Oklahoma Contemporary
Hands manipulating clay on pottery wheel

Ceramics

Winter registration is open!

Members: Dec. 2, 10 a.m.
Non members: Dec. 9, 10 a.m.


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.

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.

Interested in more than just Ceramics? See our full class and workshop list here.


Eight-Week Class | Magical and Maddening Mold Making!

  • Date 6-9 p.m., Mondays, Jan. 13-March 10, 2025
  • Cost $255
  • Location The Studios | Kim and Steve Bruno Hand Building Studio
  • Instructor / Presenter David Stevens
  • Age Requirements 18+
  • Contact studioschool@okcontemp.org
A 3-D X shape with bones, a skull, a salt shaker and kittens on it

No class on Jan. 20

No experience necessary. You asked for it and here it is! This introductory mold-making class will walk you through identifying and preparing objects for making press molds and two-part molds out of plaster for slip casting. You’ll learn how to prep everyday objects for slip casting molds and how to properly mix plaster for the slip casting process. You will cast objects out of porcelain or stoneware, and we will discuss multiple finishing techniques unique to the casting process.

• Download your syllabus and materials list here.

• If one class is postponed due to weather or unforeseen instructor circumstances, the rain date is March 17.

On the first night of class, students will purchase a kit of materials ($50) that supplies everything you need for mold making magic and madness. Your kit includes: mold straps, mixing containers, sponges, steel scrapers, speed clamps, and plaster.

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.


Register

Eight-Week Class | Wheel Throwing 1 - Monday

  • Date 6-8:30 p.m., Mondays, Jan. 13-March 10, 2025
  • Cost $225
  • Location The Studios | Lynda and Chuck Nelson Wheel Throwing Studio
  • Instructor / Presenter Brian Bosworth
  • Age Requirements 18+
  • Contact studioschool@okcontemp.org
Close up view of hands manipulating clay on a wheel

No class Jan. 20
Required Prerequisite:
Introduction to Ceramics

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 March 17.

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.

Register

Eight-Week Class | Introduction to Ceramics - Tuesday AM

  • Date 11:30-2:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Jan. 14-March 4, 2025
  • Cost $225
  • Location The Studios | Lynda and Chuck Nelson Wheel Throwing Studio and Kim and Steve Bruno Hand Building Studio
  • Instructor / Presenter David Stevens
  • Age Requirements 18+
  • Contact studioschool@okcontemp.org
Ceramic cups of various shapes and sizes

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 ($17) 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 course syllabus and materials list here.

• If one class is postponed due to weather or unforeseen instructor circumstances, the rain date is March 11.

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.

Register

Eight-Week Class | Introduction to Ceramics - Tuesday PM

  • Date 6-8:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Jan. 14-March 4, 2025
  • 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
Ceramic cups of various shapes and sizes

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 ($17) 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 $17-21 per 25 lb bag.

• Download course syllabus and materials list here.

• If one class is postponed due to weather or unforeseen instructor circumstances, the rain date is March 11.

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.

Register

Eight-Week Class | Wheel Throwing 1 - Wednesday

  • Date 6-8:30 p.m., Wednesdays, Jan. 15-March 5, 2025
  • Cost $225
  • Location The Studios | Lynda and Chuck Nelson Wheel Throwing Studio
  • Instructor / Presenter Joe Cox
  • Age Requirements 18+
  • Contact studioschool@okcontemp.org
Close up view of hands manipulating clay on a wheel

Required Prerequisite: Introduction to Ceramics

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 March 12.

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.

Register

Eight-Week Class | Intro to Surface Design and Underglaze

  • Date 6-8:30 p.m., Wednesdays, Jan. 15-March 5, 2025
  • Cost $225
  • Location The Studios | Kim and Steve Bruno Hand Building Studio
  • Instructor / Presenter Kat Myers
  • Contact studioschool@okcontemp.org
F24 Underglaze

Required prerequisite: Introduction to Ceramics.

Learn how to create ceramic surface designs and incorporate text. This class is for wheel throwers and hand builders.

• Download course syllabus and materials list here.

• If one class is postponed due to weather or unforeseen instructor circumstances, the rain date is March 12.

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 Intro to Ceramic Surface Design and Underglaze 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.

Register

Eight-Week Class | What a Crock: Make Ceramic Crockery with Liv

  • Date 6-9 p.m., Thursdays, Jan. 16-March 6, 2025
  • Cost $265
  • Location The Studios | Lynda and Chuck Nelson Wheel Throwing Studio
  • Instructor / Presenter Liv Egan
  • Age Requirements 18+
  • Contact studioschool@okcontemp.org
W25 Crock

Required prerequisites: Wheel 2 or Altered Forms

In this advanced class you'll learn to make ceramic crockery with Liv and that's no crock.

You can find the syllabus here.

• If one class is postponed due to weather or unforeseen instructor circumstances, the rain date is March 13.

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.

Register

Eight-Week Class | Hand Building: Small Forms

  • Date 6-9 p.m., Thursdays, Jan. 16-March 6, 2025
  • Cost $225
  • Location The Studios | Kim and Steve Bruno Hand Building Studio
  • Instructor / Presenter Brian Bosworth
  • Age Requirements 18+
  • Contact studioschool@okcontemp.org
W25 Handbuild Sculp

Required prerequisite: Introduction to Ceramics.

This hand building class focuses on small(ish) sculptural forms. You'll learn different construction techniques such as soft slab, coil, hard slab, extruded form and modular forms. Cool.

• If one class is postponed due to weather or unforeseen instructor circumstances, the rain date is March 13.

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.

• Download course syllabus and materials list here.

Register

Eight-Week Class | Introduction to Ceramics - Saturday

  • Date 10:30-1 p.m., Saturdays, Jan. 18-March 8, 2025
  • Cost $225
  • Location The Studios | Kim and Steve Bruno Hand Building Studio and Lynda and Chuck Nelson Wheel Throwing Studio
  • Instructor / Presenter Dylan Jones
  • Age Requirements 18+
  • Contact studioschool@okcontemp.org
Ceramic cups of various shapes and sizes

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 ($17) 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-$21 per 25 lb bag.

• Download course syllabus and materials list here.

• If one class is postponed due to weather or unforeseen instructor circumstances, the rain date is March 15.

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.

Register

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
Ceramic cups of various shapes and sizes

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.

Hours

Monday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Closed Tuesday

Wednesday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Thursday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Friday - Sunday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

see additional holidays

Location

Visit us at 11 NW 11th St.
Oklahoma City, OK 73103
Phone: 405 951 0000
Fax: 405 459 0551
info@okcontemp.org

SEND MAIL TO
Oklahoma Contemporary
P.O. Box 3062
Oklahoma City, OK 73101

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