In this course, students explore the basic physical properties of clay by practicing a variety of hand-forming techniques used to create functional objects. Hand-forming techniques will include pinch pottery, slab and coil building, mold slumping, and texturizing surfaces. The objective of this class is not to make pieces to take home, but rather to learn what is possible and give students a chance to get their hands dirty and feel what it's like to work with clay. No previous experience with clay is needed for this class. This class is a prerequisite to attend open studio.

“Handbuilding is an ancient pottery-making technique that involves creating forms without a pottery wheel, using the hands, fingers, and simple tools. The most common handbuilding techniques are pinch pottery, coil building, and slab building” -Ceramic Arts Network