
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.
SPRING SESSION
Eight-week classes | March 27-May 21
Four-week classes | Session 1 | March 27-April 23
Four-week classes | Session 2 | April 24-May 21
REGISTRATION DEADLINES
Eight-week and four-week Session 1 | March 20
Four-week Session 2 | April 20
Interested in more than just Ceramics? See our full class and workshop list here.
Eight-Week Class | Ceramic Wall Ornamentation: Candelabras, Wall Pockets, Plates, and Shelves
- Date 6-8:30 p.m., Mondays, March 27-May 15
- Cost $225
- Location The Studios | Kim and Steve Bruno Hand Building Studio
- Instructor / Presenter Marissa Childers
- Age Requirements 18+
- Contact studioschool@okcontemp.org

Goodbye, horizontal tyranny.
Join artist Marissa Childers to make ceramics that decorate your wall. Make a wall pocket; hang it on the wall. Make a plate; hang it on the wall. Make a ceramic shelf; hang it on the wall and use it to display other ceramics on ceramics on ceramics. Wear a long tunic and carry a flaming ceramic chandelier. Candle making skills not included in this class. Gothic tunic-making skills not included in this class. Fire-fighting skills, from long tunics meeting portable flaming chandeliers, are also not included in this class.
No experience necessary.
Course syllabus and materials list available Feb. 24
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 - Saturday
- Date 2-4:30 p.m., Saturdays, April 1-May 20
- Cost $225
- Location The Studios | Lynda and Chuck Nelson Wheel Throwing Studio
- Instructor / Presenter Dan Harris
- Age Requirements 18+
- Contact studioschool@okcontemp.org

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.
Course syllabus and materials list available Feb. 24.
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 - Wednesday a.m.
- Date 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Wednesdays, March 29-May 17
- Cost $225
- Location Kim and Steve Bruno Hand Building Studio and Lynda and Chuck Nelson Wheel Throwing Studio
- Instructor / Presenter Liv Egan
- Age Requirements 18+
- Contact studioschool@okcontemp.org

Prerequisites: 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 ($30) 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.
Course syllabus and materials list will be available Feb. 24.
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 2
- Date 6-9 p.m., Thursday, March 30-May 18
- Cost $265
- Location The Studios | Lynda and Chuck Nelson Wheel Throwing Studio
- Instructor / Presenter Liv Egan
- Age Requirements 18+
- Contact studioschool@okcontemp.org

Prerequisites: Introduction to Ceramics, Wheel Throwing 1
Join artist Liv Egan to increase your proficiency on the potter’s wheel. In this class, you’ll learn how to make advanced forms, such as lidded and pouring vessels, as well as get an introduction to various methods of creating texture. In addition to learning new firing procedures, you’ll experiment with surface adornment techniques, such as slip trailing, sgraffito, wax resist, under glaze and glaze application.
Course syllabus and materials list available Feb. 24.
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 | Creative Foundations for Veterans
- Date 2-4:30 p.m., Sundays, April 2-May 21
- Cost free to military veterans
- Location The Studios | Flex Studio
- Instructor / Presenter Claire Holloway
- Age Requirements 18+
- Contact studioschool@okcontemp.org

This class is only available to military veterans.
No class Easter Sunday, April 9.
This free class is available exclusively to military veterans. Explore the fundamentals of creating and understanding art alongside other veterans. Course projects vary according to semester and instructor, but generally include ceramics, drawing and painting. No previous art experience is necessary, but a simple application form is required. Enrollment is limited, and approved applicants will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. Open Studio* time is included with registration.
Applications open February 13.
Applications close March 20.
Course syllabus available Feb. 24.
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 March 27-May 21, 2023
- 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.
Workshop | Date Night on the Wheel - March
- Date 7-9 p.m., Friday, March 31
- Cost $140 per couple
- Location The Studios | Lynda and Chuck Nelson Wheel Throwing Studio
- Age Requirements 21+
- Contact studioschool@okcontemp.org

Back by popular demand! Re-enact your favorite pottery scenes from the movie Ghost without the inconvenience of your significant other getting murdered. We can’t promise helpful advice from a psychic, but we do think you and your companion will have a great time learning to use the potter’s wheel and making a small bowl.
Bring a date, bring a friend, bring anyone you want as long as your partner is actually alive.
No experience necessary! Registration is limited to four couples. Pick up your fired and finished bowl about two weeks after the workshop. We’ll call you when it’s ready.
Registration closes March 27.
If the workshop is postponed due to weather or unforeseen instructor circumstances, the rain date is April 17.
Four-Week Class | Ceramics Special Topics: Slip Trailing
- Date 6-8:30 p.m., Tuesdays, Feb. 21 – March 21 | No class March 14
- Cost $150
- Location The Studios | Kim and Steve Bruno Hand Building Throwing Studio
- Instructor / Presenter Grace Potter
- Age Requirements 18+
- Contact studioschool@okcontemp.org

No class March 14.
Prerequisite: Introduction to Ceramics.
Learn to utilize slip trailing beyond traditional flat surface decorations. This class teaches slip trailing as a unique sculpting method for creating 3-D designs on top of clay forms and also making delicate stand-alone sculptures. Achieve a high level of detail at a small scale, and experiment with making multiples.
Working from reference photos and drawings, you’ll learn how to translate layers of slip into forms and also how different slip consistencies alter aesthetics. You’ll also learn how to add colorants to achieve unique results.
Workshop | Make A Ceramic Butta Dish
- Date 6:30-9 p.m., Thursday, April 13
- Cost $65
- Location The Studios | Flex Studio
- Instructor / Presenter Marissa Childers
- Age Requirements 21+
- Contact studioschool@okcontemp.org

Work with artist Marissa Childers to create a butter dish—your butter deserves a better home than a cardboard box. No ceramic experience necessary.
Pick up your fired and finished butta dish about a week later. Don’t worry; we will call you when it’s ready.
Registration closes April 10.
If the workshop is postponed due to weather or unforeseen instructor circumstances, the rain date is April 20.
Workshop | Raku - April 16 and 23
- Date 12:30-3p.m., Sundays, April 16 and 23
- Cost $75
- Location The Studios | Kim and Steve Bruno Hand Building Studio
- Instructor / Presenter Liv Egan
- Age Requirements 21+
- Contact studioschool@okcontemp.org

Join us for a two-day, hands-on workshop as we dive into the topic of Raku ceramics. Together, we'll explore traditional Japanese Raku as it relates to religious and cultural practices and its later expression among American ceramicists in the mid-1900s. During the first workshop session, you'll use hand building techniques to create tea bowls. We'll meet the following weekend to glaze and fire your works using the Raku process.
This in-person workshop will take place outside and the Raku process can be messy, so dress accordingly. Open to students of all levels. All materials and tools are included.
Registration closes April 10.
If the workshop is postponed due to weather or unforeseen instructor circumstances, the rain date is May 21.
Workshop | Make A Ceramic Pouring Vessel
- Date 6:30-9 p.m., Thursday, April 27
- Cost $65
- Location The Studios | Flex Studio
- Instructor / Presenter Marissa Childers
- Age Requirements 21+
- Contact studioschool@okcontemp.org

Work with artist Marissa Childers to create a ceramic pouring vessel. No ceramic experience necessary. Pick up your fired and finished pour vessel about a week later. We will call you when it’s ready.
Registration closes April 24.
If the workshop is postponed due to weather or unforeseen instructor circumstances, the rain date is May 4.
Workshop | Raku - April 30 and May 7
- Date 12:30-3 p.m., Sundays, April 30 and May 7
- Cost $75
- Location The Studios | Kim and Steve Bruno Hand Building Studio
- Instructor / Presenter Joe Cox
- Age Requirements 21+
- Contact studioschool@okcontemp.org

Join us for a two-day, hands-on workshop as we dive into the topic of Raku ceramics. Together, we'll explore traditional Japanese Raku as it relates to religious and cultural practices and its later expression among American ceramicists in the mid-1900s. During the first workshop session, you'll use hand building techniques to create tea bowls. We'll meet the following weekend to glaze and fire your works using the Raku process.
This in-person workshop will take place outside and the Raku process can be messy, so dress accordingly. Open to students of all levels. All materials and tools are included.
Registration closes April 24.
If the workshop is postponed due to weather or unforeseen instructor circumstances, the rain date is June 4.
Workshop | Ceramic Bowl and Whisk Set
- Date 6-8:30 p.m., Thursday, May 11
- Cost $65
- Location The Studios | Flex Studio
- Instructor / Presenter Marissa Childers
- Age Requirements 21+
- Contact studioschool@okcontemp.org

This ceramic bowl and whisk set will make you feel like won a cooking show, even if all your baked goods come from a box or the day-old rack. Don’t bake? No problem: Give your bowl to someone who does, and I bet they’ll bake for you.
Pick up your fired and finished bowl and whisk set about a week later. Don’t worry; we will call you when it’s ready.
Registration closes May 8.
If the workshop is postponed due to weather or unforeseen instructor circumstances, the rain date is June 1.
Workshop | Mother's Day Ceramic Luminarias
- Date 2:30-4:30 p.m., Sunday, May 14
- Cost $65
- Location The Studios | Flex Studio
- Instructor / Presenter Marissa Childers
- Age Requirements 21+
- Contact studioschool@okcontemp.org
Celebrate Mother’s Day with your mom, your favorite mother figure or the person you wish were your mother. Studio School defines mothering broadly — bring anyone who supports you and have fun creating a glowing luminaria.
Pick up your fired and finished luminaria about a week later. We will call you when it’s ready.
Registration closes May 9.
If the workshop is postponed due to weather or unforeseen instructor circumstances, the rain date is May 21.
Workshop | Make A Ceramic Charcuterie Plate
- Date 6-8 p.m., Thursday, May 18
- Cost $65
- Location The Studios | Flex Studio
- Instructor / Presenter Marissa Childers
- Age Requirements 21+
- Contact studioschool@okcontemp.org

Work with artist Marissa Childers to make a custom charcuterie plate and display your snacks in style. Pick up your fired and finished plate about a week later. Don’t worry; we will call you when it’s ready.
Registration closes May 15.
If the workshop is postponed due to weather or unforeseen instructor circumstances, the rain date is May 25.
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.
Eight-Week Class | Wheel Throwing 1 - Monday
- Date 6-8:30 p.m., Mondays, March 27-May 15
- Cost $225
- Location The Studios | Lynda and Chuck Nelson Wheel Throwing Studio
- Instructor / Presenter David Stevens
- Age Requirements 18+
- Contact studioschool@okcontemp.org

Prerequisite: Introduction to Ceramics
Sold out! Please join the 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.
Course syllabus and materials list available Feb. 24
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 - Tuesday
- Date 6-8:30 p.m., Tuesdays, March 28-May16
- 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 see the other times this course is being offered or sign up for our waitlist here.
Prerequisites: 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.
If you need a ceramics tool-kit you can purchase it ($30) 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.
Have fun, create functional art and remind your fingers they can do more than scroll.
Course syllabus and materials list will be available Feb. 24.
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 | Introduction to Ceramics - Wednesday p.m.
- Date 6-8:30 p.m., Wednesdays, March 29-May 17
- Cost $225
- Location 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

Prerequisites: Beginners welcome, no experience necessary.
Sold Out! Please sign up for the waitlist.
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 ($30) 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.
Course syllabus and materials list will be available Feb. 24.
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 | Clay Fires Everywhere: Raku, Barrel, Salt
- Date 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Saturdays, April 1-May 20
- Cost $265
- Location The Studios | Lynda and Chuck Nelson Wheel Throwing Studio
- Instructor / Presenter Liv Egan
- Age Requirements 18+
- Contact studioschool@okcontemp.org

Prerequisites: Introduction to Ceramics or Wheel Throwing 1 or a hand building class.
Sold Out! Please sign up for the waitlist.
Here’s the class you requested! Experiment with raku, barrel firing and salt kilns. Create and use glaze tests to produce consistent results while also learning the history of these alternative firing methods. Projects will focus on non-functional and sculptural pieces.
Course syllabus and materials list available Feb. 24.
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.