General Store – Hand-built functional ware, sundries, and other oddities

three long-necked pouring vessels by Tom Hubbard

General Store – Hand-built functional ware, sundries, and other oddities

Summer 2026
Dates: June 4 - July 30, 2026 (9 classes with 10 weeks of studio access)
Day/Time: Thursdays, 6:30pm - 9:30pm
Level: Beginner - Advanced
Instructor: Tom Hubbard

Inspired by the historic general store—a hub for all things useful and essential—this class will explore a range of hand-built ceramic forms such as bottles & flasks, funnels, lidded jars, ladles, and even deviled egg trays. Each week will focus on a new project, drawing from the general store’s diverse inventory. Students will learn soft slab construction techniques and use simple molds to bring these utilitarian forms to life. Surface treatments such as stamping, stenciling, and underglaze transfers will also be introduced. Classes will include short slide lectures, hands-on demonstrations, and group discussions covering design strategies, construction tips, and glazing methods. While the course is suited for all levels, more advanced students are welcome to pursue self-directed projects with personalized feedback from the instructor.

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 page for complete dates and instructions on how to register.

Materials List

Basic Pottery Tool Kit, Apron, 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. 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 at jikim@fas.harvard.edu.

Cost:

Course Fees: $115 for Harvard College Undergraduate Students; $420 for Harvard Graduate Students; $885 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 6,200 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.
For questions regarding registration or 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 Instructional Operations Coordinator Mary Cale Wilson.