ICA San Diego / North
1550 S El Camino Real Encinitas, CA 92024
Please click on the (+) sign to choose a session and then click "register here".
Ceramics Classes for Kids and Adults!
Ceramics For All Levels
Designed for everyone in our community of all skill levels, our ceramics classes offer an immersive experience where you’ll uncover the secrets of transforming clay into functional and exquisite pieces of art.
Guided by our talented teaching artists, each session spans six weeks, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the transformative benefits of an art practice on a personal level.
Our ceramics lab at our North location in Encinitas includes access to our 6-acre property including our beautiful garden and Sculpture Trail hikes.
Ignite your imagination and have fun creating in our stress-free environment!
Winter 6-Week Courses
Winter Workshops (1-Day)
Policies and Discounts
All Levels Wheel Throwing (Jan 24-Feb 28, 10am-1pm)
Class Schedule
Saturdays, 10am – 1pm
Six-Week Session
Jan 24, 31, Feb 7, 14, 21, 28
Instructor
Yuso Lee
Description
With a main focus on functional pottery, beginner students will learn how to use the equipment in the studio and how to use the wheel while more advanced students will further use the wheel as a tool to create work made partially or entirely from thrown forms. All students will be encouraged to experiment with surface and altering techniques to transform their work from pots to functional works of art.
Students will leave the class with finished work they can use at home that’s dishwasher safe!
All students receive one month of FREE LAB ACCESS at the ICA ceramics studio following the conclusion of the course.
Interested in deepening your ceramics knowledge? This class forms part of the ICA Ceramics Certificate Program course sequence. To learn more and save on ICA courses, click here.
Register Here!
Beginner & Intermediate Wheel Throwing (Jan 21-Feb 25, 5:30-8:30pm) - SOLD OUT!
Class Schedule
Wednesdays, 5:30-8:30pm
Six-Week Session
Jan 21, 28, Feb 4, 11, 18, 25
Instructor
Aeriel French (click for website)
Description
Learn the fundamentals or level up your wheel throwing skills in this supportive, hands-on class. Beginners will focus on centering, pulling walls, and creating basic forms. Intermediate students can refine techniques, explore new forms, and build consistency. Individual guidance meets you where you’re at, whether you’re touching clay for the first time or returning to the wheel with more confidence.
All students receive one month of FREE LAB ACCESS at the ICA ceramics studio following the conclusion of the course.
Interested in deepening your ceramics knowledge? This class forms part of the ICA Ceramics Certificate Program course sequence. To learn more and save on ICA courses, click here.
Register Here!
Ceramic Sculpture: The Human Form (Jan 26-Mar 9, 5:30-8:30pm)
Class Schedule
Mondays, 5:30-8:30pm
Six-Week Session
Jan 26, Feb 2, 9, 23, Mar 2, 9
Instructor
Suzanne Lussier (click for website)
Description
Explore the beauty, complexity, and personality of the human form through clay. In this sculpture-focused class, you’ll learn how to build expressive figures, gestures, faces, and forms — whether realistic, abstract, or stylized. We’ll discuss proportion, movement, and how to bring life and emotion into your work.
You’ll also be introduced to a range of finishing techniques, including both ceramic and non-ceramic cold finishes, giving you infinite ways to express your ideas beyond glaze alone.
No previous figure sculpting experience needed — just curiosity and a desire to experiment.
All students receive one month of FREE LAB ACCESS at the ICA ceramics studio following the conclusion of the course.
Interested in deepening your ceramics knowledge? This class forms part of the ICA Ceramics Certificate Program course sequence. To learn more and save on ICA courses, click here.
Register Here!
Handbuilding Fundamentals (Jan 27-Mar 3, 11am-2pm)
Class Schedule
Tuesdays, 11am-2pm
Six-Week Session
Jan 27, Feb 3, 10, 17, 24, March 3
Instructor
Helena Westra (click for website)
Description
Learn to shape, build, and create with clay — no wheel required. In this beginner-friendly class, you’ll explore handbuilding techniques to make functional and sculptural pieces while developing confidence, creativity, and your own artistic voice in a relaxed, supportive studio environment.
- Learn foundational handbuilding skills, including pinch, coil, and slab techniques, while gaining confidence in working with clay from start to finish
- Explore shaping, joining, texturing, glazing, and other surface treatments as you create functional and decorative ceramic pieces
- Create multiple personalized projects at your own pace in a supportive, community-centered studio environment, with all materials and firings included
All students receive one month of FREE LAB ACCESS at the ICA ceramics studio following the conclusion of the course.
Interested in deepening your ceramics knowledge? This class forms part of the ICA Ceramics Certificate Program course sequence. To learn more and save on ICA courses, click here.
Register Here!
Youth Ceramics (Jan 21-Feb 25, 3:30-5:00pm)
Class Schedule
Wednesdays, 3:30-5:00pm
Six-Week Session
Jan 21, 28, Feb 4, 11, 18, 25
Instructor
Description
Children ages 8-12 will have the opportunity to explore how to shape clay as a creative medium. They will learn wheel throwing and hand-building techniques as well as glaze projects. From pots to animal sculpture students will practice to observe, follow through, and understand the importance of dedication.
Wear clothes that can get messy!
Register Here!
Teen Ceramics (Jan 26-Mar 9, 4:00-6:00pm)
Class Schedule
Mondays, 4:00-6:00pm
Six-Week Session
Jan 26, Feb 2, 9, 23, March 2, 9 (skips Feb 16)
Instructor
Megan Walker
Description
In this six week class students ages 12-17 will begin by learning the basics, focusing on 3 essential steps of the throwing process: centering, opening, and pulling. Students will be led in working with ceramics, hand-building and wheel throwing, learning slab construction, pinch pots, surface texture, clay impression and more.
All materials are included.
Wear clothes that can get messy!
Register Here!
Give it a Spin! 1-Day Wheel Throwing Workshop (1 day, Dec 14) - SOLD OUT!
Date: Sunday, December 14, 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Tuition: $30 per person, additional $20 for trim plus choice of glaze and firing
Spend your next friend get-together or date night in our ceramics lab by giving it a spin! Our open lab hours will allow you to try out work on the wheel. If you like what you make or want to learn more, you can sign up for more in-depth classes or keep coming back to gain hands-on experience.
Skills: Learn to use the wheel, how to throw, center clay, alter shapes, learn to trim and use glazes.
Ages 16+
Please note that Give It A Spin! workshops are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Register Here!
Give it a Spin! 1-Day Wheel Throwing Workshop (1 day, Jan 11) - SOLD OUT!
Date: Sunday, January 11, 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Tuition: $30 per person, additional $20 for trim plus choice of glaze and firing
Spend your next friend get-together or date night in our ceramics lab by giving it a spin! Our open lab hours will allow you to try out work on the wheel. If you like what you make or want to learn more, you can sign up for more in-depth classes or keep coming back to gain hands-on experience.
Skills: Learn to use the wheel, how to throw, center clay, alter shapes, learn to trim and use glazes.
Ages 16+
Please note that Give It A Spin! workshops are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Register Here!
Ceramic Luminary 1-Day Workshop (Jan 25, 10am-1pm)
Date: Sunday, January 25, 10am-1pm
Tuition: $75; members: $67.50 using discount code ICAMEMBERSAVE
Give it a Spin! 1-Day Wheel Throwing Workshop (1 day, Feb 1)
Date: Sunday, February 1, 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Tuition: $30 per person, additional $20 for trim plus choice of glaze and firing
Spend your next friend get-together or date night in our ceramics lab by giving it a spin! Our open lab hours will allow you to try out work on the wheel. If you like what you make or want to learn more, you can sign up for more in-depth classes or keep coming back to gain hands-on experience.
Skills: Learn to use the wheel, how to throw, center clay, alter shapes, learn to trim and use glazes.
Ages 16+
Please note that Give It A Spin! workshops are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Register Here!
Valentine's Day Give it a Spin! 1-Day Wheel Throwing Workshop (1 day, Feb 14)
Date: Saturday, February 14, 4:00pm – 6:00pm
Tuition: $50 per person, additional $20 for trim plus choice of glaze and firing
Whether you’re celebrating Galentine’s or Valentine’s, make this special day unforgettable by learning a new skill at our Give it a Spin! pottery wheel class.
Join us for a fun, creative evening where you’ll get hands-on with the pottery wheel, sip champagne, and indulge in delicious chocolate-covered strawberries.
Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, you’ll love what you create!
If you’re hooked, sign up for our 6-week in-depth classes or return for more hands-on experience. It’s the perfect way to add a touch of creativity and fun to your celebration!
Ages 16+
Please note that Give It A Spin! workshops are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Register Here!
Kintsugi 1-Day Ceramics Workshop (Feb 22, 10am-1pm)
Date: Sunday, February 22, 10am-1pm
Tuition: $75; members: $67.50 using discount code ICAMEMBERSAVE
CANCELLATION POLICY
Six-week classes and one-day workshops (excluding Give It A Spin!): Cancel up to 7 days before the start of class for a full refund. Cancellations less than 7 days before the start of class are ineligible for refund.
Give It A Spin!: Give It A Spin! workshops are non-refundable and non-transferable. All purchases are final.
No refunds will be given for cancellations made on the first day of classes and workshops.
There will be no make-up dates for missed lessons. No exceptions.
There will be no exceptions to the cancellation policy.
DISCOUNTS
Purchase 2 or more classes and save an additional 5% each – Use MULTICLASS code
ICA Member save 10% – Log in and use ICAMEMBERSAVE code
If you are not an ICA Member you can sign up here. After your membership purchase, you will receive your 10% unique discount code with you membership confirmation email. (Different from the one published here).
Discounts can be combined. Apply discount codes at the bottom of your shopping bag page before checkout.
WAITLIST
Click here to be added to the waitlist.