
A flagship program of Oklahoma Contemporary since 1989, ceramic classes and workshops take place in state-of-the-art facilities at Studio School under expert instruction. After creating works in the Leigh Ann and Paul Albers Outdoor Studio, students may fire their works of art at a range of temperatures and atmospheres in several kilns, including two outdoor gas kilns custom built by Donovan Palmquist of Master Kiln Builders. Studio School is also home to the state’s only community salt and soda kiln.
Learn more about the instructors' backgrounds and teaching approaches here.
Questions about a multi-week class? Tuition for multi-week courses does not include materials. When signing up for a class, all students agree to abide by the policies set forth in the Student Handbook.
FALL SESSION
Eight-week classes | Sept. 25-Nov. 19
Four-week classes | Session 1 | Oct. 1-Oct. 22
Interested in more than just Ceramics? See our full class and workshop list here.
Eight-Week Class | Nerikomi Patterns: Color and Clay
- Date 6-8:30 p.m., Thursdays, Sept. 28-Nov. 16
- Cost $225
- Location The Studios | Kim and Steve Bruno Hand Building Studio
- Instructor / Presenter Isa Rodriguez
- Age Requirements 18+
- Contact studioschool@okcontemp.org

REQUIRED Prerequisites: Introduction to Ceramics
Registration extended to September 25!
Learn to use slab building techniques to make complex patterned forms like marbling, stripes, and checkered grids. This class combines technical demonstrations with plenty of time to experiment and create.
This class has a required materials fee of $17 that includes 2 colors of Mason Stains. You will purchase this on the first night of class.
• Course syllabus and materials list is available here.
• If one class is postponed due to weather or unforeseen instructor circumstances, the rain date is November 30.
Open Studio time is included with registration. Open Studio allows currently enrolled students to work on their projects in Oklahoma Contemporary’s studios outside of class meetings. Availability varies weekly and times are posted outside each studio.
Eight-Week Class | Treat Yo' Self with Liv
- Date 6-9 p.m., Thursdays, Sept. 28-Nov. 16
- Cost $265
- Location The Studios | Lynda and Chuck Nelson Wheel Throwing Studio
- Instructor / Presenter Liv Egan
- Age Requirements 18+
- Contact studioschool@okcontemp.org

REQUIRED Prerequisites: Wheel Throwing 1 and Wheel Throwing 2 or Altered Forms
REGISTRATION ENDS SEPTEMBER 22
This is an advanced class with required prerequisites. Join Liv and make dessert trees, cake stands, teapots, sugar bowls and creamers in this treat-themed class. If you’re good, you’ll get a tea party on the last day of class and if you’re bad, we probably already like you. Sweet.
• Download course syllabus and materials list here.
• If one class is postponed due to weather or unforeseen instructor circumstances, the rain date is November 30.
Open Studio time is included with registration. Open Studio allows currently enrolled students to work on their projects in Oklahoma Contemporary’s studios outside of class meetings. Availability varies weekly and times are posted outside each studio.
Eight-Week Class | Wheel Throwing 1 - Wed. a.m.
- Date 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Wednesdays, Sept.27-Nov. 15
- Cost $225
- Location The Studios | Lynda and Chuck Nelson Wheel Throwing Studio
- Instructor / Presenter Liv Egan
- Age Requirements 18+
- Contact studioschool@okcontemp.org

Required Prerequisite: Introduction to Ceramics
Registration ends September 22.
This course focuses exclusively on the potter’s wheel. Expanding on the techniques covered in Introduction to Ceramics, this class will improve your skills on the wheel. You will make mugs, cups and bowls while learning more about firing techniques, temperatures and atmospheres.
• Download your syllabus and materials list here.
• If one class is postponed due to weather or unforeseen instructor circumstances, the rain date is November 29.
Open Studio time is included with registration. Open Studio allows currently enrolled students to work on their projects in Oklahoma Contemporary’s studios outside of class meetings. Availability varies weekly, and times are posted outside each studio.
Want to enroll in Wheel Throwing 1 but haven’t taken Introduction to Ceramics? Special admittance to the class is granted on a case-by-case-basis pending approval from David Stevens, Manager of Ceramics Program and Studio. Email: dstevens@okcontemp.org for more information.
Eight-Week Class | Wheel Throwing 2
- Date 6-9 PM, Mondays, Sept. 25-Nov. 13
- Cost $265
- Location The Studios | Lynda and Chuck Nelson Wheel Throwing Studio
- Instructor / Presenter David Stevens
- Age Requirements 18+
- Contact studioschool@okcontemp.org

SOLD OUT! Please sign up to be on the waitlist here.
REQUIRED Prerequisites: Wheel Throwing 1
This class builds upon skills and techniques introduced in Wheel Throwing 1. In Wheel 2, you’ll practice throwing larger pots while also learning to make various styles of lidded vessels. The class begins with pitchers and finishes with teapots— one of the most challenging and rewarding forms.
Download syllabus and materials list here.
If one class is postponed due to weather or unforeseen instructor circumstances, the rain date is November 20.
Open Studio time is included with registration. Open Studio allows currently enrolled students to work on their projects in Oklahoma Contemporary’s studios outside of class meetings. Availability varies weekly and times are posted outside each studio.
Eight-Week Class | Hand building: Vessels
- Date 6-8:30 PM, Mondays, Sept. 25-Nov. 13
- Cost $225
- Location The Studios | Kim and Steve Bruno Hand Building Studio
- Instructor / Presenter Liz Parham
- Age Requirements 18+
- Contact studioschool@okcontemp.org
Sold out! Please sign up to be on the waitlist here.
REQUIRED Prerequisites: Introduction to Ceramics
Expand your hand building skills and learn to make different forms of vessels. Experiment with surface adornment and intermediate building techniques.
Course syllabus and required material list available here.
If one class is postponed due to weather or unforeseen instructor circumstances, the rain date is November 20.
Open Studio time is included with registration. Open Studio allows currently enrolled students to work on their projects in Oklahoma Contemporary’s studios outside of class meetings. Availability varies weekly and times are posted outside each studio.
Want to enroll in Hand Building: Vessels but haven’t taken Introduction to Ceramics? Special admittance to the class is granted on a case-by-case-basis pending approval from David Stevens, Manager of Ceramics Program and Studio. Email: dstevens@okcontemp.org for more information.
Eight-Week Class | Introduction to Ceramics - Tuesday
- Date 6-8:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Sept. 26-Nov. 14
- Cost $225
- Location The Studios | Kim and Steve Bruno Hand Building Studio and Lynda and Chuck Nelson Wheel Throwing Studio
- Instructor / Presenter Liz Parham
- Age Requirements 18+
- Contact studioschool@okcontemp.org

Sold out! Please sign up to be on the wait list here.
Beginners welcome, no experience necessary.
Learn to create sculptural forms and functional vessels like mugs, plates and bowls. This course introduces the two main techniques of ceramic arts: hand building and wheel throwing. We begin with a focus on hand building skills, such as pinching, coiling and slab building. In the second half of class, you’ll learn how to use the potter’s wheel. The class also touches on the science and art of slips, glazes and textures as well as historic and contemporary ceramic artists. Have fun, create functional art and remind your fingers they can do more than scroll.
• If you need a ceramics tool-kit you can purchase it ($32) on the first day.
• You'll also need to purchase a 25 lb bag of clay on the first day. The cost of clay ranges from $17-25 per 25 lb bag.
Download your course syllabus and materials list here.
If one class is postponed due to weather or unforeseen instructor circumstances, the rain date is November 28.
Open Studio time is included with registration. Open Studio allows currently enrolled students to work on their projects in Oklahoma Contemporary’s studios outside of class meetings. Availability varies weekly, and times are posted outside each studio.
Eight-Week Class | Wheel Throwing 1 - Wed. p.m.
- Date 6-8:30 p.m., Wednesdays, Sept.27-Nov. 15
- Cost $225
- Location The Studios | Lynda and Chuck Nelson Wheel Throwing Studio
- Instructor / Presenter Joe Cox
- Age Requirements 18+
- Contact studioschool@okcontemp.org

Required Prerequisite: Introduction to Ceramics
SOLD OUT! Please join our waitlist.
This course focuses exclusively on the potter’s wheel. Expanding on the techniques covered in Introduction to Ceramics, this class will improve your skills on the wheel. You will make mugs, cups and bowls while learning more about firing techniques, temperatures and atmospheres.
• Download your course syllabus and materials list here.
• If one class is postponed due to weather or unforeseen instructor circumstances, the rain date is November 29.
Open Studio time is included with registration. Open Studio allows currently enrolled students to work on their projects in Oklahoma Contemporary’s studios outside of class meetings. Availability varies weekly, and times are posted outside each studio.
Want to enroll in Wheel Throwing 1 but haven’t taken Introduction to Ceramics? Special admittance to the class is granted on a case-by-case-basis pending approval from David Stevens, Manager of Ceramics Program and Studio. Email: dstevens@okcontemp.org for more information.
Eight-Week Class | Introduction to Ceramics - Saturday
- Date 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Saturdays, Sept. 30-Nov. 18
- Cost $225
- Location The Studios | Kim and Steve Bruno Hand Building Studio and Lynda and Chuck Nelson Wheel Throwing Studio
- Instructor / Presenter Joe Cox
- Age Requirements 18+
- Contact studioschool@okcontemp.org

SOLD OUT! Please join our waitlist.
Beginners welcome, no experience necessary. Learn to create sculptural forms and functional vessels like mugs, plates and bowls. This course introduces the two main techniques of ceramic arts: hand building and wheel throwing. We begin with a focus on hand building skills, such as pinching, coiling and slab building. In the second half of class, you’ll learn how to use the potter’s wheel. The class also touches on the science and art of slips, glazes and textures as well as historic and contemporary ceramic artists. Have fun, create functional art and remind your fingers they can do more than scroll.
• If you need a ceramics tool-kit you can purchase it ($32) on the first day.
• You'll also need to purchase a 25 lb bag of clay on the first day. The cost of clay ranges from $17-25 per 25 lb bag.
• Download your course syllabus and materials list here.
• If one class is postponed due to weather or unforeseen instructor circumstances, the rain date is December 2.
Open Studio time is included with registration. Open Studio allows currently enrolled students to work on their projects in Oklahoma Contemporary’s studios outside of class meetings. Availability varies weekly, and times are posted outside each studio.
Eight-Week Rental | Wheel Throwing and Hand Building Rental
- Date July 10-September 3
- Cost prices vary (see description)
- Location Studios Building | Cathy and Phil Busey Ceramic Studio
- Age Requirements 18+
- Contact dstevens@okcontemp.org
Looking for an opportunity to work independently in the Wheel Throwing and Hand Building Studio? Eight-week rentals occur during Studio School's sessions.
Rentals space is shared and semi private. Rental prices do not include clay or firing costs. Full-time renters receive a discount on firing costs.
Full-day rentals (M-F 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., weekends 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.): $595
Half-day rentals AM (M-F 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., weekends 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.): $300
Half-day rentals PM (M-F 4-8 p.m., weekends 2-5 p.m.): $300
Renters must purchase clay from Studio School or may use their own clay with prior approval of David Stevens.
To secure your rental, email dstevens@okcontemp.org.
Four-Week Rental | Wheel Throwing and Hand Building Rental
- Date Can start anytime, based on studio availability.
- Cost prices vary (see description)
- Location Studios Building | Cathy and Phil Busey Ceramic Studio
- Age Requirements 18+
- Contact dstevens@okcontemp.org
Looking for an opportunity to work independently in the Wheel Throwing and Hand Building Studio? Four-week rentals can begin anytime, based on studio availability.
Rentals space is shared and semi private. Rental prices do not include clay or firing costs. Full-time renters receive a discount on firing costs.
Full-day rentals (M-F 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., weekends 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.): $320
Half-day rentals AM (M-F 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., weekends 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.): $160
Half-day rentals PM (M-F 4-8 p.m., weekends 2-5 p.m.): $160
Renters must purchase clay from Studio School or may use their own clay with prior approval of David Stevens.
To secure your rental, email dstevens@okcontemp.org.
Community Firings
- Cost varies - email for quote
- Location Studios Building | Ceramics Studio
- Contact dstevens@okcontemp.org

Working on a ceramic project and need access to a kiln? Ceramicists in central Oklahoma are invited to use Studio School’s several electric and two large-scale gas kilns, including a salt and soda kiln custom built by Donovan Palmquist of Master Kiln Builders.
Bisque—$7 per cubic foot
Cone 6—$5 per cubic foot
Cone 10—$12 per cubic foot
Cone 10, Soda—$14 per cubic foot
For more information contact us at dstevens@okcontemp.org.