The Visual Arts Center of New Jersey’s Studio School, located in Summit, NJ, offers classes and workshops for artists of all ages and skill levels. Taught by experienced teaching artists, our programs span painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics, photography, and more—providing a supportive environment for learning, exploration, and creative growth.

WINTER SEMESTER 2027

Adult Ceramics Classes

8974 Back to the Basics: Refining Your Wheel Throwing Skills
Instructor: Emma Tabachnick
Mondays, 9:30 AM – 12 PM
Whether you’re a new potter looking to explore the fun and exciting world of wheel throwing or a more experienced potter looking to refine and improve your skills, this class is the one for you! Students will focus on building technical skills such as centering, pulling, and trimming that will help them become better potters. The instructor will go over some basic forms like cylinders, bowls, and plates to create a variety of pieces. Limited class size for maximum instruction.
10 session(s): 1/4 – 3/8
Tuition: member $572, non-member $602

8994 NEW! Treasured Vessels in Clay Slabs
Instructor: Shelley Rosen Howard
Mondays, 9:30 AM – 12 PM
This mini session will provide students with the opportunity to create functional vessels with a playful design. Students will learn how to build containers with leather-hard slabs, utilizing tools like a rolling pin, fettling knife, needle tools for scoring, slip for joining, rib tools, and other wooden tools for joining slabs, and basic techniques to ensure solid construction when building with leather-hard clay. Students can purchase Independent Practice in Ceramics sessions to finish their pieces.
3 session(s): 1/4 – 1/18
Tuition: member $157, non-member $167

8973 Great Beginnings: The Ultimate Introduction to Clay
Instructor: Peter Syak
Mondays, 9:30 AM – 12 PM
Want to get your hands dirty and have a blast in the process? Great Beginnings is the class for you. Let’s make plates and cups with saucers, build vases, perfume bottles, a box or two, and perhaps a bit of sculpture. Let’s even try our hand on the pottery wheel! This class will feature a little bit of everything, a bunch of fun, and a supportive environment.
7 session(s): 1/25 – 3/8
Tuition: member $362, non-member $392

8980 Form & Function for Intermediate and Advanced Wheel Throwers
Instructor: Melissa Krishnamurthy
Mondays, 12:30 – 3 PM
Have you ever wanted to create your own coffee mug or design a vase for flowers? Intermediate and advanced students will explore a variety of techniques and make their own functional pieces on the pottery wheel. Design and decoration methods, including texturing, coloring with slips, and glazing, will also be covered. Please note that this class is designed for intermediate and advanced wheel throwers who can confidently center and pull at least 2lbs of clay.
10 session(s): 1/4 – 3/8
Tuition: member $530, non-member $560

8981 Beginner Wheel-Throwing Techniques
Instructor: Jessica Garber
Mondays, 12:30 – 3 PM
Enter the world of wheel-thrown pottery! Learn how to throw on the wheel, trim, and apply surface decorating techniques, including carving and glazing options. Students will learn how to create beautiful vases, bowls, plates, and more! Individual attention will be given to each student to enhance their learning experience. Intermediate students are welcome and will be given opportunities to challenge and elevate their wheel-throwing skills. Limited class size for maximum instruction.
10 session(s): 1/4 – 3/8
Tuition: member $572, non-member $602

8984 NEW! Adventures in Coil Building
Instructor: Amanda Heckman
Mondays, 3:30 – 6 PM
In this 3-week class, students will learn how to create coil-built ceramics. The instructor will provide ideas for projects, but students are encouraged to come to class with their own ideas. They will be able to make functional and/or sculptural ceramics. Students will learn how to refine coil-built ceramics through trimming and paddling. Students can purchase Independent Practice in Ceramics sessions to finish their pieces from class.
3 session(s): 1/4 – 1/18
Tuition: member $157, non-member $167

8985 Magic in the Machines: New Projects with Ceramic Equipment
Instructor: Peter Syak
Mondays, 3:30 – 6 PM
The ceramics studio has all sorts of great equipment, including extruders, a slab roller, and wheels. It also contains textures, gadgets, and hidden treasures just waiting to be discovered and become part of your designs. In this class, we will explore ways to utilize the underappreciated studio assets to create both sculptural and functional ceramic items. Along the way, we will seek out ways to develop your personal style and make our machines your friends. This class will give participants the opportunity to push clay and imagination to the limit as we create everything from perfume bottles and vases, to chalices and architectural features.
7 session(s): 1/25 – 3/8
Tuition: member $362, non-member $392

8991 Pottery Palette
Instructor: Melissa Krishnamurthy
Mondays, 6:30 – 9 PM
Come and create beautiful pottery! In this class, intermediate and advanced students will continue to make functional and sculptural forms in clay through instructor demonstrations and personal experimentation. The focus of this class will be handbuilding techniques, such as slab, pinch pot, coil, and free form design. Use of studio equipment, such as the slab roller and extruder, will be included. While emphasis will be on handbuilding techniques, instruction for wheel throwing will also be offered if requested.
10 session(s): 1/4 – 3/8
Tuition: member $530, non-member $560

8997 Master’s in Clay
Instructor: Melissa Krishnamurthy
Tuesdays, 9:30 AM – 12 PM
Do you already have experience working with clay, but want to continue developing your skills and knowledge through your own creations? This class encourages intermediate and advanced students to come with their own ideas of what they would like to make, while the instructor provides one-on-one support in wheel-throwing or handbuilding techniques. The focus will be on finishing, expanding on simple forms, experimentation, and using a variety of methods.
10 session(s): 1/5 – 3/9
Tuition: member $530, non-member $560

8998 The Art of Ceramics
Instructor: Denise Banaag
Tuesdays, 9:30 AM – 12 PM
Students will create functional and/or decorative sculptural ceramics using the wheel or handbuilding methods. While project ideas will be provided, students are encouraged to come with their own ideas and personal goals. The instructor will give individualized guidance to support each student’s creative exploration. This class is designed for beginner and intermediate students. Limited class size for maximum instruction.
10 session(s): 1/5 – 3/9
Tuition: member $572, non-member $602

9006 Crafted from Clay
Instructor: Denise Banaag
Tuesdays, 12:30 – 3 PM
In this class, students will have the opportunity to make functional pottery thrown on the wheel, or use handbuilding techniques to make sculptural or functional pieces. The instructor will provide demonstrations and project suggestions, but students are encouraged to come to class with their own ideas they would like to create from clay. This class is designed for beginner and intermediate-level students. Limited class size for maximum instruction.
10 session(s): 1/5 – 3/9
Tuition: member $572, non-member $602

9005 Clay Creations: Handbuilt Ceramics
Instructor: Shelley Rosen Howard
Tuesdays, 12:30 – 3 PM
Whether you are new to ceramics or an experienced clay artist, this class will let you explore the various methods of designing, constructing, and finishing handbuilt ceramics. Heavy emphasis will be placed on creating a solid foundation of handbuilding techniques with time for experimentation. Wheel throwing is an option, and self–guided projects are always welcome. Students will be encouraged to push boundaries and explore more experimental ways to decorate and finish their pieces, including adding found objects.
10 session(s): 1/5 – 3/9
Tuition: member $530, non-member $560

9015 Set the Table: Wheel-Thrown Kitchen & Table Ware
Instructor: Emma Tabachnick
Tuesdays, 6:30 – 9 PM
This class will focus on functional pottery, such as bowls, plates, mugs, and other kitchen goods. Focus will be on form, function, design, problem-solving, and consistency. Students will work on building skills such as centering, pulling, trimming, finishing, and glazing. They will also develop an attention to detail while developing their own unique style. Self-driven projects are welcomed. Some wheelthrowing experience is recommended. Limited class size for maximum attention
10 session(s): 1/5 – 3/9
Tuition: member $572, non-member $602

9198 Beyond the Cylinder for Progressive Potters
Instructor: Jessica Garber
Tuesdays, 6:30 – 9 PM
Reach beyond mastering the cylinder on the potter’s wheel! In this class, students will get individual attention to help take their wheel-throwing skills to the next level! Students who have reached an experienced beginner, intermediate, or advanced skill level of wheel throwing are welcome to join this class to progress their wheel-throwing technical skills and overall refinement of their work. Each student will be able to work on their own individual hurdles and be guided in a custom learning environment to meet their needs. Project ideas such as functional teapots, nesting bowls, tall vases, cake stands, and thrown and altered serving pieces are just some of the project ideas demonstrated in this class. Students are also encouraged to add their own creative spin on their wheel-thrown functional or decorative creations. Students who have completed two or more wheel-throwing classes are welcome.
9 session(s): 1/5 – 3/2
Tuition: member $475, non-member $505

9019 Wheel-Thrown Pottery
Instructor: Beatrice (Jao-O) Chang
Wednesdays, 9:30 AM – 12 PM
Try to stretch your imagination and find your own voice through pottery thrown on the wheel! Study fundamentals and forms of wheel-thrown pottery as you receive step-by-step instructions for both traditional and experimental processes. You will experiment with decorative elements such as surface pattern, texture, and glazing. This class is taught by an instructor who is bilingual in Chinese and English. For questions or additional information, please email us at studioschool@artcenternj.org, and we will connect you with the instructor for translation assistance in your preferred language.
10 session(s): 1/6 – 3/10
Tuition: member $530, non-member $560

9199 Individualized Projects in Clay
Instructor: Jessica Garber
Wednesdays, 12:30 – 3 PM
In this class, students can enhance their wheel throwing skills by working on a series of individualized projects while receiving personalized instruction. Students are encouraged to enjoy the creative aspects of clay to make each project uniquely their own. Project ideas will be demonstrated so that students may build their skill levels throughout the semester. Please bring at least one 10” round or larger pottery bat and a set of bat pins to class.
9 session(s): 1/6 – 3/3
Tuition: member $475, non-member $505

9036 Beginner/Intermediate Wheel Throwing
Instructor: Emma Tabachnick
Wednesdays, 7 – 9:30 PM
Enter the world of wheel-thrown pottery! Learn how to throw on the wheel, trim, and apply surface decorating techniques, including carving and glazing options. Students will learn how to create beautiful vases, bowls, plates, and more! Individual attention will be given to each student to enhance their learning experience. Intermediate students are welcome and will be given opportunities to challenge and elevate their wheel-throwing skills. Limited class size for maximum instruction.
10 session(s): 1/6 – 3/17 (no class on 3/10)
Tuition: member $572, non-member $602

9074 NEW! Pottery 101: An Introduction to Wheel Throwing
Instructor: Jennifer Evans Arbo
Thursdays, 9:30 AM – 12 PM
Ready to get your hands on the wheel? This beginner-friendly class is an introduction to the fundamentals of wheel throwing, perfect for those with little or no experience. Learn to center clay, pull walls, shape forms, trim, and glaze your work while building confidence at the wheel. An underglaze transfer technique will also be demonstrated, giving you a fun and creative way to decorate your finished pieces.
10 session(s): 1/7 – 3/18 (no class on 3/11)
Tuition: member $530, non-member $560

9041/9042 It’s Personal: Special Projects in Clay
Instructor: Peter Syak
9041 Thursdays, 9:30 AM – 12 PM
9042 Thursdays, 12:30 – 3 PM
Do you have a project inside you that is yearning to get out? Can’t figure out how to get started, or worse, you have hit a snag? Perhaps you saw something cool and want to try to make it yourself. This is the class for you. Instructor Peter Syak will offer specialized instruction and his technical expertise to help you figure out what you want to create and will then help you build it. This will be a unique experience, part workshop and part learning laboratory. This class is limited in size to allow for ample individual attention.
9041/9042 7 session(s): 1/28 – 3/11
Tuition: member $392, non-member $422

9201 Beginner Wheel Throwing Techniques
Instructor: Jessica Garber
Thursdays, 12:30 – 3 PM
Enter the world of wheel-thrown pottery! Learn how to throw on the wheel, trim, and apply surface decorating techniques, including carving and glazing options. Students will learn how to create beautiful vases, bowls, plates, and more! Individual attention will be given to each student to enhance their learning experience. Intermediate students are welcome and will be given opportunities to challenge and elevate their wheel-throwing skills.
9 session(s): 1/7 – 3/4
Tuition: member $475, non-member $505

9050 NEW! Slab, Shape, and Serve: Plates in Clay
Instructor: Jennifer Evans Arbo
Thursdays, 12:30 – 3 PM
Create a unique set of four ceramic plates designed to live beautifully together on the table. Students will use a slab method, with wheel techniques introduced to shape and refine the forms. Each plate will become a canvas for carved decoration, allowing students to develop a cohesive set with individual character. All levels welcome.
3 session(s): 1/7 – 1/21
Tuition: member $162, non-member $182

9085 NEW! Forms in Motion: Intermediate to Advanced Wheel Throwing
Instructor: Jennifer Evans Arbo
Thursdays, 6:30 – 9 PM
Push your wheel throwing beyond the familiar. This intermediate to advanced course explores the wheel as a starting point for creating more complex and expressive forms. Refine your throwing skills and consistency while experimenting with scale, proportion, movement, and the transformation of thrown forms through altering, manipulating, and reshaping. Designed for independent potters ready to challenge their process and discover new possibilities in clay.
10 session(s): 1/7 – 3/18 (no class 3/11)
Tuition: member $530, non-member $560

9206 NEW! Getting Behind the (Potter’s) Wheel: for Beginner & Intermediate Levels
Instructor: Amanda Heckman
Saturdays, 9:30 AM – 12 PM
Have you always wanted to learn to throw on the potter’s wheel? Then, buckle up! Students will learn the fundamentals by making cylinders, cups, bowls, and more. They will be guided through the end-to-end process of preparing clay, throwing, shaping, and trimming their pots. Students will begin to discover their creative voice through surface decoration and glazing. This course is paced for beginners and those who need a refresher, as well as intermediate students looking to tune up and move ahead.
10 session(s): 1/9 – 3/13
Tuition: member $530, non-member $560

9207 NEW! Breaking the Boundaries for Intermediate & Advanced Clay Artists
Instructor: Alisen Herman
Saturdays, 12:30 – 3 PM
Are you interested in enhancing your skill set and knowledge through clay-based projects in wheel throwing and hand-building? Then this class is for you! This class is designed for intermediate and advanced students who have experience working in clay and are looking for new ideas to merge their symmetrical wheel-thrown forms with organic and hand-building skills. Create multi-component functional pieces that utilize both the wheel and slab roller. The instructor will provide structured lessons and projects for students to build technical versatility, problem-solving skills, and a distinct personal aesthetic.
10 session(s): 1/9 – 3/13
Tuition: member $530, non-member $560