This 5-session course will start you on your journey to becoming a potter! You will learn clay preparation, tools, centering clay, opening a vessel, control of the clay on the wheel, and basic finishing of your piece. This course will reinforce these basic skills with the aim to throw a perfect cylinder, which is the beginning of most wheel projects. Good studio practices and a solid technique will give a firm grasp of throwing on the wheel. A maximum of 5 pieces will be saved and fired. Extra pieces can be kept for an additional fee. Mentored studio will be available after this class to continue practicing your new skills. This class is a prerequisite for Clay 2. DATES & TIMES Class 1: Sunday, June 21, 1:00 - 4:00pm Class 2: Wednesday, June 24, 5:30 - 8:30pm Class 3: Sunday, June 28, 1:00 - 4:00pm Class 4: Wednesday, July 1, 5:30 - 8:30pm Class 5: Wednesday, July 15, 5:30 - 8:00pm Please note that there will be a hiatus between Class 4 and 5 to make time for the bisque firing which readies your pieces for glazing. The last class will be a glazing session. If you miss the glaze class, the instructor will glaze your work for you. We are unable to accommodate makeup dates for missed sessions. YOUR TUTOR Sharon Zhao Sharon first learned to throw on the wheel after university, but had to put the craft on hold when she lived in Southeast Asia. After relocating back to North America 8 years ago, she enthusiastically returned to pottery. A newcomer to the Grey-Bruce region, Sharon loves making functional pieces, exploring unique surface textures, and sharing her passion with students and members at GB Arts. WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING Wear clothes to get messy in Closed toed shoes Long hair tied back ACCESSIBILITY Hand strength and coordination required Ability to sit for the duration of the class