The Champaign Park District offers a full range of ceramics classes for anyone ages 6 and up. Classes are taught by experienced instructors who are gifted at bringing out the artist in you. Their wealth of experience, education, and knowledge will truly make this an enjoyable experience for you and/or your family. We also offer group workshops.
Summer 2023 registration begins on Monday, March 13 for Residents of C-U & Thursday, March 23 for Non-Residents of C-U!
Limit Time Ceramics
Create Your Own Workshop
Bring your friends, family, co-workers, or school group to a unique Pots-Abilities Workshop! We will design a project based on your group’s interests. Contact Kristin at Questions: kristin.emilsson@champaignparks.org or 217-398-2376 to schedule a workshop at least one month in advance.
DATE NIGHT!
Ages 18+
Looking for a unique date night activity that is sure to impress? Sign up with a friend and learn the secrets of throwing pottery on the wheel in a fun and relaxed environment. You will learn the basics of wheel throwing and make a piece or two to keep!. No experience needed! Pottery will be ready for pick up in about 2 weeks. Fee includes all clay, glazes, tools, and firing costs.
- April 21 | Deadline: April 14
- May 26 | Deadline: May 19
- June 23 | Deadline: June 16
- July 21 | Deadline: July 14
- August 18 | Deadline: August 11
Location: Springer Cultural Center
Time: 6-8pm
Fee (R/NR): $33/$49.50
Min/Max: 4/6
Questions: kristin.emilsson@champaignparks.org or 217-398-2376
MOTHER’S DAY MUGS
Ages 6-12
Make a mug to celebrate Mom! Kids will use templates and clay slab to create a unique and functional Mother’s Day gift. Finished pottery is safe to use with food, microwave, and dishwasher. Beginners welcome, no experience needed. Pottery ready for pick-up by May 10.
Date: April 22 & April 29
Day: Saturday
Location: Martens Center
Time: 2:30-3:30p
Fee (R/NR): $70/$105
Min/Max: 4/6
Deadline: April 15
MOTHER’S DAY POTTERY
Ages 5+ with parent/guardian
Spend some creative quality time with Mom! In this fun multi-generational workshop, families will work together to create and decorate a special piece of pottery. Open to parents of all genders and children ages 5 plus. (Children must be accompanied by an adult participant; each person must be registered individually.)
Date | Day | Time | Fee (R/NR) | Deadline
May 5 – May 12 | F | 4-5:30p | $42/$63 | April 28
May 6 – May 13 | Sa | 10-11:30a | $42/$63 | April 28
Location: Springer Cultural Center
ROCKET POTS!
Ages 6-12
Create a rocket ship that is out of this world! Kids will learn pottery hand-building techniques to sculpt and decorate a clay rocket that doubles as a box (to hold secret space stuff, of course.) During the first class we will sculpt our creations, and in the second class we will paint them with brightly colored ceramic underglazes! No experience needed.
Date: May 15 – 22
Day: Monday
Time: 4-5p
Fee (R/NR): $32/$48
Deadline: May 8
Location: Springer Cultural Center
FATHER’S DAY POTTERY
Ages 5+ with parent/guardian
Spend some creative quality time with Dad! In this fun workshop, families will work together to create and decorate a special piece of pottery. Open to parents of all genders and children 5 and up. (Children must be accompanied by an adult participant; each person must be registered individually.)
Date | Day | Deadline
June 5 – June 12 | M | May 29
June 9 – June 16 | F | June 2
Fee (R/NR): $42/$63
Time: 4-5:30p
Youth Ceramics
POTTERY FOR KIDS I
Ages 6-10
Kids will create fun weekly projects out of clay and learn basic ceramic handbuilding techniques including pinching, coils, and slab. They will finish their creations with brightly colored ceramic underglazes. Pieces will be ready for pick up in approximately 2 weeks. All ability and experience levels are welcome. Fee includes all clay, glazes, tools, and firing costs.
Dates:
- June 6 – July 18* | Tu | Fee (R/NR): $96/$144 | Deadline: May 30
- June 8 – July 13 | Th | Fee (R/NR):$96/$144 | Deadline: June 1
Time: 4-5p
Location: Springer Cultural Center
POTTERY FOR KIDS II
Ages 9-12
Kids will learn handbuilding methods and create weekly ceramics projects, and finish their pottery with colorful ceramic underglazes.
Date:
- June 7 – July 12 | W | Fee (R/NR): $96/$144 | Deadline: May 31
Time: 4-5p
Location: Springer Cultural Center
POTTERY FOR TEENS
Ages 13-17
Teens will learn handbuilding techniques to create functional and sculptural pieces, and be introduced to working on the pottery wheel. New 90 minute class gives teens more time to create unique pieces and express themselves. All ability and experience levels are welcome. Fee includes all clay, glazes, tools, and firing costs. Pieces will be ready in approximately 2 weeks.
Date:
- June 10 – July 15 | Sa | Fee (R/NR): $124/$174 | Deadline: June 3
Time: 10-11:30a
Location: Spring Cultural Center
MUGS FOR KIDS! | NEW!
Ages 6-12
In the kid-friendly version of our popular adult workshop, kids will make their very own full-sized functional mug. During the first class we will sculpt mugs using slab hand-building techniques, and during the second we will paint them with colorful ceramic underglazes. Finished mugs are food safe and can go in the microwave and dishwasher.
Date: August 7 – 14
Day: Monday
Fee (R/NR): $32/$48
Time: 10-11:30a
Location: Spring Cultural Center
MONSTER MAY-NIA
Ages 6-12
Let your imagination run wild and create a May medley of monsters! You decide! Kids will use hand-building techniques to create creatures from clay. During the first class we will sculpt our monsters and during the second we’ll paint them with colorful ceramics underglazes. No experience needed.
Date: May 17 – 24
Day: Wednesday
Time: 4-5p
Fee (R/NR): $32/$48
Deadline: May 10
Location: Springer Cultural Center
POTTERY FUN-DAMENTALS | NEW!
Ages 6-10 & 11-15
Kids will learn ceramic handbuilding techniques to create a variety of popular projects such as gnome homes, monsters, ornaments, and functional pottery like mugs and vases. Kids will apply brightly colored ceramic underglazes and staff will finish all pottery in traditional glass glaze.
Age | Date | Deadline
6-10 | June 3 – June 24 | May 27
11-15 | July 8 – July 29 | July 1
Day: Saturday
Time: 10-11a
Fee (R/NR): $105/$155
Location: Martens Center
Adult Ceramics
STUDIO CERAMICS
Ages 18+
Want to learn how to create with clay? Join us as we explore the world of ceramics through fun hands-on projects. Beginning students will be introduced to the fundamentals of working with clay; starting with hand-building techniques and concluding with an introduction to the potter’s wheel. Experienced students can refine their skills and explore advanced techniques through self-guided projects. All ability and experience levels are welcome. Fee includes all clay, glazes, tools, and firing costs.
- June 5 – July 10 | M | 6-8:30p | Fee (R/NR): $168/$204 | Deadline: May 29
- June 10 – July 15 | Sa | 12:30-2:30p | Fee (R/NR): $154/$204 | Deadline: June 3
Location: Springer Cultural Center
Questions: kristin.emilsson@champaignparks.org or 217-398-2376
INTRO TO FUNCTIONAL POTTERY
Ages 16+
In this 4 week series, learn classic ceramic handbuilding techniques to create a variety of popular functional pottery like mugs, bowls, trays, and vases. After pottery is decorated with brightly colored ceramic underglazes, staff will apply traditional glass glaze. No experience needed! Finished pieces are food safe and can go in the microwave and dishwasher.
Date: July 8 – July 29
Day: Saturday
Time: 12-2p
Fee (R/NR): $145/$195
Deadline: July 1
Location: Martens Center
FLOWER POT-TERY
Ages 15+
Plants and Pottery, what could be better? We’ll use basic hand-building techniques and templates to create pinch-pots for succulents, traditional flower pots, or even a rectangular planter. No clay experience needed!
Date: May 15 – 22
Day: Monday
Time: 6-8p
Fee (R/NR): $52/$78
Deadline: May 8
Location: Springer Cultural Center
MAKE A MUG
Ages 15+
Learn how to make beautiful mugs without using a pottery wheel! We will use slab and hand-building techniques to create fully functional mugs, and finish them with traditional ceramic glass glazes. This class is perfect for beginners with no previous clay experience, and also for potters who usually work on the wheel to expand their skills. Finished pieces will be food safe, and can be put in the microwave and dishwasher.
Date: August 7 – 14
Day: Monday
Time: 6-8p
Fee (R/NR): $52/$78
Deadline: July 31
Location: Springer Cultural Center
PRESSED LEAF DISHES
Ages 15+
In this popular seasonal workshop, we’ll make lovely and functional dishes using clay slab imprinted with real leaves! Bring your own leaves or choose from a selection of hand-picked leaves available during class. During the first class we will sculpt our pieces, and during the second we’ll finish hem with ceramic glass glazes. No experience needed!
Date | Day | Time | Deadline
August 9 – 16 | W | 6-8p | August 2
August 12 – August 19 | Sa | 12-2p | August 5
Fee (R/NR): $52/$78
Location: Springer Cultural Center
Wheel Throwing
BEGINNING WHEEL THROWING
Ages 18+
Discover the secrets of making great pots on the potter’s wheel. Learn techniques for throwing bowls, cups, and vases. Surface treatments such as glazing, carving, and staining will also be covered. No pottery experience needed! Fee includes all clay, glazes and firing costs. Patrons are encouraged to bring their own tools based on a supply list of $10-$25 provided prior to class.
- June 7 – July 12 | W | Deadline: May 31
Time: 6-8p
Fee (R/NR): $139/$189 ($154/$204*)
Location: Springer Cultural Center
Min/Max: 4/6
Class ID: 423007
Questions: kristin.emilsson@champaignparks.org or 217-398-2376
INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED WHEEL THROWING
Ages 18+
This class is intended for students who are familiar with the basics of pottery, but want to refine their skills. Each class will feature a demonstration, but there’s room for personal development. Recommended prerequisite classes: Studio Ceramics or Beginning Wheel Throwing. Recommended skills: ability to center clay and throw a 5” cylinder. Fee includes all clay, glazes and firing costs. Patrons are encouraged to bring their own tools based on a supply list of $10-$25 provided prior to class.
- June 8 – July 13 | Th | Deadline: June 1
Time: 6-8:30p
Fee (R/NR): $153/$203 ($168/$218*)
Location: Springer Cultural Center
Min/Max: 4/6
Class ID: 423008
Questions: kristin.emilsson@champaignparks.org or 217-398-2376
OPEN STUDIO TIME
Ages 18+ with experience (must have taken two sessions of Park District pottery classes)
Get more time outside of class! Open Studio is available to patrons that have taken at least 2 CPD ceramics courses, or can prove comparable prior experience. Patrons register for the season, but pay by the hour as they go. Open studio is not supervised and does not include instruction. The hourly fee does include the use of all studio materials (clay, glazes) and firing of all work. Patrons are encouraged to bring their own tools and a towel. Open Studio is scheduled when classes are not using the studio; most availability is M-F, 9am-4pm. Evenings and weekends are usually *not* available. Contact Kristi (kristin.emilsson@champaignparks.org) to register for Open Studio.
Date: January 23 – April 29
Day: M-F
Time: Dependent on studio availability
Min/Max: 1/15
Location: Springer Cultural Center
Fee (R/NR): $10/$15 per hour
Questions: kristin.emilsson@champaignparks.org or 217-398-2376
Ceramics Private Lessons
Ages: 6+ for hand-building, 15+ for wheel throwing
We offer private lessons on the pottery wheel (adults and teens age 15+) and for hand-building (adults and kids age 6+). Lessons can be scheduled weekly, or as single or limited sessions to create a specific project or help you overcome a particular pottery challenge. Lesson times are scheduled based on studio space and instructor availability. Contact Kristi at kristin.emilsson@champaignparks.org for more information.
Location: Springer Cultural Center
Fee (R/NR): $25/$37.50 per hour, $15/$22.50 per hour for second person
Min/Max: 1/1
Deadline: 1 week prior to the class
Questions: kristin.emilsson@champaignparks.org or 217-398-2376
Downloads
For questions regarding our pottery program, please contact Kristin Emilsson. Questions: kristin.emilsson@champaignparks.org or 217-398-2376.
