Sedona Arts Center — Shape, Throw & Create: New ceramics workshops & classes

Whether you’re discovering clay for the first time or returning to the wheel, Sedona Arts Center’s ceramics program offers a welcoming place to learn, create, and grow. Explore handbuilding, wheel throwing, glazing, and firing with guidance from Studio Manager Ben Roti, instructors Lolo Howe and John Post, and visiting guest artists. Join us and discover where clay can take you.

Discover the exciting world of alternative firing techniques in this hands-on workshop for all experience levels. Create your own ceramic pieces, then explore the dramatic effects of Raku, Saggar, and Obvara firing as fire and smoke transform your work into one-of-a-kind creations. Tuition includes clay, glazes, and firings, making this a perfect introduction to alternative ceramics or a chance to expand your creative practice.

Discover the creative possibilities of underglaze decals in this hands-on workshop. Learn how to transfer intricate patterns, imagery, and line work onto your ceramic pieces while exploring composition, layering, and surface design techniques. Through demonstrations and guided practice, you’ll gain new skills to create richly detailed, one-of-a-kind ceramic surfaces and elevate your personal studio practice.

Master one of ceramics’ most rewarding challenges: the handbuilt teapot. This focused workshop guides students through designing and constructing a functional teapot while exploring slab, coil, and pinch techniques, precision lid galleries, balanced handles, internal strainers, and drip-free spouts. Whether you’re building your first teapot or refining advanced handbuilding skills, you’ll receive expert guidance in a supportive, hands-on studio environment.

Need a little more studio time? This add-on gives currently enrolled ceramics students an additional 3 hours of independent open studio access each week to practice techniques, complete projects, and explore new ideas outside of class. It’s the perfect way to build confidence, refine your skills, and make the most of your time in the studio. Clay is not included, and availability is limited.

Exploring and Developing Glazes
with John Post
September 8 – October 13, 2026
Tuesdays, 12:30 – 3:30 p.m.

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the creation and modification of ceramic glazes. Students will begin by learning how to read glaze recipes and accurately prepare liquid glaze batches. Building on this foundation, the course explores techniques for developing multiple glaze variations from a limited number of initial batches.

Surface Explorations: Mishima, Sgraffito and Transfers-Tuesdays
with Laura “Lolo” Aileen Howe
September 8 – October 13, 2026
Tuesdays, 9 a.m. – Noon

Transform your ceramic work with beautiful surface design techniques. Explore Mishima, sgraffito, underglaze transfers, and other decorative processes that add depth, texture, and personal expression to your pottery. Through demonstrations and hands-on practice, you’ll learn how to create crisp patterns, intricate imagery, and layered surfaces that bring your ceramic pieces to life.

This class offers a welcoming and supportive environment to explore the art of wheel throwing. Designed to accommodate both true beginners and those with some wheel experience, you’ll learn the fundamentals of wheel throwing, including centering clay, shaping forms, trimming, and pulling handles to create cylinders, bowls, mugs, and plates.

This class is perfect for students eager to develop and advance their pottery skills in a fun, supportive environment. Using the potter’s wheel, slab roller, extruder, and texture tools, you’ll experiment with both functional and decorative techniques to bring your creative ideas to life. Small class sizes ensure personalized instruction tailored to your skill level and goals. Whether you’re a beginner building your foundation or an experienced student refining your craft, you’ll gain confidence and learn essential techniques. Materials—including 25 pounds of clay, glazes, firings, and weekly open studio access—are included, with optional pottery tool kits available for purchase.

Designed for experienced ceramic artists, this independent study class provides dedicated studio time to develop personal projects while refining throwing and handbuilding techniques. Work at your own pace with guidance and technical support from Studio Manager Ben Roti in a collaborative studio environment. Ideal for advancing your skills, exploring new ideas, and bringing ambitious projects to life.

This class offers a welcoming and supportive environment to explore the art of wheel throwing. Designed to accommodate both true beginners and those with some wheel experience, you’ll learn the fundamentals of wheel throwing, including centering clay, shaping forms, trimming, and pulling handles to create cylinders, bowls, mugs, and plates.

For more scholarship information, policy updates and to apply: CLICK HERE

Our mission is to connect, enrich, educate and lead through the inspiring power of the arts and creative discovery.

Sedona Arts Center is a cornerstone of Northern Arizona’s cultural community and serves as the creative heart of Sedona. Founded in 1958, this nonprofit organization is based in Uptown Sedona and offers year-round classes, exhibitions, festivals, and cultural events that enrich the artistic life of the Verde Valley.

NO SALES TAX – FREE PARKING – UPTOWN SEDONA
Sedona Arts Center is a 501(c)3 organization that offers all purchases without sales tax (an almost a 10% savings!)

SedonaArtsCenter.org