A History of Clay: Fall 2025

The tradition of ceramics dates all the way back to 29,000 BCE. The earliest forms were hand-built and took their shape by the hands of women in the vast majority of cultures across the globe. Shaping and firing clay for purposes of both survival and creative expression may very well be the deepest and widest legacy we have for exploring our collective past as humans. This survey-style class is an opportunity to gain an overview perspective of some of the earliest known traditions of ceramics around the world and how they developed over time. From Chinese Teaware to co-evolution of cuisine and ceramics, a wide range of material will be covered. 

Week 1, October 12: Global influence and roots of Mingei w/Ben Koditschek 

Week 2, October 19: Modern American Ceramics w/Kelley Donahue

Week 3, October 26: The Historical Symbolism & Use of Ceramics in Funerary Practices w/Nala Turner

Week 4, November 2: The History and Global Legacy of Chinese Teawares w/Lilian Wu

Week 5, November 9: The Co-evolution of Cuisine and Ceramics w/Gregg Moore

Week 6, November 16: Sangkhalok Ceramics: The Golden Age of Thai Pottery in Sukhothai w/Chanakarn (Punch) Semachai

This is an online class via Zoom, and the base price is $195. If you are an intermediate/advanced student, you can access the studio and take classes for $495 (no greenware storage). All classes will be recorded and sent each week in case you miss any. Ceramics has always been rooted in a history strongly connected to the traditions of BIPOC folks and this survey will lean into that. BIPOC students can take this course at a 50% discount. Email cor@gasworksnyc.com for a discount code. 

What's included

  • Studio Access

    Open Studio Hours for 6 weeks of Zoom class, 6am-10pm

    No greenware storage for Zoom students, Zoom students get access for glazing and bisque/glaze storage.

  • Clay

    • White
    • Brown
    • Red
    • Sculpture
    • Other clays for purchase

  • Glaze

    Over 50 custom glazes

  • Firing

    3 cents per cubic inch:

    • Bisque
    • Cone 6 electric
    • Cone 10 gas
    • Luster firings

  • Studio Equipment

    Bailey gas kiln, shimpo wheels, slab roller, extruder, community tools such as plaster molds and chucks, etc.

Register

More Info

Cancellation Policy

All sales are non-transferrable and there are no store credits or exchanges. There is no way to reschedule your purchase(s). You have purchased a specific spot(s) on a specific day(s) or night(s) and your purchase(s) can not be rescheduled or transferred to any other day, night or semester. There are no exceptions for any reason. You can call us at the main number (718 635 1394) to cancel your purchase for a refund if you call before the refund/cancelation deadline. The refund/cancelation deadlines, percentages and fees are as follows:

Weekly classes: Full refunds are available up to 15 days before the first day of the semester. From 14-8 days before the session starts we can offer a 50% refund. Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds 7 days or less in advance of the first day of the semester. There will be no exceptions granted for any reason so please plan accordingly.

Summer camps: Full refunds are available up to 15 days before the first day of the summer camp session. From 14-8 days before the session starts we can offer a 50% refund. Unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds 7 days or less in advance of the first day of the semester. There will be no exceptions granted for any reason so please plan accordingly.

TryNights and Muddy Moons: Full refunds are available up to 15 days before the class, after which a 50% refund is possible until 24 hours before the class. Unfortunately, we can't offer refunds within 24 hours of the class. There will be no exceptions granted for any reason. 

Private lessons: Full refunds are available up to 7 days before the lesson, after which a $50 processing fee per person applies until 24 hours before the class. Unfortunately, we can't offer refunds within 24 hours of the lesson. There will be no exceptions granted for any reason. 

Parties and private events: Full refunds are available up to 7 days before the event, after which a $100 processing fee applies until 24 hours before the class. Unfortunately, we can't offer refunds within 24 hours of the event. There will be no exceptions granted for any reason. 

Workshops and studio events: Full refunds are available up to 7 days before the event, after which a $75 processing fee per person applies until 24 hours before the class. Unfortunately, we can't offer refunds within 24 hours of the event. There will be no exceptions granted for any reason. 

Membership: After the initial 3 month minimum, members must give a minimum of 1 month advance notice in writing in order to cancel their membership. There will be no exceptions granted for any reason. 

Membership Lite: After 3 months minimum of membership, member lites can cancel their membership with 15 days notice.