HAND-BUILDING POTTERY CLASSES
Igniting Creativity offers a wide variety of hand-building pottery classes for all ages. With one-on-one guidance and small group instruction, you can dig deep and nurture your inner creativity.
Art teacher, Amy Roadman is bringing creative experiences to the rural life of the beautiful Laurel Highlands. We are located just 12-15 minutes from Latrobe, Ligonier, and Donegal, PA.
467 Hoods Mill Road, Latrobe, PA 15650
Art of the Season: Decorative & Functional Clay Creations
Every Wednesday * 12:30-2:30pm * Multigenerational Class * Instructor: Cray Charlebois
Register for one class at a time: $40 each
Purchase your choice of 4 classes: $38 each
November 20: Plates with Personality: Underglaze Techniques for Snackware
December 4: Classic Candlesticks: Pottery for Home Décor
December 11: Gnome for the Holidays: Seasonal Gnome Sculpture
December 18: Seasonal Sparkle: Snowflake Plate Workshop
January 8: Illuminating Creations: Votive Workshop
January 15: Kitchen Companion: Hand-Built Utensil Caddy
January 22: Crafted with Love: Vase-Making Workshop
January 29: Sections in Style: Divided Plate Workshop
February 5: Serving Style: Craft Your Own Dip & Snack Plate Set
February 12: Folded Forms: Hand-Built Origami Bowl
February 19: Sweet Shamrocks: Candy Dish Workshop
February 26: Handcrafted for Luck: St. Patrick’s Day Mug
March 5: Farmyard Flair: Hand-Built Rooster Platter
March 12: Botanical Beauty: Leaf Plate Set
March 19: Floral Formations: Hand-Built Flower Bowl
March 26: Springtime Tableware: Carrot & Egg Shaped Plates
Join us on Wednesday afternoons for a cozy, creative journey through seasonal-themed pottery!
Our weekly hand-building classes are designed for all ages, making them perfect for families, friends, and individuals looking to create festive pottery pieces together.
Each week, we’ll explore a new project—from charming candle holders to unique ornaments and seasonal decor. You’ll learn a range of hand-building techniques, allowing you to shape, decorate, and personalize each creation.
Whether you're experienced with clay or just getting started, these classes offer a welcoming, relaxed environment for everyone to enjoy.
Celebrate the season and make lasting memories with pottery creations you’ll treasure year after year!
This is a multigenerational class option in which adults are permitted to bring a child or children ages 6 and up. *Please register individually.
Take just one class, mix and match, or make it a weekly hobby!
Hand-Built Pottery: An Ongoing Inspiring Adventure
Weekly and Bi-weekly Hand-Building Pottery Classes
This hand-building class is where you will be able to build your skills and create personalized projects on a schedule that works for you.
With a rolling enrollment system, you can join and withdraw from the class at your convenience, and have access to all materials and equipment during your enrollment period. Each session will focus on a different goal that you set for yourself. You will have the opportunity to work on projects that suit your interests and skill level, with guidance and support from our expert instructor to help you achieve your goals in this small class setting.
You'll be part of a community of like-minded artists, and you'll have the opportunity to collaborate and share ideas with others in the class. With regular practice and support from your instructor, you'll be amazed at how much progress you can make over time.
Join anytime, no need to wait for a set date with this option!
Morning Session: 10am-12:30pm
Evening Session: 6:00-8:30pm
$48/session
Ages 16 and up
Instructor: Cray Charlebois
Includes:
- Individualized small-group instruction
- Beginner to intermediate personalized experiences
- Your choice of stoneware clay
- Two firings (bisque and glaze)
- Choice of underglaze and glaze finishes
- Completed food-safe pieces
- Additional open studio practice time after basic skills are mastered
Shape Your Ideas: Open Studio Membership
For the Independent Potter
Our open studio membership is the perfect option for experienced potters who are looking for a space to practice their craft in a supportive environment. This membership is application-only, and we require applicants to have experience with throwing on the wheel and/or hand-building. Approval is contingent on a completed class, private lessons, or approval for participating based on prior experience. All open studio members must have a proven basic understanding of the ceramics process and agree to abide by all studio rules. As an open studio member, you will have access to our studio during open hours to work on your projects independently.
We understand that experienced potters do not require constant instruction, which is why we have a monitor on-site during open studio hours to ensure that the space is safe and functioning properly. However, please note that there will not be formal instruction provided during open studio time.
This membership provides an opportunity for you to work on your own projects at your own pace, while also being part of a community of like-minded potters. You will have access to all the necessary equipment, tools, and glazes in addition to your block of clay to create your own unique pieces. Cozy up with a cup of tea or coffee, grab a snack from the snack bar, and settle into your creative process in our well-maintained space.
Please note that space is limited, and we are only accepting applications from experienced potters who are comfortable working independently. If you meet these requirements and are interested in joining our open studio membership, please fill out an application and we will be in contact within 24-48 hours.
Our current open studio hours:
- Sundays from 10am-3pm
- Tuesdays from 3:30-7:30pm
- Weekdays by appointment
$100/25 lbs. of clay
Ages 18 and up
Includes:
- Unlimited work time during open studio hours
- 25 lbs. of stoneware clay
- Two firings (bisque and glaze)
- Choice of underglaze and glaze finishes
- Completed food-safe pieces
90-Minute Private Pottery Lesson
By Appointment Only
Private Instruction $75/session
Semi-Private Instruction
2 students: $120/session
3 students: $135/session
Includes:
- Individualized instruction
- A deep dive into your trouble spots or a specific project
- Your choice of stoneware clay
- Two firings (bisque and glaze)
- Choice of underglaze and glaze finishes
PRACTICE MAKES IMPROVEMENT
Have you ever wanted to create something specific in clay? Look no further! With our 90-minute private lesson, you'll be on your way to creating functional forms or beautiful sculptural works of art in no time.
During your lesson, we'll work together to identify any problem areas and improve your skills, focusing on how to move forward to achieve even greater success behind the wheel. I'll help you to narrow down the specific steps you need to take in order to progress to see you through your project.
We can explore pottery techniques such as slab, pinch, or coils so you can find the technique that's right for you.
Our private lessons are by appointment only, so you can have the studio all to yourself and focus on your creativity without any distractions.
Whether you're a beginner or an experienced potter, we're here to help you hone your skills and create something truly amazing.
Young Potters: Hand-Building Classes for Children
Unlock Your Child's Creativity - One Clay Technique at a Time!
Join us for a journey of artistic exploration through our kids' hand-building pottery class!
Each month we'll dive into the world of clay and learn the fundamentals of hand-building using techniques like pinch, coil, and slab.
Our classes are designed to reflect the magic of each season. Your child will create pottery projects inspired by the beauty and themes of the time of year. From spring blooms to winter wonderlands, every class offers a fresh and engaging experience.
Throughout the year, we'll focus on mastering various hand-building techniques. Whether it's crafting coil-built vases, sculpting with pinch pots, or constructing functional slabs, your child will develop a versatile set of pottery skills.
We believe in nurturing your child's artistic spirit. Our classes provide a supportive and encouraging environment where creativity knows no bounds. Your child will have the freedom to experiment with colors, textures, and shapes while bringing their unique visions to life in clay.
Our kids' hand-building pottery class is split into two sessions to accommodate separate age groups and abilities but does have a flexible age range to coordinate with your schedule.
Our experienced instructor is passionate about pottery and skilled at teaching children. We prioritize safety, fun, and learning in every class.
10:30am-12pm: Children's Session - Ages 6-12
1-3pm: Multigenerational Session - Adults are permitted to attend with a child or children ages 6 and up. *Please register individually. Children ages 6 and up are also welcome to attend without an adult.
- November 2 - Coil Christmas Trees
- January 4 - Snowman Tray
- February 1 - TBD
- March 1 - TBD
- April 5 - TBD
- May 3 - TBD
$36/session
Instructor: Lauren Henschel
Includes:
- Individualized small-group instruction
- Beginner to intermediate hand-building personalized experiences
- Focus on specific techniques and themes each month
- Mid-fired functional stoneware clay
- Two firings (bisque and glaze)
- Choice of underglaze and glaze finishes
- Completed food-safe pieces
Studio Details
Reach out if you have any other questions!
724-572-7005
Studio Location: 467 Hoods Mill Road, Latrobe, PA 15650
Amy Roadman: Owner & Wheel-Throwing Instructor
Cray Charlebois: Hand-Building and Wheel-Throwing Instructor
Lauren Henschel: Children's Class Instructor
Brooke Roadman: Camp Instructor
- Wear casual clothing - clay is messy but washable
- Leave your jewelry at home
- Wear long hair tied back
- Come with an open mind and a creative spirit
Cancellation Policy:
We understand that circumstances may arise that prevent you from attending the class that you registered for. In the event that you need to cancel your registration, please notify us at least 48 hours before the start of the class.
- If you cancel before the 48-hour deadline, we will issue a full refund of your registration fee.
- If you cancel after the 48-hour deadline or fail to show up for the class there will be no refund issued.
- For ongoing subscription classes only * If you are unable to attend class but do not want to forfeit your spot you will not be refunded but may schedule an extra 2 1/2 hours during open studio hours or by appointment to make up the time.
We appreciate your understanding of our cancellation policy. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us.
Do you have any questions? Suggestions? Reach out!
As we grow and add more classes we want to hear from you. What would you like to see? What do you still need to know?
