#  Basics and Challenges on Thursdays 

 



   ![Hands of an Instructor and student at the potter's wheel](/sites/g/files/omnuum4081/files/styles/hwp_1_1__360x360_scale/public/2025-03/Basics_SU25.jpg?itok=qgT7Cmlz) 

 

## Basics and Challenges on Thursdays

[Summer 2026](https://ofa.fas.harvard.edu/ceramics/courses)  
**Dates:** June 11 - August 6, 2026 (9 classes with 9 weeks of studio access)  
**Day/Time:** Thursdays , 6:30pm - 9:30pm  
**Level:** [Beginner - Advanced](https://ofa.fas.harvard.edu/ceramics/definition-experience-levels)  
**Instructor:** [Kyle Johns](https://ofa.fas.harvard.edu/people/kyle-johns)

Through demonstrations, individual critiques, and extensive hands-on practice, students will learn the fundamentals of wheel throwing, hand building, and surface decoration. Creative approaches to altered and combined elements will provide challenges for more experienced students.

**The registration lottery for in-person summer courses will be open from April 14 at 10:00am through April 17 at 4:00pm. Visit our** [**Registration Policies**](https://ofa.fas.harvard.edu/ceramics/registration-policies) **page for complete dates and instructions on how to register.**

### Materials List

- Basic Pottery Tool Kit, Apron, Small Towel, Notebook/Sketchbook

*All registered students will receive an email confirmation with the class syllabus one week before the start date.*

Tool Purchases:  
[Here is the list of available tools and materials at the Ceramics Program.](https://ofa.fas.harvard.edu/ceramics/supplies) You may also consider ordering from a local supplier ([Sheffield Pottery](https://www.sheffield-pottery.com/), [Amherst Pottery Supply](https://www.amherstpotters.com/) or [Portland Pottery](https://www.portlandpottery.com/)). If you have questions, please email Ji-Eun Kim at <jikim@fas.harvard.edu>.

### Cost:

Course Fees: $115 for Harvard College Undergraduate Students; $420 for Harvard Graduate Students; $850 for Adult Community Members; Harvard Employee TAP Regular and Long Service - follow the instructions in the online registration system for pricing.

*Your course fee covers all clays (terra cotta, midrange, and high fire stoneware, sculpture body, porcelain, and midrange casting slip), bisque firing, glazes, and glaze firing for up to **5,530 cubic inches of kiln space,** as well as 7-day access to the Ceramics Program and its equipment from the start date of your class through August 8, 2026.*

### User types:

- **Adult Community:** 18+**;** General Public; Harvard alumni, fellows, Extension School students, and faculty/staff who are not TAP-eligible; students from universities other than Harvard.
- **Harvard Employees eligible for the Tuition Assistance Program (TAP):** TAP regular (employees worked less than 15 years) and TAP long service (employees who worked 15 or more years at Harvard).
- **Harvard College Undergraduate Students:** Currently enrolled students at Harvard College. This does not include Harvard Extension School Undergraduate Students. You must register with your Harvard email – we can arrange for an alternative email to be used for class after registration is complete.
- **Harvard Graduate Students:** Currently enrolled students in a Harvard University Graduate Program. This does not include Harvard Extension School Graduate Students.

### Questions?

- For questions regarding course content, policies, staffing or facilities, please contact Director, [Kathy King](mailto:kking@fas.harvard.edu).
- For questions regarding registration or purchase of tools and materials, please contact Administrative Coordinator, [Ji-Eun Kim](mailto:jikim@fas.harvard.edu).
- For questions regarding electric kiln certification, materials, studio equipment and safety policies, please contact Instructional Operations Coordinator [Mary Cale Wilson](mailto:marycalewilson@fas.harvard.edu).



 

 

 

 

 

 



 

 See also:- [ 2026 Summer ](/term/2026-summer)
 
 

 

 

 

 login 

 [### Registration Login

 ](https://ofadap.fas.harvard.edu/ords/ofa/r/office-for-the-arts/login)log in or create an account on the OFA registration platform



 

 

 policy 

 [### Registration Policies

 ](https://ofa.fas.harvard.edu/ceramics/registration-policies)Learn more about how to register for a Ceramics Course



 

 

 list 

 [### Course Preview

 ](https://ofa.fas.harvard.edu/ceramics/courses)Review all current Ceramics Program course listings



 

 

 work\_history 

 [### Definition of experience levels

 ](https://ofa.fas.harvard.edu/ceramics/definition-experience-levels)Use these definitions as a guideline to select a Ceramics Program course that best suits your level of experience.