Private Lessons
Student work from a 2-hour observational sculpting workshop.
Interested in learning how to sculpt clay? Familiar with the basic handbuilding principles but want to expand your skillset or learn a specific technique? Need guidance as you develop a unique piece or series? Want to nerd out on glaze combos? Want to just decompress and move some clay around, engaging with a material that humans have created with for thousands of years? Make time to sculpt with me!
I can host up to two people comfortably in my home studio, or I can come to you. I’ve taught ceramics handbuilding for over a decade to people of all ages and from all walks of life. I have enjoyable project ideas, an accessible teaching style, and plenty of tools and materials for individuals, pairs, and small groups. See below for more info and pricing.
What to Expect
Every lesson provides an enjoyable and authentic hands-on art experience with high-quality instruction, clay, tools, and firing.
In a single session, expect to learn one to two basic handbuilding methods — like pinching, coiling, and/or soft slab — and to make one to three small sculptural forms, such as a pinch pot, an animal votive, a coiled vessel, or a textured slab tray or vessel.
Lessons take place in a relaxed atmosphere and projects can be as casual or as focused as you’d like. You can book a lesson simply to try something new, or if you have previous clay experience and want to keep exploring.
After your purchase, I will reach out to you within 48 hours to coordinate a meeting time!
*I do not offer wheel throwing lessons but can point you in the right direction if that’s what you’re interested in!
Student work from a 2-hour sculpting lesson.
Firing and Glaze Options
Single 1-hour, 1.5-hour, and 2-hour lessons include one firing (the bisque firing, where clay transforms into ceramic). After the bisque firing, you can choose to finish the work on your own, or I can clear glaze the work for you for $25. Or, select a 2-pack and return for a second session! Receive a glaze lesson and use any of my studio glazes to complete your sculpture.
All 2-packs, 4-packs, and 6-packs include lessons in sculpting and glazing, plus 2 firings (one round of bisque and one round of glaze). You can use any of my studio glazes to complete your work.
I will glaze Clay Date / Bring a Friend pieces for you using your choice of any one of my studio glazes (best value!)
Samples of some of my studio glazes.
Book here!
After you purchase, I will reach out to you within 48 hours to coordinate a meeting time. Additional scheduling and cancellation policies will be provided at checkout.
2 people sharing one 1-hr lesson ($50/person)
includes glaze firing
great for friends, partners, family members, colleagues :)
2 people sharing one 1.5-hour lesson ($75/person)
includes glaze firing
great for friends, partners, family members, colleagues :)
2 people sharing one 2-hour lesson ($90/person)
includes glaze firing
great for friends, partners, family members, colleagues :)
Choose this if you booked a single 1-hour, 1.5-hour, or 2-hour lesson and want your sculpture finished with a water-tight clear glaze. I’ll glaze the work for you!
Reach out!
A sample nose tile for a workshop on portraits and facial features
Want me to come to you?
Want a lesson for a group of 3 or more?
Interested in hosting a guided clay workshop at your workplace, school, or other gathering spot?
Need financial assistance? Sliding scale pricing and payment plans are available on a case-by-case basis.
Not in Atlanta? Virtual lessons are available, though you’d need to provide your own clay, tools, and firing.
Complete this form to learn more
Student work from a sculptural handbuilding class.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
The biggest benefit of private lessons is individualized attention the entire session. We can tailor projects according to your interests, and you are encouraged to bring your own ideas to explore. Of course, no previous experience is required, and I have a lot of enjoyable projects (sculptural, functional, both/and) you can choose from!
Clay Dates & Bring a Friend’s provide a fun and relaxed atmosphere where you and your plus one can create something unique alongside (or in collaboration with) one another!
Art centers are wonderful, necessary spaces (I teach at two!) While group classes build community, private lessons can work well for people who want to learn at a different pace, those who want to work in a quieter environment, or someone wanting individualized guidance with a specific technique or project. Private sessions can also work well for first-timers, those looking to level up under focused guidance, and for students building a cohesive portfolio.
All that to say, we’ll make the time together as focused or as casual as you want :)
-
Humans have been using clay for creative expression for thousands of years, all across the globe. Because of its durability, many of our oldest known artifacts are ceramic. Clay can be shaped into forms both functional and sculptural, and its tangibility is what makes it so appealing: this shapeless earthen material records the artist’s touch, can be manipulated to mimic other materials, and comes alive through texture and glaze.
Working with clay is often grounding and therapeutic, as the hands-on process invites embodied presence and mindfulness. Studies also show that making time for creative expression can relieve stress, boost self-esteem, and support emotional regulation. It’s also just a really fun and satisfying material to explore, and such an expansive medium!
-
In a one-hour lesson, expect to learn 1-2 foundational handbuilding methods while making 1-3 simple forms, such as a small sculptural votive, a textured slab piece, a pinch pot, a simple animal, or a coiled vessel.
In every session, you’ll gain understanding of ceramics handbuilding, even in a 1-hour lesson. 1.5-hour or 2-hour sessions allow more time for refinement and to learn more technique. Even better, continue to expand your skillset and take on more complex projects over time by signing up for multiple sessions :)
-
My teaching style is accessible, engaging, and encouraging, shaped by a deep respect for human creativity and the meaningful connections and experiences it makes possible.
I’ve taught ceramics professionally for over ten years in settings spanning home studios, universities, community art centers, museums, and even a prison. I’ve worked with individuals of all ages from a spectrum of diverse backgrounds, identities, and learning styles. I truly believe that everyone is capable of authentic, courageous creative expression, and I’d love to share my love of clay with you!
-
My home studio is in the Capitol View neighborhood of southwest Atlanta, and I’ll provide the exact location when we coordinate a meeting time.
I can also come to you. Complete the form above to learn more!