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!
Spring 6-Week Courses
Spring Workshops (1- and 2-Day)
Policies and Discounts
All Levels Wheel Throwing (April 4-May 9, 10am-1pm)
Class Schedule
Saturdays, 10am – 1pm
Six-Week Session
April 4, 11, 18, 25, May 2, and 9
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 (April 8-May 13, 5:30-8:30pm)
Class Schedule
Wednesdays, 5:30-8:30pm
Six-Week Session
April 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6, and 13
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!
Wild Clay and Alternate Firings Exploration (April 4-May 9, 10am-1pm)
Class Schedule
Saturdays, 10am-1pm
Six-Week Session
April 4, 11, 18, 25, May 2, and 9
Instructor
Helena Westra (click for website)
Description
In this six-week class, students will explore ceramics from the ground up by working with wild, locally sourced clay and multiple alternative firing methods. Participants will forage for clay both on and off campus, learning how to identify, process, and test raw materials for use in ceramic work. Using handbuilding techniques, students will create forms specifically designed for experimental firing.
Open to all skill levels!
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 & Surface Design (April 6-May 11, 5:30-8:30pm)
Class Schedule
Mondays, 5:30-8:30pm
Six-Week Session
April 6, 13, 20, 27, May 4, and 11
Instructor
Suzanne Lussier (click for website)
Description
This six-week class introduces students to the fundamental techniques of handbuilding, providing a strong foundation for working with clay without the wheel. Through guided demonstrations and hands-on projects, students will explore pinch, coil, and slab construction while learning essential skills such as joining, surface refinement, and structural planning.
As the session progresses, students will apply these techniques to create both functional and sculptural forms, with opportunities to experiment with texture, surface design, and personal expression. Instruction will also cover basic glazing methods and an overview of the ceramic firing process.
Open to all skill levels!
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 (April 8-May 13, 3:30-5:00pm)
Class Schedule
Wednesdays, 3:30-5:00pm
Six-Week Session
April 8, 15, 22, 29, May 6, and 13
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 (April 6-May 11, 4:00-6:00pm)
Class Schedule
Mondays, 4:00-6:00pm
Six-Week Session
April 6, 13, 20, 27, May 4, and 11
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, March 1)
Date: Sunday, March 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!
Altered Forms Creative Wheel Throwing 2-Day Workshop (March 14 & 15, 10am-1pm)
Date: Saturday & Sunday, March 14 & 15, 10am-1pm
Tuition: $150; members: $135 using discount code ICAMEMBERSAVE
Give it a Spin! 1-Day Wheel Throwing Workshop (1 day, April 12)
Date: Sunday, April 12, 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, May 3)
Date: Sunday, May 3, 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!
Mommy & Me Ceramic Flowers: 1-Day Mother's Day Workshop (1 day, May 10)
Date: Sunday, May 10, 10am-1pm
Tuition: $75 per person; members: $67.50 using discount code ICAMEMBERSAVE
Description:
Celebrate Mother’s Day with creativity and charm in this special ceramics workshop where participants will design and handcraft a one-of-a-kind bouquet of ceramic flowers. Using handbuilding and basic sculpting techniques, students will create floral forms that can be gifted, displayed, or treasured as handmade keepsakes.
This workshop is designed to be welcoming and accessible for all skill levels, from complete beginners to experienced makers. Adults are welcome to attend on their own, and families are encouraged to create together in a relaxed, supportive studio environment.
All projects will be bisque fired and ready for pickup 2–3 weeks after the workshop. When participants return to pick up their work, they will also receive a watercolor palette and Mod Podge, allowing them to add color and finish their pieces at home together.
Ages 8+.
Instructor:
Suzanne Lussier (click for website)
Register Here!
CANCELATION 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. Cancelations 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 cancelations 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 cancelation 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.