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.

SUMMER SEMESTER 2026

Adult Ceramics Classes

8658 The Art of Ceramics
Instructor: Denise Banaag
Mondays, 6:30–9 PM
In this class, students will create functional or decorative pieces using either the wheel or handbuilding techniques, with the option to explore sculptural forms as well. While project ideas will be offered, students are encouraged to come with personal goals, and the instructor will provide individualized guidance to support each student’s creative exploration. This class is designed for both beginner and intermediate students. Limited class size ensures individualized attention and maximum instruction.
6 session(s): 7/13–8/24 (no class on 7/20)
Tuition: member $315, non-member $345

8657 Intermediate/Advanced Wheel Throwing
Instructor: Emma Tabachnick
Mondays, 6:30–9 PM
Are you looking to further develop your wheel-throwing skills? In this class, students will focus on form, function, design, and problem-solving. Students are encouraged to come with their own ideas, and the instructor will work with each student to achieve their pottery goals! This class is designed for intermediate to advanced-level students who already have experience with wheel throwing.
6 session(s): 7/13–8/17
Tuition: member $295, non-member $325

8662 Creations in Ceramics
Instructor: Jenn Evans Arbo
Tuesdays, 6:30 – 9 PM
This class is for students who want to continue their ceramics journey into the summer. The instructor will provide some ideas for projects, but students are encouraged to come with their own ideas they would like to create from clay.
6 session(s): 7/14 – 8/18
Tuition: member $295, non-member $325

8663 Introduction to Wheel Throwing: True Beginners
Instructor: Emma Tabachnick
Tuesdays, 6:30–9 PM
Join the world of wheel-thrown pottery! Learn how to throw on the wheel, trim, and apply slips and glazes. In this class, students will have plenty of one-on-one attention to learn the fundamentals of wheel throwing. Students will also learn the basics of centering and pulling, while making forms like cups, bowls, and plates. The instructor will provide demonstrations on decorating techniques using slips and glazes. Get started making beautiful and functional pieces of art! Limited class size for maximum instruction.
6 session(s): 7/14–8/18
Tuition: member $315, non-member $345

8670 Experimenting with Surface Decorating Techniques
Instructor: Emma Tabachnick
Wednesdays, 6:30–9 PM
In this class, students will have the opportunity to learn a variety of surface decorating techniques using glaze and slip to create unique one-of-a-kind pieces. Students will be shown some experimental options for finishing their pieces, like using wax resist and bubble glazing. Also, students will have the option to use slip in different ways, such as slip trailing, paper resist, and carving. The instructor will primarily provide demonstrations on wheel-thrown projects, but students with handbuilding experience are welcome. This class is designed for intermediate and advanced students.
6 session(s): 7/15–8/19
Tuition: member $295, non-member $325

8675 Taking It to the Next Level: Advanced Wheel Throwing
Instructor: Lisette Bedoya
Thursdays, 6–8:30 PM
Are you ready to step up your wheel-throwing game? Through demonstrations and hands-on practice, students will work through a series of projects designed to introduce new skills to add to their throwing repertoires. Topics such as throwing lidded forms, multiple component forms, and various surface embellishments will be covered. This class is for advanced students who are proficient in basic wheel throwing.
6 session(s): 7/16–8/20
Tuition: member $295, non-member $325

8676 NEW! Just the Beginning: Wheel Throwing Basics
Instructor: Jennifer Evans Arbo
Thursdays, 6:30–9 PM
Curious about how to make a wheel-thrown ceramic piece? Great for first-time potters! Learn the basics of wheel throwing—centering, pulling walls, trimming, and glazing. This class builds your foundation and helps you get comfortable working with clay. Underglaze transfer decoration technique will be demonstrated as an option to decorate your work! Limited class size for maximum instruction.
6 session(s): 7/16–8/20
Tuition: member $315, non-member $345

8680 Throwing with Lisette Bedoya for Advanced Potters
Instructor: Lisette Bedoya
Saturdays, 10:15 AM–12:45 PM
Concentrate on refining your throwing skills with one of the Art Center’s most energetic instructors. Expand your existing ceramic knowledge by tapping into alternative ways to manipulate clay. Surface decoration and glazing will be covered as well. This class is designed for intermediate and advanced students.
6 session(s): 7/18–8/22
Tuition: member $295, non-member $325

8681 Ceramics for the Ultimate Advanced Potter
Instructor: Lisette Bedoya
Saturdays, 1–3:30 PM
Continue your growth as a ceramic artist. Fine-tune your wheel-throwing skills by mastering wall thickness, pottery design, and function while exploring different surface and finishing techniques. This class is designed for intermediate to advanced students.
6 session(s): 7/18–8/22
Tuition: member $295, non-member $325