and plates. Each class will begin with an in depth wheel demonstration highlighting various pitfalls, solutions, and proper body mechanics. As students practice, they will receive one-on-one guidance and correction at the wheel. We will learn methods for centering, trimming, techniques for handles, and basic surface and glazing techniques. Your instructor will work with each individual to progress their skills based on their skill level. This class is hands on. Come prepared to get dirty and make work!

LOGISTICS
Class fee includes 20 lbs of our in-house clay and firing. You can purchase additional clay if you end up wanting more. You will need a basic tool kit which you can either purchase from our online store or on the first day of class. You are also welcome to bring your own tools! Your class comes with 8 hours of open studio time to come in and practice what you are learning in class. More details about open studio times and logistics during the first week of class.

Wheel throwing Level 1 : 8 Week class

When: Wednesday evenings from 6:00pm-9:00pm. 8 Weeks beginning April 30 and ending June 18.
Instructor: Heather Fordham
Ages: 18+up
Cost: $306
Skill Level: Beginner Level. Many students will take Level 1 multiple times to continue throwing and build up their skill level before taking level 2.

CLASS DESCRIPTION
Learn the skills necessary to make handmade, functional ceramics. In this beginner level class (great for first timers or those who haven’t thrown in years) students learn step by step how to throw successfully from start to finish primarily focusing on smaller cups, mugs, bowls, and plates. Each class will begin with an in depth wheel demonstration highlighting various pitfalls, solutions, and proper body mechanics. As students practice, they will receive one-on-one guidance and correction at the wheel. We will learn methods for centering, trimming, techniques for handles, and basic surface and glazing techniques. Your instructor will work with each individual to progress their skills based on their skill level. This class is hands on. Come prepared to get dirty and make work!

LOGISTICS
Class fee includes 20 lbs of our in-house clay and firing. You can purchase additional clay if you end up wanting more. You will need a basic tool kit which you can either purchase from our online store or on the first day of class. You are also welcome to bring your own tools! Your class comes with 8 hours of open studio time to come in and practice what you are learning in class. More details about open studio times and logistics during the first week of class.

handbuilding independent study : 8 week class

When: Thursday mornings from 9:30 am-12:30 pm. 8 weeks beginning May 1 and ending June 19.
Instructor: Stephanie LeBaudour
Ages: 18+up
Cost: $292
Skill Level: Level 2, some previous handbuilding experience is required. Great for sculptors as well as those making functional pieces.

CLASS DESCRIPTION
Mentor lead independent study is a great option for those looking to pursue their own projects with an instructor available for a little hand holding, questions and guidance, and critique or feedback as requested. We hope that this class will foster community development, and shared knowledge and interdisciplinary crossover. Instead of each class having a formal demonstration yours instructors will offer demos and hands on guidance upon request. This class will be taught by Stephanie and comes with 8 hours of open studio time to continue work on your projects outside of class.

LOGISTICS
This class does not come with clay, you can purchase clay from us on the first day of class. You will need a basic tool kit which you can either purchase from our online store or on the first day of class. You are also welcome to bring your own tools! Your class comes with 8 hours of open studio time to come in and practice what you are learning in class. More details about open studio times and logistics during the first week of class.

surface design for wheel throwing or handbuilding: level 2
8 Week class

When: Thursday evenings from 6:00pm-9:00pm. 8 Weeks beginning May 1 and ending June 16.
Instructor: Kelly Brothers
Ages: 18+up
Cost: $320
Skill Level | Pre-requisites : Level 2. Experienced beginner to intermediate. Must have taken a multi week wheel throwing class at Petaluma Pottery or elsewhere.

CLASS DESCRIPTION
Expand your skills and learn new techniques for decorating and surfacing your work. In this level 2 class students will learn to go beyond just glazing and will dig deeper into surface decoration. This class is for those who already have a studio practice in place. Each week students will arrive with work made outside of class that is ready to be surfaced. Both wheel thrown and hand-built forms are welcome. Each class will cover one or more topics including: carving techniques, resist methods, pattern and image transfer, texturing, stencils, washes, advanced glazing techniques, and more. Students will receive guidance from the instructor on the best application of each technique for their specific work. Although some slabs will be provided for practice, students should be prepared to make a couple pieces, tiles, or slabs each week to bring to class with the clay of their choice.

LOGISTICS
Class fee includes a Kemper mini wire stylus, slip trailing bottle, some underglaze image transfers, use of community underglazes, slips, and washes for use during class, and during some classes pre-prepared slabs of clay. You can purchase as much or as little reclaim, carmel, hawaiian red, b3 brown, bmix, or speckled buff from our studio as you’d like which includes a firing fee. Your class comes with 8 hours of open studio time to come in and practice what you are learning in class. More details about open studio times and logistics during the first week of class.
Along with a basic tool kit students will need the following tools for this class. Metal rib, Mudtools yellow rib medium or large, 2” hake brush, 2-3 small paint brushes of their choice, Fettling knife, X-acto knife, scissors. We will send a more detailed list about materials 2 weeks prior to class.

level 2 wheel: Going bigger- pitchers, platters, and more
5 Week SERIES

When: Sunday mornings from 9:30am-12:30pm. 5 weeks- May 4, 18, 25, June 1, 22.
Please note this schedule has Sundays where there is not class. On May 11 (Mother’s Day) and June 15 (Father’s Day) the studio will be open for those who want to come in and work during normal class time but without any instruction. Those hours will NOT count towards your open studio hours but could be a good opportunity for you to come in and practice what you are learning in class and continue to work on your projects. THERE IS CLASS MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND.
Ages: 18+up
Cost: $235
Instructor: Kelly Brothers
Skill Level: Level 2. Should have taken a multi-week wheel throwing course at Petaluma Pottery or elsewhere. Should confidently be able to center 3-5 pounds of clay.

CLASS DESCRIPTION
In this level two class students will push beyond small bowls and cylinders and work on throwing bigger focusing on a variety of more complex forms. Students will also learn tips and techniques for trimming larger more complicated pieces and considerations for storing, firing, and glazing larger work.

LOGISTICS
This class comes with 20 pounds of clay. You will need a basic tool kit and a rubber rib for this class. Plan to bring your favorite tools! Your class comes with 8 hours of open studio time to come in and continue working on your projects or practice. More details about open studio times and logistics during the first week of class.

Forrest Lesch-Middelton founded FLM Ceramics and Tile, where he manages a small team making handmade pottery and tile in Petaluma, CA. In 2018 Forrest founded Petaluma Pottery with his wife Beth Schaible! He has a B.F.A. from the New York State College of Ceramics at Alfred University and an M.F.A. in Ceramics from Utah State University. He has taught at Sonoma State University, Diablo Valley College, Santa Rosa Junior College, and Utah State University. He also lectures and teaches workshops at universities and art centers across the country.
In 2014 Forrest was named the Ceramic Artist of the Year by Ceramics Monthly, and in 2017 he was a McKnight Fellow at the Northern Clay Center in Minneapolis, MN.
www.flmceramics.com

Stephanie LeBaudour is a ceramicist living in Petaluma, CA. She received her BFA with an emphasis in Sculpture and Ceramics from San Francisco State University. After graduating she participated in the post bachelors’ program with the ceramics department at SF State and taught art and ceramics classes for children in Marin County. Originally from Ohio, Stephanie fell in love with working with clay and painting as a child and is continuing to develop a body of work exploring the relationship between form and surface.
www.instagram.com/stephanielebaudour_ceramics

Heather Fordham has been pottering around with clay since high school. She holds a BA in art history from Mills College and a MA in museum studies from John F. Kennedy University. Through her time working in museums over the past twenty years, she has cared for and studied the work of prominent local and international ceramicists. In her own work, she prioritizes form over decoration and strives to make silhouettes that are both strong and delicate. She creates her pottery in her home studio in Petaluma, has been profiled in Sonoma Magazine and you may dine off her work at Table Culture Provisions.
www.instagram.com/heatherfordhamceramics

Kelly Brothers is a Petaluma local with a long time love for craft and fine arts. Self-taught in photography, she has spent over a decade behind the lenses of her digital and 35mm film cameras capturing portraits and moments both professionally and as a hobby. After starting on the wheel at Petaluma Pottery under current and former instructors, she became the apprentice at FLM Tile & Ceramics in March of 2020 where she continues to work with Forrest Lesch-Middelton in his tile studio and at Petaluma Pottery. During her time as an apprentice she has developed her body of wheel-thrown functional wares, incorporating her passion for political and environmental justice into the surface designs of her pots.
kellybrotherspottery.com

Lara Birchler is a multimedia artist, amateur naturalist, and professional educator. Lara has a BA from UC Santa Cruz (Fine Art), a CA Single Subject (Art) Teaching Credential from Cal State Long Beach, and 15 years of experience teaching Ceramics and other art courses in public high schools. She recently spent 3 years studying nature-based curriculum at the Weaving Earth Center for Relational Education. Now Lara devotes most of her time to working in the studio, learning from the wild world, and serving as a nature-connection and creativity mentor for kids. Though she has explored many different mediums since childhood, Lara’s path keeps bringing her back to clay. She treasures the satisfaction of making things that support people (plus other beings like birds and plants!) to be nourished and delighted. Lara moved to Sonoma Co. not long ago, and is very grateful to be a part of the Petaluma Pottery community.
www.instagram.com/larabirchler

Lily Hourigan is a multifaceted artist. She has enjoyed working with different mediums including paint, fabrics, tile, and (of course) clay. She has a BS in Industrial Design with a Minor in Labor Studies from San Francisco State University. Lily first experienced community through art at ArtStart in Santa Rosa where she lead groups of teens in creating public murals and mosaics. Since then, she joined the local clay studio in Arcata, CA where she explored the serenity and frustration of throwing pottery. She is now back in her hometown — Petaluma — where she is grateful to be part of the Petaluma Pottery community. Her pieces focus on both functionality and surface design. 
lily005.wixsite.com/lilyhourigan

Joe Farnham is a ceramicist living in Rohnert Park. He works in ceramic manufacturing in the Bay Area. Joe graduated from San Francisco State University with a B.S. in Business Marketing and a B.A. in Ceramics. He began his exploration of ceramics in high school, but truly fell in love with the art while taking a class with Forrest at the Santa Rosa Junior College. Joe previously worked out of Red Brick Studios in San Francisco, before moving to Sonoma County and building his own home studio. He has two daughters, and a cat named Peanut Marshmallow, who keep him very busy. When he is not working, playing with his children, or creating in his studio, Joe loves to play golf. Joe’s personal work focuses on wheel throwing with porcelain and high grog clay bodies. He loves to study the relationship between form and function, including how glazes can play a part in dictating how the piece can be used.
www.instagram.com/joethrows