Hand-Built Ceramics: Pinch and Coil Techniques

Instructor: Ellen Massee

Dates: Wednesdays, April 8, 15, 22 & 29, 2026

Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Ages: 18+

Members: $270

Non-Members: $300

(Registration deadline: April 3)

Description:

Explore the unique possibilities of hand-built ceramics using the ancient methods of pinch and coil. Inspired by examples of hand-built work both historic and modern, each session will include follow-along demonstrations with hands-on assistance from the instructor. We will address form, texture and surface finishes with an emphasis on creativity and self-expression, introducing the use of oxide washes to personally enhance our glazes. Participants will leave with several finished pieces and a confident knowledge of how to create their own hand-built pottery. This course includes bisque and glaze firings.

Open Studio Time:

Upon approval from the instructor, workshop participants will be granted access to the lab throughout the duration of the workshop. Aside from scheduled workshop hours, the lab is available for independent use Tuesday – Sunday from 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM.

Materials:

Provided by participants:

• A Clay Starter Tool Kit: a basic set of tools for working with clay available at most art supply stores and online:

Clay Tool Kit from Jerry's Artarama

Clay Tool Kit from Amazon

Clay Tool Kit from Michaels 

• Paper and pencil for sketching

Instructor Bio:

Ellen holds a BA from Barnard College in French Language and Art History and has attended Studio Art classes at The Art Student’s League, Parson’s School of Design, and The School of Visual Arts in New York. She had a 10-year career in film and television, working as a Set Decorator, Art Director and Production Designer which eventually brought her to Los Angeles. After the birth of her first child, Ellen created “Entertaining Elephants”, a children’s clothing line and lifestyle boutique dedicated to the values of creativity, sustainability and multiculturalism, which she ran for 18 years. Since returning to the East Coast in 2018, Ellen has channeled her creative energies into ceramics, taking numerous classes and workshops, and working out of her own studio.

All workshops are held at the Five Points Arts Center, 855 University Drive

Workshops may be cancelled due to low enrollment if a minimum number of participants are not met. Registrants will be notified in advance and a refund or credit will be arranged (see workshop polices below for details).

Workshop Policies: Please review the terms of our workshop policies here