Oklahoma Contemporary
Hands manipulating clay on pottery wheel

Ceramics

Summer session!
July 7- August 31
*
Member registration: June 2, 10 a.m.
Public registration: June 9, 10 a.m.

A flagship program of Oklahoma Contemporary since 1989, ceramic classes and workshops take place in state-of-the-art facilities at Studio School under expert instruction. After creating works in the Leigh Ann and Paul Albers Outdoor Studio, students may fire their works of art at a range of temperatures and atmospheres in several kilns, including two outdoor gas kilns custom built by Donovan Palmquist of Master Kiln Builders. Studio School is also home to the state’s only community salt and soda kiln.

Tuition for multi-week courses does not include materials. When signing up for a class, all students agree to abide by the policies set forth in the Student Handbook.

Interested in more than just Ceramics? See our full class and workshop list here.


Eight-Week Class | Introduction to Ceramics - Monday

  • Date 6-8:30 p.m., Mondays, July 7 - Aug. 25, 2025
  • Cost $225
  • Location The Studios | Kim and Steve Bruno Hand Building Studio and Lynda and Chuck Nelson Wheel Throwing Studio
  • Instructor / Presenter David Stevens
  • Age Requirements 18+
  • Contact studioschool@okcontemp.org
Ceramic cups of various shapes and sizes

Beginners welcome, no experience necessary.

Learn to create sculptural forms and functional vessels like mugs, plates and bowls. This course introduces the two main techniques of ceramic arts: hand building and wheel throwing. We begin with a focus on hand building skills, such as pinching, coiling and slab building. In the second half of class, you’ll learn how to use the potter’s wheel. The class also touches on the science and art of slips, glazes and textures as well as historic and contemporary ceramic artists. Have fun, create functional art and remind your fingers they can do more than scroll.

• If you need a ceramics tool-kit you can purchase it ($17) on the first day.

• You'll also need to purchase a 25 lb. bag of clay on the first day. The cost of clay ranges from $17-$25 per 25 lb. bag.

• Download course syllabus and materials list here.

• If one class is postponed due to weather or unforeseen instructor circumstances, the rain date is Sept. 8.

Open Studio time is included with registration. Open Studio allows currently enrolled students to work on their projects in Oklahoma Contemporary’s studios outside of class meetings. Availability varies weekly, and times are posted outside each studio.

Register

Eight-Week Class | Wheel Throwing 1 - Tuesday (a.m.)

  • Date 11-1:30 p.m., Tuesdays, July 8 - Aug. 26, 2025
  • Cost $225
  • Location The Studios | Lynda and Chuck Nelson Wheel Throwing Studio
  • Instructor / Presenter David Stevens
  • Age Requirements 18+
  • Contact studioschool@okcontemp.org
Close up view of hands manipulating clay on a wheel

Required Prerequisite: Introduction to Ceramics

This course focuses exclusively on the potter’s wheel. Expanding on the techniques covered in Introduction to Ceramics, this class will improve your skills on the wheel. You will make mugs, cups and bowls while learning more about firing techniques, temperatures and atmospheres.

• Download your course syllabus and materials list here.

• If one class is postponed due to weather or unforeseen instructor circumstances, the rain date is September 2.

Open Studio time is included with registration. Open Studio allows currently enrolled students to work on their projects in Oklahoma Contemporary’s studios outside of class meetings. Availability varies weekly, and times are posted outside each studio.

Want to enroll in Wheel Throwing 1 but haven’t taken Introduction to Ceramics? Special admittance to the class is granted on a case-by-case-basis pending approval from David Stevens, Manager of Ceramics Program and Studio. Email: dstevens@okcontemp.org for more information.

Register

Eight-Week Class | Introduction to Ceramics - Tuesday p.m.

  • Date 6-8:30 p.m., Tuesdays, July 8-Aug. 26, 2025
  • Cost $225
  • Location The Studios | Kim and Steve Bruno Hand Building Studio and Lynda and Chuck Nelson Wheel Throwing Studio
  • Instructor / Presenter Liz Parham
  • Age Requirements 18+
  • Contact studioschool@okcontemp.org
Ceramic cups of various shapes and sizes

Beginners welcome, no experience necessary.

Learn to create sculptural forms and functional vessels like mugs, plates and bowls. This course introduces the two main techniques of ceramic arts: hand building and wheel throwing. We begin with a focus on hand building skills, such as pinching, coiling and slab building. In the second half of class, you’ll learn how to use the potter’s wheel. The class also touches on the science and art of slips, glazes and textures as well as historic and contemporary ceramic artists. Have fun, create functional art and remind your fingers they can do more than scroll.

• If you need a ceramics tool-kit you can purchase it ($17) on the first day.

• You'll also need to purchase a 25 lb bag of clay on the first day. The cost of clay ranges from $17-21 per 25 lb bag.

• Download course syllabus and materials list here.

• If one class is postponed due to weather or unforeseen instructor circumstances, the rain date is September 2.

Open Studio time is included with registration. Open Studio allows currently enrolled students to work on their projects in Oklahoma Contemporary’s studios outside of class meetings. Availability varies weekly, and times are posted outside each studio.

Register

Eight-Week Class | Wheel Throwing 1 - Wednesday

  • Date 6 - 8:30 p.m., Wednesdays, July 9-Aug. 27, 2025
  • Cost $225
  • Location The Studios | Lynda and Chuck Nelson Wheel Throwing Studio
  • Instructor / Presenter Joe Cox
  • Age Requirements 18+
  • Contact studioschool@okcontemp.org
Close up view of hands manipulating clay on a wheel

Required Prerequisite: Introduction to Ceramics

This course focuses exclusively on the potter’s wheel. Expanding on the techniques covered in Introduction to Ceramics, this class will improve your skills on the wheel. You will make mugs, cups and bowls while learning more about firing techniques, temperatures and atmospheres.

• Download your course syllabus and materials list here.

• If one class is postponed due to weather or unforeseen instructor circumstances, the rain date is September 3.

Open Studio time is included with registration. Open Studio allows currently enrolled students to work on their projects in Oklahoma Contemporary’s studios outside of class meetings. Availability varies weekly, and times are posted outside each studio.

Want to enroll in Wheel Throwing 1 but haven’t taken Introduction to Ceramics? Special admittance to the class is granted on a case-by-case-basis pending approval from David Stevens, Manager of Ceramics Program and Studio. Email: dstevens@okcontemp.org for more information.

Register

Eight-Week Class | Figurative Ceramic Sculpture

  • Date 6-9 p.m., Wednesdays, July 9 - Aug. 27, 2025
  • Cost $265
  • Location The Studios | Kim and Steve Bruno Hand Building Studio
  • Instructor / Presenter Liliana
  • Age Requirements 18+
  • Contact studioschool@okcontemp.org
SU25 Fig Sculpt2

Beginners welcome! No experience necessary.

Learn the basics of figurative ceramic sculpture from artist Lilianna Gutiérrez. Learn to use clay and specialized sculpting tools, such as wooden modeling tools, loop and ribbon tools and wire clay cutters to sculpt the human form in clay. Yay!

• Download your course syllabus and materials list here.

• If one class is postponed due to weather or unforeseen instructor circumstances, the rain date is September 3.

Open Studio time is included with registration. Open Studio allows currently enrolled students to work on their projects in Oklahoma Contemporary’s studios outside of class meetings. Availability varies weekly, and times are posted outside each studio.

Register

Eight-Week Class | Garden Potsabilities

  • Date 6-9 p.m., Thursdays, July 10-Aug. 28, 2025.
  • Cost $265
  • Location The Studios | Lynda and Chuck Nelson Wheel Throwing Studio
  • Instructor / Presenter Liv Egan
  • Age Requirements 18+
  • Contact studioschool@okcontemp.org
SU25 Garden2

Required Prerequisites: Introduction to Ceramics, Wheel Throwing 1, Wheel 2, or Altered Forms.

This advanced ceramics class (with Liv!) focuses on making pots and other outside crip crap for your public garden or your secret garden. (Where you put your pots is your own business and we love that about you.)

• Download course syllabus and materials list here.

• If one class is postponed due to weather or unforeseen instructor circumstances, the rain date is September 4.

Open Studio time is included with registration. Open Studio allows currently enrolled students to work on their projects in Oklahoma Contemporary’s studios outside of class meetings. Availability varies weekly, and times are posted outside each studio.

Register

Eight-Week Class | You're Driving Me Glazy

  • Date 10:30-1 p.m., Saturdays, July 12-Sept. 6, 2025.
  • Cost $225
  • Location The Studios | Kim and Steve Bruno Hand Building Studio
  • Instructor / Presenter Anna McGowan
  • Contact studioschool@okcontemp.org
SU25 Glazy2

Sold out! Please join our waitlist.

No class on August 30.

Is glazing driving you glazy? Stop crying, pumpkin, we got you. Take this class and clear your bad glaze miasma. Learn how and when to apply glazes, the different categories of glaze (flux, celadon, etc) and how to identify and avoid common glazing defects.

• Download course syllabus and materials list here.

• If one class is postponed due to weather or unforeseen instructor circumstances, the rain date is September 13.

Open Studio time is included with registration. Open Studio allows currently enrolled students to work on their projects in Oklahoma Contemporary’s studios outside of class meetings. Availability varies weekly, and times are posted outside each studio.

Eight-Week Class | Coil Building: Coils! Coils!

  • Date 2-4:30 p.m., Saturdays, July 12 - Sept. 6, 2025.
  • Cost $225
  • Location The Studios | Kim and Steve Bruno Hand Building Studio
  • Instructor / Presenter Liz Parham
  • Age Requirements 18+
  • Contact studioschool@okcontemp.org
SU25 Coil

Required prerequisites: Introduction to Ceramics

No class on August 30.

Learn to build with flat coils; round coils, and triangle coils. Coils! Coils! Get in here and coil your stuff.

• Download course syllabus and materials list here.

• If one class is postponed due to weather or unforeseen instructor circumstances, the rain date is September 13.

Open Studio time is included with registration. Open Studio allows currently enrolled students to work on their projects in Oklahoma Contemporary’s studios outside of class meetings. Availability varies weekly, and times are posted outside each studio.

Register

Eight-Week Rental | Wheel Throwing and Hand Building Rental

  • Date Can start anytime, based on studio availability.
  • Cost prices vary (see description)
  • Location Studios Building | Cathy and Phil Busey Ceramic Studio
  • Age Requirements 18+
  • Contact dstevens@okcontemp.org

Looking for an opportunity to work independently in the Wheel Throwing and Hand Building Studio? Eight-week rentals occur during Studio School's sessions.

Rentals space is shared and semi private. Rental prices do not include clay or firing costs. Full-time renters receive a discount on firing costs.

Full-day rentals (M-F 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., weekends 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.): $595
Half-day rentals AM (M-F 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., weekends 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.): $300
Half-day rentals PM (M-F 4-8 p.m., weekends 2-5 p.m.): $300

Renters must purchase clay from Studio School or may use their own clay with prior approval of David Stevens.

To secure your rental, email dstevens@okcontemp.org.

Eight-Week Rental | Wheel Throwing and Hand Building Rental

  • Date Can start anytime, based on studio availability.
  • Cost prices vary (see description)
  • Location Studios Building | Cathy and Phil Busey Ceramic Studio
  • Age Requirements 18+
  • Contact dstevens@okcontemp.org

Looking for an opportunity to work independently in the Wheel Throwing and Hand Building Studio? Eight-week rentals occur during Studio School's sessions.

Rentals space is shared and semi private. Rental prices do not include clay or firing costs. Full-time renters receive a discount on firing costs.

Full-day rentals (M-F 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., weekends 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.): $595
Half-day rentals AM (M-F 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., weekends 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.): $300
Half-day rentals PM (M-F 4-8 p.m., weekends 2-5 p.m.): $300

Renters must purchase clay from Studio School or may use their own clay with prior approval of David Stevens.

To secure your rental, email dstevens@okcontemp.org.

Four-Week Rental | Wheel Throwing and Hand Building Rental

  • Date Can start anytime, based on studio availability.
  • Cost prices vary (see description)
  • Location Studios Building | Cathy and Phil Busey Ceramic Studio
  • Age Requirements 18+
  • Contact dstevens@okcontemp.org

Looking for an opportunity to work independently in the Wheel Throwing and Hand Building Studio? Four-week rentals can begin anytime, based on studio availability.

Rentals space is shared and semi private. Rental prices do not include clay or firing costs. Full-time renters receive a discount on firing costs.

Full-day rentals (M-F 10 a.m. - 8 p.m., weekends 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.): $320
Half-day rentals AM (M-F 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., weekends 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.): $160
Half-day rentals PM (M-F 4-8 p.m., weekends 2-5 p.m.): $160

Renters must purchase clay from Studio School or may use their own clay with prior approval of David Stevens.

To secure your rental, email dstevens@okcontemp.org.

Community Firings

  • Cost varies - email for quote
  • Location Studios Building | Ceramics Studio
  • Contact dstevens@okcontemp.org
Ceramic cups of various shapes and sizes

Working on a ceramic project and need access to a kiln? Ceramicists in central Oklahoma are invited to use Studio School’s several electric and two large-scale gas kilns, including a salt and soda kiln custom built by Donovan Palmquist of Master Kiln Builders.

Bisque—$7 per cubic foot

Cone 6—$5 per cubic foot

Cone 10—$12 per cubic foot

Cone 10, Soda—$14 per cubic foot

For more information contact us at dstevens@okcontemp.org.

Hours

Monday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Closed Tuesday

Wednesday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Thursday 11 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Friday - Sunday 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

see additional holidays

Location

Visit us at 11 NW 11th St.
Oklahoma City, OK 73103
Phone: 405 951 0000
Fax: 405 459 0551
info@okcontemp.org

SEND MAIL TO:
Oklahoma Contemporary
P.O. Box 3062
Oklahoma City, OK 73101

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