Dive into the World of 3D Sculpture!

This class will teach you the basic concepts of sculpting with clay. We will talk about how to build forms, develop core shapes, check proportions, add character and bring your ideas to life!

If you have ideas you'd like to create, please bring them to class! If you're not sure where you'd like to start, we will have reference photos for inspiration.

While this is an excellent beginner class for sculpting, confidence in basic handbuilding techniques will be an asset.

Clay and basic sculpting tools will be provided, firing is included. Pieces in this class are not intended to be glazed in order to preserve the sculptural details, but a glaze session can be added for an extra charge.

Please note: due to space restrictions, this workshop is located in our Sunroom Mezzanine classroom space! This space is only accessible by stairs.

Common Questions

Minimum age / Can I register my child for this class?

The participant must be at minimum 16 years old to be registered and attend class unaccompanied. We do allow participants as young as 15 to register as long as an adult is also registered separately to the same class, and accompanies the child to every class. Our instruction is centred around teaching adults. If a minor is less developed than an adult, they may find our instruction methods and pace challenging. We do not guarantee any accommodation of instruction geared to minors.

Workshop is a mature environment where there are very hot kilns in unrestricted production areas; mature art that can contain challenging matters such as profanity, nudity, and mature & challenging subjects; responsible consumption of legal substances such as alcohol in both common areas and private studios, and marijuana outdoors; and lively discussion that is not censored for young ears. By registering a minor, you are agreeing to the risks and environment that they will be entering. If you are registering as a minor, you confirm that a guardian has reviewed this warning and has consented to you registering.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothing that you won’t mind getting clay on. Most clays do not stain and can wash out, however, if your class is working with iron-rich clays then staining may occur. The studio has aprons available for all students to wear while working. We recommend long hair be tied back and jewelry be removed before class begins.

What should I bring?

If you have any sculpting tools you may bring those to class, but basic sculpting tools will be provided! One free bag of clay is included with the purchase of your class and additional clay is available for sale if you run out.

How does the glazing and firing of my work, work?

To ensure the best results, the pieces in this class will be fired to a low temperature and are not intended to be glazed. If you wish to glaze your piece after class, we can make arrangements.

What about health and safety?

Each participant in the class is required to keep all surfaces clean of clay and glaze and to clean all areas including the floor around his workstation thoroughly before they leave. This is to minimize any risks caused by breathing clay and glaze dust.

Cleanup

Classrooms must be left in a clean condition. Students are responsible for following Workshop’s cleaning protocols which are as follows: pottery station cleaned, the floor around the workstation mopped, rag washed and draped over upside down stool, aprons wiped down with a large yellow sponge, the floor around sinks and clay storage cleaned, and wedging tables washed off.

Clean-up should be done with a wet sponge or a mop. Avoid sweeping in the ceramics studio as it will cause tiny hazardous clay dust particles to become airborne.

Outside Materials

Students are not allowed to bring clay or glaze purchased elsewhere into class. Ceramic materials require specific temperatures and conditions to fire properly, so you run the risk of damaging your classmates’ work and the kiln when introducing materials that are not approved by the studio. Additional clay can be purchased from Workshop if needed and includes the cost of firing the additional work you’ll be making with it. Any damage to kilns caused by unauthorized outside materials will be billed to the student (FYI: kilns cost upwards of $5,000).

Cancellations

Classes cancelled within 48h of the start date are subject to refunds only if a replacement is found for your signup. Classes cancelled anytime prior to 48h from the start date are subject to a 5% cancellation fee to cover our processing fees. Classes are subject to cancellations by Workshop in the case of low enrolment. If classes are cancelled by Workshop, you will receive a full refund, including processing fees.

If I miss a class, can I make it up another time?

We are unable to offer make-up classes. For students who know in advance that they will be missing a class, we encourage them to check in with their instructor ahead of that absence to know what they will be missing and how to be on track for the following week by putting in some additional practice hours.

What about Workshop being a safer space?

Everyone has the right to feel safe and included at Workshop Studios regardless of age, ancestry, colour, family status, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, mental disability, physical disability, place of origin, race, religious beliefs, sexual orientation or source of income.

Workshop Studios does not tolerate abusive or discriminatory behaviour. Such behaviour is grounds for removal from the studio and may result in the cancellation of future registrations or a permanent ban.

UNACCEPTABLE BEHAVIOR

Any harassing behaviour which creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive environment is unacceptable conduct. Harassment includes, but is not limited to:

Verbal behaviour: Jokes, slurs, derogatory remarks, abusive language
Physical & visual: Unwanted touching, staring, filming or photographing
Visual displays: Derogatory items, posters, photographs, drawings
Verbal advances: Any unwanted or unwelcome verbal contact

If you feel you have been subject to any harassment, discriminatory behaviour or other abuse, please contact a Workshop Staff member. All communication is strictly confidential. We will work with you and if needed, with your consent, with an independent mediator to address the issue.

Anyone exhibiting these behaviours can be asked to leave at any time by Workshop staff. By signing up to this workshop, you agree to read and follow our Safer Space Policy.

Sculpting 101 - 6 Sessions (21R)