This 10-week course offers a comprehensive introduction to the art of wheel throwing. Students will learn the fundamentals of clay preparation, centering, and shaping basic forms like bowls and cylinders. As the course progresses, students will explore trimming, attaching handles, surface decoration techniques and glazing. With hands-on practice and one-on-one guidance, participants will refine their skills and complete personal projects. The final weeks focus on finishing touches and group critiques, providing students with a well-rounded foundation in the art of functional pottery. Suitable for beginners eager to explore the world of ceramics.

This class is held in a ADA accessable studio space

• We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
• Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support our mission! Learn more about it's benefits and discounts!

Explore the art of wood firing in this hands-on course, culminating in a communal wood firing. Learn surface treatments, kiln loading, and firing techniques while creating work suited for atmospheric effects. Students receive a share of the firing, gaining firsthand experience in this dynamic, flame-driven process. Intermediate/advanced levels. Fee includes one share of the firing on March 28th-29th, 2026.

This class is scheduled to be held in CCS, which is only accessable by stairs.

• We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
• Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support the mission of HYS.

Draw what you see by learning to see what you draw. Learn visual techniques that make drawing rewarding and fun. Discover ways to draw by establishing the underling structure from a variety of still life objects. Focus on drawing a new, uncluttered still life each week using graphite, charcoal, or the drawing material of your choice. Get individual encouragement and support as you progress at your own pace, with instructor demonstrations to guide you through techniques and materials. A materials list is provided.

Click HERE for a materials list for this class

• We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
• Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support our mission! Learn more about it's benefits and discounts!

Students will learn and explore, through weekly demonstrations, advanced glaze techniques and surface decoration.

This class is scheduled to be held in CCS, which is only accessable by stairs.

• We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
• Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support the mission of HYS.

Two 5-Week Sessions

Curious about learning to throw but not ready to commit to a full session? This five-week sampler is the perfect way to get a feel for working on the pottery wheel. Designed for beginners, the course introduces the essentials of wheel throwing — from preparing clay and centering to shaping simple forms like bowls and cylinders.

With hands-on instruction and plenty of guided practice, you’ll gain confidence at the wheel while creating a few finished pieces of your own. This short-format class offers a relaxed, low-pressure way to explore ceramics and decide if you’d like to take your skills further in a full 10-week course.

All materials, glazes, and firings are included.

This class is held in a ADA accessable studio space

• We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
• Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support our mission! Learn more about it's benefits and discounts!

In this 5 week class we start with cutting, stamping, and basic tilemaking info. Then, using clay to make custom stamps to use for tile decoration. The flat surface of a tile is perfect for exploring surface techniques such as carving and attaching to achieve wonderful textures. As well as using slips for sgraffito, inlay, or resists to create beautiful designs. 

This class will be geared towards making individual display tiles, but information and technique on production tilemaking will also be available.

This workshop will begin with basics, and is beginner friendly, but everyone is welcome to sign up for this class.

This class is held in an ADA accessable studio space.

• We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
• Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support our mission! Learn more about it's benefits and discounts!

Enjoy the beauty of Chester Springs as we explore and express the landscape in oil paint. In this class, learn visual skills to compose a strong composition to create space and mix colors. Sky, clouds and atmosphere and their effect on the landscape will be the core of the class. Drawing with the brush will be emphasized to develop brushwork techniques and skills. Demonstrations will be conducted in simplifying and blocking in the painting with bold brush strokes and color mixing. 

Click HERE for a materials list for this class! 

• We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
• Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support our mission! Learn more about it's benefits and discounts!

This 10-week course offers a comprehensive introduction to the art of wheel throwing. Students will learn the fundamentals of clay preparation, centering, and shaping basic forms like bowls and cylinders. As the course progresses, students will explore trimming, attaching handles, surface decoration techniques and glazing. With hands-on practice and one-on-one guidance, participants will refine their skills and complete personal projects. The final weeks focus on finishing touches and group critiques, providing students with a well-rounded foundation in the art of functional pottery. Suitable for beginners eager to explore the world of ceramics.

This class is held in a ADA accessable studio space

• We believe art should be accessible to all. Scholarships are available for those who qualify.
• Membership is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support our mission! Learn more about it's benefits and discounts!