THE LATEST FROM THE CLAY CENTER
GUEST ARTIST WORKSHOP
Not Too Slabby: A seriously fun teapot workshop with Robert Lawarre III
October 17-18, 2026
All skill levels welcome
Have some serious fun making hand-built teapots with Memphis-based visiting artist Robert Lawarre III! Register now with just a $125 deposit, and pay the balance by October 2nd.
In this two-day workshop, you'll learn Rob’s approach to slab-constructing uniquely designed functional teapots. Students will each build a teapot using Rob’s signature techniques, and instruction will cover how Rob transforms finely textured slabs into dynamic functional sculptural teapot forms. Rob will also share tips and tricks for hand-built spouts, handles, and snug-fitting lids.
Rob will lead participants through foundational engineering concepts and material handling strategies to encourage greater success when working with thin, textured slabs to make dynamic, unexpected forms. This workshop is perfect for anyone wanting to expand technical skill in functional design as well as more elegant hand-building. Participants of any skill level will be able to engage with Rob’s techniques with minimal equipment and materials. Learn more
Not Too Slabby: A seriously fun teapot workshop with Robert Lawarre III
October 17-18, 2026
All skill levels welcome
Have some serious fun making hand-built teapots with Memphis-based visiting artist Robert Lawarre III! Register now with just a $125 deposit, and pay the balance by October 2nd.
In this two-day workshop, you'll learn Rob’s approach to slab-constructing uniquely designed functional teapots. Students will each build a teapot using Rob’s signature techniques, and instruction will cover how Rob transforms finely textured slabs into dynamic functional sculptural teapot forms. Rob will also share tips and tricks for hand-built spouts, handles, and snug-fitting lids.
Rob will lead participants through foundational engineering concepts and material handling strategies to encourage greater success when working with thin, textured slabs to make dynamic, unexpected forms. This workshop is perfect for anyone wanting to expand technical skill in functional design as well as more elegant hand-building. Participants of any skill level will be able to engage with Rob’s techniques with minimal equipment and materials. Learn more
Image: Faye Kennelly's throwing class
TAKE A CLASS OR WORKSHOP WITH US!
We offer ceramics classes and workshops for all levels of clay artists, from total newbies to those with years of experience! Our 1,000-square-foot main studio (located just down the hall from our gallery) has seven electric potter's wheels, a slab roller, an extruder, wedging and work tables, and a selection of slips, washes, and glazes for firing to cone 6. Learn more
We offer ceramics classes and workshops for all levels of clay artists, from total newbies to those with years of experience! Our 1,000-square-foot main studio (located just down the hall from our gallery) has seven electric potter's wheels, a slab roller, an extruder, wedging and work tables, and a selection of slips, washes, and glazes for firing to cone 6. Learn more
GET CREATIVE IN OUR STUDIO!
Already have some clay experience and just need space to work? We have drop-in Open Studio hours and 24/7 access studio membership options for individuals who already have some experience in clay and can work without direction or instruction. We recommend taking at least two beginner-level clay classes (with us or elsewhere) before dropping into Open Studio or signing up for a studio membership.
Learn more about our different options:
Already have some clay experience and just need space to work? We have drop-in Open Studio hours and 24/7 access studio membership options for individuals who already have some experience in clay and can work without direction or instruction. We recommend taking at least two beginner-level clay classes (with us or elsewhere) before dropping into Open Studio or signing up for a studio membership.
Learn more about our different options:
KILN FIRING SERVICE & MEMBERSHIPS
Do you have workspace at home but no kiln? We offer drop-off cone 06 bisque firings and cone 6 glaze firings to everyone in the community! Choose one of our firing service options:
Do you have workspace at home but no kiln? We offer drop-off cone 06 bisque firings and cone 6 glaze firings to everyone in the community! Choose one of our firing service options:
- NEW! Firing Memberships: For a flat rate of $60/month, fire as many pieces as you want!
- "Pay As You Go" Firing: We weigh your pieces and charge $2/lb for either bisque or glaze firing.
CLAY AND SUPPLIES AVAILABLE IN PERSON AND ONLINE
We stock several different Alligator Clay Company moist clay bodies in a variety of colors and firing ranges, as well as 50-lb bags of No. 1 pottery plaster and other supplies.
Check out our online supply shop for our in-stock items, purchase whatever you need, and we'll email you with pickup instructions when your order is ready! You can also purchase clay and other supplies in person during our open hours.
We stock several different Alligator Clay Company moist clay bodies in a variety of colors and firing ranges, as well as 50-lb bags of No. 1 pottery plaster and other supplies.
Check out our online supply shop for our in-stock items, purchase whatever you need, and we'll email you with pickup instructions when your order is ready! You can also purchase clay and other supplies in person during our open hours.