Sprouting Up: Beginner Wheel
Fridays 7:30-9:30pm
March 29th - May 31st
$450

Join us in the Sprouting Up class and learn the basics of the potter’s wheel or build on what you know! We’ll cover the foundations of wheelwork, including wedging, centering clay, forming cylinders, trimming, pulling handles, and glazing techniques - That’s a lot! Get your hands dirty and set the table with your own handmade mugs, bowls, & other functional forms. Let the wheel spin and your skills blossom in this rejuvenating and creative class!

Cups by Ryan McDonald

Experiment with surface treatments that reflect the vibrancy of spring. Explore carving, slip application, and glazing techniques to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your creations.

Get your hands dirty during ten weeks of instruction and try out clay for the first time or build on your current skills while working with Ryan. This is an ideal class if you have little to no experience with clay, or have just taken one or two classes. We recommend that you take an introductory class two or more times (over consecutive quarters) to build your skills.

Prerequisites: None. All levels welcome - come join the fun!

Items are limited to 15” in any direction.

You must be 15+ years of age to participate. Bring an apron, comfy clothes, a quart-sized container (like a yogurt container), and a beginner's set of tools to the first class. Tool kits are available for purchase online or at SPS or CAC. Or here is another option on Amazon. The class fee includes one bag of clay (25 pounds), all glazing materials, firings, and generous open-studio access for practice time.

Ryan McDonald, @Ambivert_Ceramics

About the Instructor:
Ryan McDonald (he/him) | AVC Ambivert Ceramics

Artist Statement
I am a potter because I derive pleasure from making useful items of beauty for lovers of thoughtful craftsmanship.

The fundamentals of making pottery are a joy to refine daily. Executing them well revolves around understanding a host of variables. Even when proficiently learned, one’s approach to pottery finds its unique expression. A technique that provides an outlet for my personal style is applying dark liquid clay to lighter clay bodies and carving freehand patterns into the resulting forms. Much of my work is finished this way, with exteriors often unglazed. This allows the natural attributes of the raw materials and the effects of the soda kiln the work is fired to shine.

Pottery from all of humanity’s cultural history interests me. My philosophy is that our collective is greater than the sum of its parts. However, from an aesthetic standpoint, I am drawn to the Japanese ceramics tradition. In particular, Shoji Hamada’s way of life and approach to being a potter influences my own. As I focus on making functional ware, and as an avid connoisseur and home-cook of Japanese cuisine, especially ramen, many of my current pieces are inspired by these elements.

I am committed to the unity of the human family. It is important that unpleasant aspects of our history be remembered to avoid repeating atrocities. As a descendant of American chattel slavery survivors, I must help people remember the pain that is bound up with the past and chained to the present. Therefore, the colors and designs I use in portions of my work are connected to my roots within the African Diaspora. This choice is not a nod to feelings of racial superiority or nationalistic pride. As a descendant of individuals who were denied their personal dignity and cultural history, I view it as my responsibility to honor both of those concepts as a part of my creative process.

While there are some somber aspects to my work, these are not the focus. What I love most is the process of making useful items out of clay and belonging to the global community of craftspeople. Thank you for taking an interest in my work. I am deeply grateful for the privilege to be a potter. Your support makes it possible.

 
Bio:
I was born in Seattle, Washington, 1985. I grew up as an only child to a single mom.  We didn't have much materially, but she did what she could, and that was always enough. I was a happy kid because of her love and care for me. Our extended family is also a haven of peace. Grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins are a continuous source of wisdom and reassurance as I travel life’s journey. 

My first experience with pottery was in my late teens when I began attending Green River Community College. I graduated from there with my AA degree in 2008. After that, I started working in the trades as a flooring installer. I took to throwing again in 2018 at Moshier Community Art Center, where I eventually started to volunteer. Now I am an instructor there. The end of 2022 was a time of positive change for me. I started working at Rain City Clay as an instructor and at Rat City Studios as the Studio Manager.

Life has been happy up to this point. Like most people, though, there have been challenges. My late twenties were the flashpoint in my enduring struggle with depression. Coming to a place of self-acceptance and taking accountability for my lack of inner peace has been a  painful process.  However, as societal stigma surrounding mental health recedes, I try to be open about the difficulties I’ve had. Getting the help I need has greatly improved my wellbeing and relationships with others. Part of what has helped is pursuing creative endeavors. If my work can inspire others to care for themselves and their neighbor from the inside out, all my artistic efforts will have been worth it. 

I am greatly indebted to many people for helping me to pursue the life of a potter. Their advice, encouragement, and patience enabled me to support myself and loved ones. To my family, friends, mentors, colleagues, and students: Thank you so very much. 

Class refund policy:

Cancellations must be made via email to info@raincityclay.com
If you want to cancel your class, you may request a refund based on the bullet points below. Then you may rebook yourself for a class that fits better into your schedule. Last-minute cancellations in classes are difficult to fill - please double-check your schedule before committing to an event. Refunds take several business days to process from the date we receive the email request.

  • 100% of tuition (less a $15 processing fee) will be refunded if a student elects to drop a class no later than ten days (10 days) before the first class meeting.

  • 80% of tuition (less a $15 processing fee) will be refunded if a student drops a class within 7 business days before the first class meeting.

  • 50% of tuition (less a $15 processing fee) will be refunded if a student drops a class within 3 business days before the first class meeting.

  • 0% of tuition is refunded if cancellation is made within two days of class for any reason except for documented medical emergencies. (providing a doctor's note). There are no other exceptions to this policy.

  • No refunds or credit will be given for missed classes. Students currently enrolled in 10-week classes may practice during open studio time to build skills even if a class is missed. One-day clay events and lessons do not come with open studio time.

  • We reserve the right to cancel a class or workshop up to 3 days in advance of the first class due to insufficient enrollment. If a class is canceled, you will be offered the option of another class or a full refund.