Absolute Beginners for Harvard Students - Wheel Throwing

Semester: Spring
|
Year offered: 2025
pink cup with black botanical motif

Dates: February 1 - April 19 (10 classes | 14 weeks)*
Day/Time: Saturdays, 10:00am - 1:00pm
Level: Beginner - Intermediate
Instructor: Ashton Keen

Description: Harvard College students - ready to try your hand at the wheel? Join 2024-25 Artist in Residence, Ashton Keen, in learning how to use the potter’s wheel to make functional pottery. Students will be introduced to ways the wheel can create closed forms and connect parts. Through demonstrations and hands-on learning, each class will build off each other and gain clay skills and confidence. 

 *No class on March 15th and March 22nd for Spring Recess.  

 

Materials List:

Basic Pottery Tool Kit
Apron
Small Towel

Tool Purchases:

Here is the list of available tools and materials at the Ceramics Program. You may also consider ordering from a local supplier (Sheffield Pottery, Amherst Pottery Supply or Portland Pottery). If you have questions, please email Ji-Eun Kim directly at jikim@fas.harvard.edu.

Course Fees:

$125 for Harvard College Undergraduate Students

 

Your course fee covers all clays (terra cotta, midrange, high fire stoneware, sculpture body, porcelain, and midrange casting slip), bisque firing, glazes, and glaze firing up to 8600 cu. inches of kiln space for 14 weeks, as well as 7-day access to the Ceramics Program and its equipment from the start date of your class through May 2nd. All are welcome to apply to participate in the Spring Show and Sale May 8 – 11th, 2025! 

 

  • 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.  

Registration will begin Wednesday, November 13th at 2pm. Login and Register

All registered students will receive a confirmation with class syllabus one week prior to the start date.

Questions?

  • For questions regarding course content, policies, staffing or facilities, please contact Director, Kathy King.
  • For questions regarding registration, purchase of tools and materials, please contact Administrative Coordinator, Ji-Eun Kim.
  • For questions regarding electric kiln certification, materials, studio equipment and safety policies, please contact Operations Coordinator, Mary Cale Wilson.