Wheel Throwing Fundamentals
Adult Course | Available
If you want to try the potter's wheel for the first time, you are new to clay and/or haven't worked in the ASLD ceramics studio, this workshop is a prerequisite for enrolling in our beginning and intermediate wheel classes. This introductory workshop will focus on basic wheel techniques and introduce you to studio practices and ASLD ceramics studio policies. The first few sessions will focus on building a solid framework of skills including pinch pots, centering, making cylinders and trimming. In the final sessions, you will learn to glaze your work and continue practicing throwing to assist you in getting the feel of clay and the wheel. The goal of this workshop is to provide you with the fundamentals to make a successful transition into your next wheel class.
Each class includes a standard weekly lab fee which covers the cost of firing and glazing. This class has an additional clay fee, the clay used during class may only be used in class. If you would like to attend open studio, students will need to purchase clay through the registration office at ASLD and must be done in person: $20 for 25lbs of stoneware, $25 for 25lbs of porcelain, and $10 for 12lbs of our studio made clay. Please only purchase clay from ASLD, unless approved by the studio manager. No low-fire clays may be used at ASLD.
Currently enrolled students have access to Ceramic open studio for a $10 fee. Please see the whiteboard in the hallway for updated open studio hours.
Please review the ceramics studio policies before attending the first class: CERAMICS STUDIO POLICIES
Community tools are available for student use, in exception of a small sponge. If you prefer personal tools, a basic ceramics tool kit, small sponges and large clean up sponges may be available for purchase at ASLD on a first come, first served basis. We welcome you to bring any new, used, found and repurposed tools you may have.
- Please bring to class:
- -Your favorite tools
- Optional
- -Apron
-Towel
-Clean up sponge-
- If you purchase your own tools, we suggest you assemble a basic tool kit that includes:
- - Potter's rib (wood and or rubber)
- Metal rib
- Wood modeling tool
- Needle tool
- Trimming tool(s)
- Throwing sponge
- Local Ceramic supply stores:
- Rocky Mountain Clay 1220 W 1st Ave, Denver, CO 80223
Continental Clay 5303 East 47th Ave., Denver, CO 80216
Stoneleaf Pottery 6611 W 58th Pl, Arvada, CO 80003
Meiningers 499 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203
Jack Heimerman
Jack Heimerman has a BFA in ceramics from Northern Arizona University, and has a background in atmospheric firing techniques like wood and sagger firing. He has exhibited his work nationally and internationally. He taught adult and children's wheel throwing at the Art League School in Alexandria, VA, before moving to Colorado a few years ago.
Jack's approach to teaching allows for independent growth and exploration while giving students hands on instruction to master the fundamentals of throwing. As the student becomes more proficient on the wheel, they are given greater creative license to follow their own personal style.