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: November 22, 23, 30. 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 night on the wheel

Instructors: Kelly Brothers | Forrest Middelton | Lily Hourigan | Lara Birchler | Heather Fordham
Cost: $52
Skill Level: All levels, great for beginners.
Ages: 13+up
UPCOMING DATES: More dates coming soon.

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: 13+ up
Instructor: Stephanie LeBaudour
Cost: $52
Skill Level: All levels, great for beginners.
Date: More Dates Coming Soon

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.

Your Next Pot: Steps Toward Fulfilling Your Personal Vision in ClaY with Mark Shapiro

Instructor: Mark Shapiro
Ages: 17+up
Cost: $285
Skill Level: Some experience is required
Dates: December 14 & 15 from 10:00-4:00 each day.

CLASS DESCRIPTION
In this two day course we’ll focus on making pots that invite use and communicate your personal vision, building on the looking and making skills that will help you to move from where you are to where you want to be. Students will work on their own projects with Mark’s demos responding to the classes’s work. Topics to include throwing technique, details of form and surface, proportion, and decoration and more. Emphasis will be on the wheel, with hand builders welcome. Some clay experience is preferred.
INSTRUCTOR BIO
Mark Shapiro has taught numerous workshops nationally and internationally and mentored a number of apprentices at his Stonepool Pottery. His work is included in many public collections. He edited A Chosen Path: The Ceramic Art of Karen Karnes (UNCP 2010) and has published many articles, reviews and interviews. A 2019 Smithsonian Artist Resident Fellow and 2021 Craft Research Fund recipient, he co-curated Crafting Freedom: The Life and Legacy of Black Potter Thomas W. Commeraw at the New-York Historical Society (2023). He is on the board of the American Ceramic Circle and an advisor to Studio Potter Magazine and the Ceramics in America journal. He is currently a Smithsonian National Museum of American History Research Associate.

COCOA MUGS

Ages: 12+up
Instructor: Stephanie LeBaudour
Cost: $52
Skill Level: All levels, great for beginners.
Date: Saturday, November 16 from 1:30-3:30pm.

CLASS DESCRIPTION
Join us at our community studio to make your own holiday slab built cocoa mugs, perfect for morning hot chocolate, 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. Arrive ready to get dirty wearing clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting clay on. Bring your own apron.

handbuilt luminaries

Ages: 10+up
Instructor: Heather Fordham
Cost: $54
Skill Level: All levels, great for beginners.
Date: Saturday, November 23 from 3:00-5:00pm.

CLASS DESCRIPTION
Handbuild your own luminaries / votive holders. In this two hour course you will learn slab built construction techniques as well as piercing and decorating to make two candle holders. Sign up fee includes enough clay to make two slab built luminaries, use of tools, instruction, glaze, and firing of up to 2 pieces. Arrive ready to get dirty wearing clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting clay on. Bring your own apron.

HOLIDAY COOKIE TRAYS

Ages: 12+up
Instructor: Stephanie LeBaudour
Cost: $52
Skill Level: All levels, great for beginners.
Dates: Friday, November 29 from 11:00am-1:00pm

CLASS DESCRIPTION
In this two hour course you will learn slab building techniques to create your own small to medium sized cookie trays. You will learn decorating and finishing skills and learn to add handles as wanted. Sign up fee includes enough clay to make two pieces, use of tools, instruction, glaze, and firing of up to 2 pieces. Arrive ready to get dirty wearing clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting clay on. Bring your own apron.

Wheel throwing level 1 : 8 Week class

When: Monday mornings from 9:30am-12:30pm. 8 Weeks beginning October 21 and ending December 9. Please note there is class on Veteran’s Day.
Instructor: Kelly Brothers
Ages: 18+up
Cost: $305
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 October 21 and ending December 9. Please note there is class on Veteran’s Day.
Ages: 18+up
Instructor: Stephanie LeBaudour
Cost: $305
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.

handbuilding for the table : 8 Week class

When: Tuesday mornings from 9:30am-12:30pm. 8 Weeks beginning October 22 and ending December 10.
Ages: 18+up
Cost: $305
Instructor: Stephanie LeBaudour
Skill Level: Level 1. No experience is necessary.

CLASS DESCRIPTION
As potters, we love to gather around the table and share a meal using platters, bowls, serving dishes, and more made by hand by some of our favorite people. In this course you will handbuild pieces specifically for the table including small plate sets, serving dishes, butter dishes, pourers, and more. You will learn slab building, pinching, coiling, and decoration techniques.

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! 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 October 22 and ending December 10.
Instructor: Joe Farnham
Ages: 18+up
Cost: $305
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 : 7 Week class

When: Wednesday mornings from 9:30am-12:30pm. 7 Weeks beginning October 23 and ending December 11. There is not class on November 27.
Instructor: Kelly Brothers
Ages: 18+up
Cost: $280
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 : 7 Week class

When: Wednesday evenings from 6:00pm-9:00pm. 7 Weeks beginning October 23 and ending December 11. There is no class on Nov. 27.
Instructor: Heather Fordham
Ages: 18+up
Cost: $280
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 : 7 week class

When: Thursday mornings from 9:30 am-12:30 pm. 7 Weeks beginning October 24 and ending December 11. Please note there IS class on October 31. There is NO class on November 28.
Instructor: Stephanie LeBaudour
Ages: 18+up
Cost: $260
Skill Level: Level 2, some previous handbuilding experience is required.

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.

THROWING Big : LEvel 2: 5 Week class

When: Thursday evenings from 6:00pm-9:00pm. 5 Weeks: October 24, November 7, 14, 21, December 5.
Instructor: Kelly Brothers
Ages: 18+up
Cost: $210
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
This class in our Throwing Big series will focus on large serving dishes and shallow forms including bowls and platters. This 5 week session is intended to take your wheel throwing skills of large forms to the next level. Each class will begin with a wheel throwing demonstration focusing on methods to help fine tune and finesse your throwing skills. Students will then throw their own pieces and receive feedback, guidance, and critique on your body mechanics and techniques as well as your pots forms and function. We will also cover trimming and glazing as it relates to larger pieces!

LOGISTICS
Class comes with a 25 lb bag of clay. 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 6 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.

six weeks of surface : 6 Week class

When: Sunday mornings from 9:30am-12:30pm. 6 Weeks beginning October 27 and ending December 1.
Ages: 18+up
Cost: $275
Instructor: Kelly Brothers
Skill Level: Level 2. Experienced beginner to intermediate. This course is designed either for members, those able to come in during open studio hours to make pieces, those with their own studios or who can work at home, or those enrolled in another class. Students will not be making work in class but rather focusing on surface decorating techniques on the pieces, tiles, or slabs they have prepared for class.

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.

LOGISTICS
Class fee includes a Kemper mini wire stylus, slip trailing bottle, some underglaze image transfers, 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, bmix, or speckled buff from our studio as you’d like which includes a firing fee. Your class comes with 6 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. We will send a more detailed list about materials 2 weeks prior to 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

Emma Logan is an artist and educator based in Petaluma, CA. She received her MFA at Mills College, preceded by a BA with an emphasis in ceramics at San Francisco State University, and first fell in love with clay taking classes at the junior college. In addition to making sculpture and installation works using clay and other natural materials, Emma is a naturalist and researcher with a passion for examining our relationships to agriculture, community, and the world around us.
emmaloganceramics.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