Description/Long Title Thrown and Assembled: Exploring Compound Forms on the Wheel

04/27/2026 - 05/18/2026 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Level: Intermediate

Registration opens on 02/04/2026

Price

$222

Member Price

$188.7

Material Fee: 66

Room: B-10

200 Grant St Denver

Clay is included with this class, please do not purchase clay ahead of time.

Tickets go on sale on 02/04/2026

Take your throwing practice to the next level by exploring compound forms: wheel-thrown pieces built from multiple components. In this four-week intermediate course, students will expand their understanding of form, proportion, and assembly through hands-on projects that merge technique with creativity.

We’ll begin with a focus on precision and intention: throwing well-matched components that can be joined successfully. From there, students will learn strategies for designing and assembling complex shapes such as moon jars, teapots, compotes, and multi-sectioned vases. Along the way, we’ll discuss proportion, visual balance, and the structural considerations that come with working larger or with multiple pieces. Demonstrations will highlight throwing to consistent measurements, altering, joining, and finishing techniques, with time built in for experimentation and refinement.

By the end of the course, students will have created composite pieces that reflect both technical skill and personal style, while gaining new tools to apply to future work.

Weekly Overview

Week 1: Introduction to compound forms and their construction, with an emphasis on design planning and proportion. Demo: throwing to measurement and using calipers effectively to create compatible parts.

Week 2: Introduction to joining and assembling thrown sections. Demo: scoring, slip preparation, and reinforcing seams for structural stability.

Week 3: Exploration of altered and advanced forms. Demo: throwing and combining parts for teapots, compotes, or sculptural pieces. Emphasis on proportion and composition.

Week 4: Finishing and refinement. Demos on trimming complex forms, adding decorative elements, and preparing work for bisque firing. Time for individual feedback and wrap-up critique.

Intermediate wheel skills required (students should be able to center clay and throw basic cylinders and bowls).

This class emphasizes creative problem-solving and precision craftsmanship, making it an excellent bridge between foundational wheel classes and more advanced courses.

Nellie Stagg

Clay:

Each class includes a materials fee which covers the cost of firing and glazing. In addition to this fee, students will need to purchase clay through the Registration Office at ASLD, which must be done in person. Clay costs are $20 for 25lbs of stoneware, $25 for 25lbs of porcelain. Please only purchase clay from ASLD, unless approved by the studio manager. No low-fire clays may be used at ASLD.

Tools:

Community tools are available for student use, in exception of a small sponge. If you prefer personal tools, a basic ceramics tool kit, small sponges and large clean up sponges are available for purchase at the Registration Office.

Other supplies:

Students are encouraged to wear clothes that can get dirty to ceramics class, including close-toed shoes. We also recommend bringing an apron and a towel.

Please review the ceramics studio policies before attending the first class: CERAMICS STUDIO POLICIES

Local Ceramic supply stores:

Rocky Mountain Clay 1220 W 1st Ave, Denver, CO 80223
Continental Clay 5303 East 47th Ave., Denver, CO 80216
Stoneleaf Pottery 6611 W 58th Pl, Arvada, CO 80003
Meiningers 499 Broadway, Denver, CO 80203