Intro to Handbuilding

Creating Vessels Off the Wheel with Pennie Ebsen

Step away from the pottery wheel and experience the pure energy of handbuilding clay vessels. Over each six-week session, teacher and mentor Pennie Ebsen will share her enthusiasm and experience working with clay off the wheel. Participants will explore pinching, coiling, and slab building techniques in initial sessions. After basic methods are mastered, the class will be encouraged to make their unique mark on their projects, exploring the potential of form, texture, and pattern.

 Develop your skills and find your voice making vessels by hand. Six weekly sessions; all supplies and materials are included.

  • You may bring your favorite tools, but all the necessary equipment will be provided to you at the studio. Just wear clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting a little dirty!

  • All the clay that will be used for class projects, as well as the glaze for those pieces, are included in class fees.

Classes offer individual attention and demonstrations in a supportive group setting. Begin your journey via clay today!

FREE Open Studio Hours

All adult ViaClay students enrolled in any of our six-week classes may use the studio independently during Open Studio hours.

Check the calendar below!

To redeem a gift card, please click here to create an account at viaclay.classly.com

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To redeem a gift card, please click here to create an account at viaclay.classly.com 〰️

* A Note on our Practice Philosophy and Registration Process

ViaClay is committed to creating spaces for people to learn and practice their craft. Unlike many other studios, we allow all currently-enrolled students the opportunity to re-enroll in the next six-week session before opening class registration to the public. While this may limit the number of spots available for new students to join the group, it creates an enriching atmosphere that we are eager to nurture.

In 2026, to meet the needs of people eager to begin their journey in clay, we have expanded our class schedules and teacher rosters. Beginning in June this year, we will have 11 adult classes — each its own community of 16 people — working in our Oak Park studios. By the fall, we hope to have 14 adult class sessions staffed and online.