NEW! Centering Basics

Instructors: Ethan Quillen
Saturday, 10AM-12:30PM
Location: Clay Studio
Tuition: $55

Centering clay on the wheel requires a blend of technical skills, steady practice, and patience. This workshop will break the process down step by step, guiding you toward achieving reliable results at the potter’s wheel.

Review the basics-from clay preparation and wheel setup to posture, body stabilization, and effective hand positioning. Explore how to open the clay properly to establish a strong floor and balanced walls, setting the stage for successful forms.

Learn essential techniques, along with tips and tricks, as you observe a guided demonstration designed to help you center with greater ease and control. Whether you’re sharpening your existing skills or working through centering challenges, this workshop will strengthen the foundational techniques that support a confident and consistent wheel practice. Clay will be provided. All levels-some wheel experience is required*

*Participants should have foundational centering skills and feel comfortable centering clay. Because the focus is on skill development and refining techniques, work created during this workshop will not be fired.

October 10 REGISTER>
November 7 REGISTER>

NEW! Throwing Larger Pieces

Instructors: Ethan Quillen
Saturday, 10AM-12:30PM
Location: Clay Studio
Tuition: $55

Looking to learn how to throw larger pieces? This workshop will guide you through the process of gradually creating larger forms on the wheel, working at your own pace and at the level you’re currently at. We’ll work with 3-10 pounds of clay, reviewing essential centering techniques while focusing on your individual throwing goals.

Centering larger amounts of clay requires a combination of technical skill, steady practice, and patience. This workshop breaks the process down step by step, helping you develop the control, confidence, and consistency needed to successfully work with larger forms.

We’ll review the fundamentals—from clay preparation and wheel setup to posture, body stabilization, and effective hand positioning. You’ll learn how to open the clay properly to establish a strong, even floor and develop balanced walls, creating a solid foundation for larger forms.

Through a guided demonstration and practice, you’ll explore ways to center larger pieces with greater ease and control. Whether you’re looking to strengthen your existing skills, tackle larger forms, or work through centering challenges, this workshop will help build the foundational techniques needed for a more confident and consistent wheel practice. Clay will be provided. Int./Adv.-some wheel experience is required*

*Participants should have foundational centering and throwing skills and be able to be center and throw pieces consistently. Because the focus is on skill development and refining techniques, work created during this workshop will not be fired.

October 17 REGISTER>

NEW! Alternative Firing Workshop

with Guest Instructor: Bob Green
Weekend Workshop
Location: Clay Studio
Tuition: $375

Join us for an exciting, hands-on pottery workshop focused on alternative firing methods! Explore a variety of dynamic techniques, including Raku & Naked Raku, Saggar firing, and Horse Hair firing. Discover the rich textures and striking crackle effects of the Obvara method, also known as Baltic Raku. Take your pottery to the next level by experimenting with terra sigillata and burnishing. Gain insight into age-old Japanese and Native American firing and glazing traditions, discovering how these time-honored techniques continue to inspire modern ceramic artistry. Students will bring their own greenware & bisqueware. Int/Advanced

Students will need to bring their own pieces for terra sigillata & firings

October 23-25 REGISTER>

Fire & Form: Alternative Firing Techniques

Instructors: Dave Meath, Ethan Quillen & Bethany Farrell
Wednesdays, 1-3:30PM
Location: Clay Studio
Tuition: $390

This class integrates both hand building and wheel throwing, with a focus on creating pieces and forms specifically for alternative firing processes. Experiment with surface decoration techniques using cobalt and salt as well as burnishing with terra sigillata for interesting finishes. Participate in multiple firings to explore a range of alternative methods, including Raku, Naked Raku (slip resist), Obvara, horsehair, and saggar pit firing. Each firing offers an opportunity for creative discovery as you reveal shimmery, iridescent, smokey matte surfaces or crackle effects. All levels, Adults /Teens 16+

Students will have access to the studio during open studio hours and an outdoor shelf space in a covered area to store pieces.

September 2-October 7 RUNNING

Monday Evening Wheel

Instructors: Dasha Kalisz & Kristi Tolgyesi
Mondays, 6-8:30PM
Location: Clay Studio
Tuition: $315

This class is for students of all skill levels. For beginners the focus is on basic skills. Students who have mastered centering will be challenged with projects that match their interests. We will all stretch and grow no matter where we begin! All levels Adult/Teens 16+

Students may purchase clay at the start of class. It is recommended that students bring their own aprons for class. Aprons are available at the studio for students who are unable to provide their own.

Fall Session: September 14-October 26  FULL/WAITLIST>

Monday Afternoon Hand Building

Instructor: Kathy Clarke
Mondays, Noon-2:30PM
Location: Clay Studio

Come sit around the table in the time honored activity of making pottery and sculpture using hands, tools, stamps, slips. Appropriate for beginners and professionals. Project ideas will be offered, independent projects welcome, and serious fun will be had! All levels/Adults

Students may purchase clay at the start of class. It is recommended that students bring their own aprons for class. Aprons are available at the studio for students who are unable to provide their own.

September 14-28 FULL/WAITLIST>
October 5-26, Tuition: $180  FULL/WAITLIST>
November 2-30, Tuition: $225  FULL/WAITLIST>
December 7-21, Tuition: $135  REGISTER>

Tuesday Hand Building

Instructor: Kathy Clarke
Tuesdays, 10AM-12:30PM
Location: Clay Studio

Come sit around the table in the time honored activity of making pottery and sculpture using hands, tools, stamps, slips. Appropriate for beginners and professionals. Project ideas will be offered, independent projects welcome, and serious fun will be had! All levels/Adult

Students may purchase clay at the start of class. It is recommended that students bring their own aprons for class. Aprons are available at the studio for students who are unable to provide their own.

September 1-29  RUNNING
October 6-27, Tuition: $180 REGISTER>
November 3-24, Tuition: $180 REGISTER>
December 1-22, Tuition: $180 REGISTER>

NEW! Wednesday Wheel

Instructor: Jen Labie
Wednesdays, 2-4:30PM
Location: Clay Studio
Tuition: $315

Focus on the essential techniques of wheel throwing while developing your skills at your own pace. We’ll begin with the fundamentals—centering, opening, and pulling walls to create cylinders—then gradually explore a variety of forms and techniques.

Beginners will be guided through each step of the process, from throwing on the wheel to trimming and glazing, while students with experience can refine their technique and expand their skills. Throughout the class, students will have an opportunity to explore their own creative style while experimenting with surface decoration. All levels, Adult/Teens 16+

Students may purchase clay at the start of class. It is recommended that students bring their own aprons for class. Aprons are available at the studio for students who are unable to provide their own.

Fall Session: October 28-December 16*  FULL/WAITLIST>
*no class on November 25 due to Thanksgiving

Wednesday Evening Hand Building

Instructors: Catherine Brooks, Bethany Farrell & Elizabeth Stahl
Wednesdays, 6-8:30PM
Location: Clay Studio
Tuition: $360

Discover the endless creative possibilities of hand building with clay! Explore a range of methods—including slab, coil, & pinch construction to build both functional and sculptural forms. Additionally, students will focus on elements of design such as sgraffito, applique, underglaze surface decoration and more.  

While the class will introduce a variety of traditional techniques and project ideas, students will also have the freedom to pursue distinct creative visions. A team of instructors will bring different approaches to hand building and will simultaneously bolster concepts from one class to the next. This class offers students of all experience levels the opportunity to refine hand building skills. All levels, Adults/Teens 16+

Students may purchase clay at the start of class. It is recommended that students bring their own aprons for class. Aprons are available at the studio for students who are unable to provide their own.

Fall Session: September 2-October 21 RUNNING

Thursday Morning Wheel

Instructors: Kathy Clarke & Cath Manegold
Thursdays, 10AM-12:30PM
Location: Clay Studio

This wheel class will focus on improving skills as needed for each student to grow in their abilities. We will cover centering, pulling up, shaping, trimming, surface treatment before bisquing and glazing after. Gaining confidence in the basics allows for self exploration in specific areas: rims, feet, lids, handles, spouts, altering, throwing larger and generally challenging yourself. Historic and contemporary pottery will be our inspiration. Join us for a fun class! Students purchase clay at the start of class. All levels, Adults/Teens 16+

Students may purchase clay at the start of class. It is recommended that students bring their own aprons for class. Aprons are available at the studio for students who are unable to provide their own.

Fall Session 1: September 3-October 22 RUNNING
Fall Session 2: October 29-December 17*, Tuition: $315,  REGISTER>
*no class on November 26 for Thanksgiving

Thursday Evening Wheel

Instructor: Saisorn Peemanao
Thursdays, 6-8:30 PM
Location: Clay Studio

This class will focus on making functional pottery using the potter’s wheel. Students will learn how to make bowls, cups, and plates. Several altering techniques will be demonstrated for making oval, square, and irregular forms in addition to round pots. Appendages such as handles, feet, and spouts will be considered in relation to form and function. Clay can be purchased at the beginning of class. All levels/Teens 16+

Students may purchase clay at the start of class. It is recommended that students bring their own aprons for class. Aprons are available at the studio for students who are unable to provide their own

Fall Session 1: September 3-22 RUNNING
Fall Session 2: October 29-December 17*, Tuition: $315,  FULL/WAITLIST>
*no class on November 26 for Thanksgiving

Independent Study

Monthly sessions
Tuition: $120

Independent Study is an option for more experienced potters who are interested in studio time rather than a class setting. Adults/Teens 16+

After taking two Adult weekly pottery classes (minimum 4-week session) at MSS, students are eligible to register for Independent Study to have access to the clay studio during open studio hours. Each participant will have a shelf for their work, clay and tools during the session. Open studio hours are offered daily and listed online on the open studio calendar which is updated regularly.

Tuition includes access to the studio which is equipped with a hand building room, wheel throwing room, and glazing area. Clay must be purchased at the studio which includes the cost of firing, and any outside glazes must be approved before firing. MSS offers a variety of clay to work with, including terracotta or white & brown stoneware.

Due to our limited space & capacity for firings, there is a limit of 2 bags of clay a month per participant. Independent study potters may glaze fire up 10 pieces per month (average in size, i.e. mugs, bowls). Please monitor how many pieces you glaze per month, to ensure to not exceed the limit. Sessions are offered on a monthly schedule and fill on a first-come, first-served basis. Independent study is a very popular offering, so slots fill quickly. We apologize that we cannot accommodate all who are interested.

How to Register

A new monthly session of independent study opens up for enrollment each month. A registration link will be listed online on the 1st day of each month, unless the 1st falls on a weekend or Holiday. If the first day of the month falls on a Holiday or weekend, enrollment will open up on the next business day.  Check below for the registration link and if a session is full there is an option to add yourself to a waitlist.

Cancellation Policy

No refunds will be issued for Independent Study cancellations made less than 7 days prior to the first day of the session. A partial refund may be issued for cancellations made within a week of the start date.

September RUNNING

October FULL/WAITLIST>

November REGISTER>

Check our open studio hours on our clay studio calendar