Clay Studio Update

November Is a Good Time for a Pottery Class at BMCA Clay Studio

By Rita Vermillion

The Black Mountain Center for the Arts Clay Studio is offering additional pottery classes slated to begin during November, just in time to make some fun gifts for the holidays. Or sign up for a class and give yourself a relaxing time that’s fun and therapeutic without leaving town. A class consists of six 2-hour sessions on the wheel or with slab work with an experienced potter, 25 lbs. of clay, twelve to fifteen hours a week of Open Studio practice time, glazing instruction, and firings of the pots you make. More information and details can be found at BlackMountainArts.org, or by calling 828/669-0930.
All classes are set up as Basic Adult Classes. Within that concept students may advance to as high a level as they and the teacher are willing to work together. Many students take a class over and over in order to continue learning about glazes, clay bodies, altered shapes, and more. Whether students are beginners or experienced they are able to find a time to work with the teacher to hone their skills.

Classes this November are on a staggered schedule.

• The first class begins Tuesday, November 1 from 10 am – noon with potter Annie Singletary (anniesingletary.com).
• The second class begins Tuesday, November 15 from 4-6 pm with Studio Manager, potter Charles Freeland (charlesfreelandpottery.com).
• In addition, Geoff Bird (www.facebook.com/pages/Morning-Sky-Pottery-Shop/101185893264499) teaches an ongoing class on Thursdays from 4-6 pm that students can join at any time.

Each of these three classes is taught for 6 sessions. The tuition, which includes lab fee, is $170.

Geoff Bird - photo by Barbara Rogers

In addition, Will Byers (byerspottery.com) will teach a 4-week class on Mondays from 6-8 pm from November 28 – December 19, with tuition of $125. By appointment, the Clay Studio may offer Pottery Samplers to folks who just want a short-term experience while in town.


Each of the Clay Studio teachers has studied at the college level and beyond and has taught pottery to a wide age-range of students throughout their careers and each is qualified and trained to teach a wide-range of techniques. Open Studio is offered as a time for students to practice what they have learned in class, without instruction. An experienced potter or teacher is on hand to answer basic studio questions and procedures.