Hand-building workshop

$325 / 6 weeks

Wednesdays starting February 18 from 6:30-9:00 pm

Our beloved Folk Figures workshop is back! This time we're doing an extended version where you can really delve into creating characters. Over six weeks, you’ll learn how to craft your figures using a variety of methods. 

We’ll walk you through the fundamentals of hand-building such as pinch, slab and coil to create expressive ceramic figures and also advanced techniques to build larger forms. (This course comprises Folk Figure I & II in one class)

This class is perfect for beginners and returning students who want to explore character-driven, playful ceramics in a supportive, creative environment.

Taught by Gage Michael Wheatley (@gagemichaelwheatley)

Ceramic painting workshop

$120 / 2 large dishes (2 people)

$95 / 2 smaller dishes (2 people)

Saturday February 14 from 2:00-4:00 pm

Join us for a cozy Valentine’s Paint & Sip at The Commons, designed for pairs who want to make something special together. Whether you’re coming with a partner, a best friend, or a beloved other, you’ll each paint your own matching ceramic dish to take home and cherish.

Each participant will receive a pre-made hand-built ceramic dish to decorate using underglaze and glaze, along with a glass of wine or a cup of tea to sip while you paint. We’ll guide you through the process, offer design tips, and take care of the firing for you after the class.

The workshop is booked per pair, and each person paints their own dish. You can choose between two size options:

• $95 per pair — smaller matching dishes

• $120 per pair — larger matching dishes

No prior experience is needed. This is a relaxed, social evening focused on creativity, connection, and making something meaningful together.

All finished pieces will be glazed, fired, and ready for pickup at a later date.

Taught by Gage Michael Wheatley (@gagemichaelwheatley)

Hybrid poetry & hand-building workshop

$375 / 8 weeks

Mondays starting February 16 from 6:30-8:45 pm

Guest poet teacher: Olive Andrews

Our much-loved Poetry in Clay course is back at The Commons.

This course invites participants to explore the meeting point between language and form by using poetry as a starting place for ceramic work and vice-versa. 

The writing portion will focus on ekphrasis as a form of responding to real-life artworks as well as pieces made during the class. For the ceramics portion, students will learn the fundamental techniques necessary to get creative. The focus is not on technical perfection, but on meaning, expression, and allowing ideas to shape form.

Poetry in Clay is open to all levels. Writers curious about clay and ceramicists drawn to language are equally welcome. This is a supportive, reflective class that values process, openness, and thoughtful conversation as much as finished work.

Whether you’re returning or joining us for the first time, we’re excited to welcome you back into this shared space of words and making.

Taught by Gage Michael Wheatley (@gagemichaelwheatley)

Hand-building workshop

$70 / 2.25 hours

Tuesday March 3 from 6:30-8:45 pm

In this hands-on workshop, participants will design and hand-build their own ceramic candle holder using slab, coil and pinch techniques. We’ll explore form, balance, and surface while creating pieces that are both functional and expressive.

You’ll be guided through the making process step by step, with plenty of room for personal interpretation. Whether your candle holder ends up simple and elegant or playful and sculptural, the focus is on having fun, experimenting with texture and detail, and enjoying the process of working with clay. Students are encouraged to bring images that inspire them in the creation of their own pieces.

This workshop is open to all levels and no prior experience is required. All materials, tools, and firings are included. Finished pieces will be glazed and fired by our team and ready for pickup at a later date.

Perfect for anyone curious about ceramics, looking to make a useful object by hand, or wanting a relaxed, creative session at The Commons.

Taught by Gage Michael Wheatley (@gagemichaelwheatley)