ICA San Diego / North
1550 S El Camino Real Encinitas, CA 92024
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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!
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.
Scroll down to select your class.
Click on the (+) sign to choose a session and then click register here.
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.
Ceramics Open Lab Hours
Mon/Wed – 10am – 2pm
Tues/Thurs – 3pm – 7pm
Friday/Sat – Closed
Sun – 11am – 3pm
* All Access Ceramics Members Only
Waitlist
Click here to be added to the waitlist.
Fall 6-Week Courses
Fall Workshops (1- and 2-Day)
Summer 6-Week Courses
Summer 1-Day Workshops
All Levels Wheel Throwing (Sep 6 - Oct 11, 10am-1pm)
Class Schedule
Saturdays, 10am – 1pm
Six-Week Session
September 6, 13, 20, 27, October 4, 11
Teaching Artist
Max Anderson
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 MEMBERSHIP 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 (Sep 10 - Oct 15, 5:30-8:30pm)
Class Schedule
Wednesdays, 5:30-8:30pm
Six-Week Session
September 10, 17, 24, October 1, 8, 15
Teaching Artist
Aeriel French
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 MEMBERSHIP 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!
Raku: Surface, Fire, and Form (Sep 8 - Oct 20, 5:30-8:30pm)
Class Schedule
Mondays, 5:30-8:30pm
Six-Week Session
September 8, 15, 22, 29, October 6, 20 (skips Oct 13)
Teaching Artist
Suzanne Lussier
Description
For both hand-builders and experienced potters.
Dive into the unpredictable and exhilarating world of Raku ceramics in this exploratory class focused on experimentation, surface, and transformation through fire. Designed for both hand-builders and potters with prior wheel experience, this course offers a space to play, test, and push the boundaries of form and finish.
While no formal wheel instruction will be provided, experienced throwers will have access to the throwing room for their projects. For those newer to clay, we’ll introduce a few approachable handbuilding forms to serve as launchpads for testing Raku surfaces and firing outcomes.
Raku is a dramatic, fast-firing process that often yields stunning results—but it’s also notoriously unpredictable. Expect cracked glaze, carbon flashes, wild textures, and, yes, breakage. In this spirit, every piece in this class is considered a test tile—a chance to embrace imperfection, learn from fire, and celebrate the unexpected.
What to expect:
- Guided handbuilding projects (no wheel instruction)
- Access to throwing room for experienced potters
- Focus on surface experimentation and glaze testing
- Multiple Raku firings throughout the session
- Emphasis on process over perfection
This class is perfect for adventurous makers ready to let go of control, lean into the unknown, and discover what the fire wants to say.
All students receive one month of FREE MEMBERSHIP 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 (Sep 10 - Oct 15, 3:30-5:00pm)
Class Schedule
Wednesdays, 3:30-5:00pm
Six-Week Session
September 10, 17, 24, October 1, 8, 15
Teaching Artist
Yuso Lee
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 (Sep 8 - Oct 20, 4:00-6:00pm)
Class Schedule
Mondays, 4:00-6:00pm
Six-Week Session
September 8, 15, 22, 29, October 6, 20 (skips Oct 13)
Teaching Artist
Megan Walker
Description
In this six week class students ages 13-17 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!
Glaze Techniques 1-Day Workshop (Aug 24, 11-2pm)
Date: Sunday, August 24, 11am-2pm
Tuition: $75; members: $67.50 using discount code ICAMEMBERSAVE
Unlock the magic of glazing in this hands-on, one-day workshop designed to elevate your ceramic surfaces. Whether you’re new to glazing or looking to expand your skills, this class will explore a variety of techniques to help you better understand how glazes behave and how to use them creatively.
You’ll learn methods such as dipping, pouring, brushing, layering, and resist techniques, while discussing how thickness, timing, and glaze combinations can affect the final result.
We’ll provide a selection of bisqueware for you to experiment on, but you’re also welcome to bring your own — just make sure it’s made from a midrange (cone 5/6) clay body.
Come ready to get messy, try new things, and leave with a deeper understanding of how to make your work come to life through surface design.
All materials are included, so there’s no need to bring anything. By the end of the class, you’ll be ready to apply the technique at home on your own cherished items.
No prior experience necessary. All materials provided. Ages 16+
Register Here!
Give it a Spin! 1-Day Wheel Throwing Workshop (1 day, Sep 7)
Date: Sunday, September 7, 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!
Visiting Artist 2-Day Workshop: Pinching & Coiling with Giselle Hicks (Oct 4 & 5, 10am-4pm)
Date: Saturday & Sunday, October 4 & 5, 10:00am – 4:00pm
Tuition: $385; $346.50 for members (use discount code ICAMEMBERSAVE)
Description:
Join ceramic artist Giselle Hicks for a two-day, hands-on workshop exploring pinching and coiling techniques for building vessels. This fundamental ceramic process is accessible to all skill levels—beginners, intermediate, and advanced makers—allowing participants to create both functional and sculptural forms.
Giselle will begin with an overview of her process and then guide participants through techniques for achieving seamless transitions, angled designs, and dynamic forms. Through demonstrations and one-on-one instruction, students will explore transitional edges, cantilevered planes, and full curves, developing a personal vocabulary in clay. In addition to hands-on making, the workshop will include discussions on building and sustaining a creative practice.
Between demonstrations, participants will have dedicated time to practice the techniques with individual guidance from Giselle. Each student may fire up to two vessels, with additional work available for firing at a fee for non-members. Once bisque-fired, pieces can be glazed on-site and fired to cone 5/6 (students will be notified via email when ready). Alternatively, students may take their bisqueware to glaze and fire in their own studios.
This is a wonderful opportunity to deepen your ceramic practice in an inspiring and supportive setting. We hope you’ll join us!
Register Here!
Give it a Spin! 1-Day Wheel Throwing Workshop (1 day, Oct 19)
Date: Sunday, October 19, 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!
All Levels Wheel Throwing (July 12 - Aug 16, 10am-1pm) - SOLD OUT, WAITLIST AVAILABLE
Class Schedule
Saturdays, 10am – 1pm
Six-Week Session
July 12, 19, 26, August 2, 9, 16
Teaching Artist
Aeriel French
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 MEMBERSHIP 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.
Add to Waitlist
Give it a Spin! 1-Day Wheel Throwing Workshop (1 day, June 1) - SOLD OUT
Date: Sunday, June 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!
Give it a Spin! 1-Day Wheel Throwing Workshop (1 day, July 13) - SOLD OUT
Date: Sunday, July 13, 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!
Underglaze Techniques: Mishima, Sgraffito, Paper Resist, Mono Printing 1-Day Workshop (1 day, July 27) - SOLD OUT, WAITLIST AVAILABLE
Date: Sunday, July 27, 11am-2pm
Tuition: $75; members: $67.50 using discount code ICAMEMBERSAVE
Join us for a hands-on, skill-building workshop where you’ll dive deep into the rich world of underglaze surface techniques. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned ceramicist looking to expand your decorative vocabulary, this workshop offers an in-depth look at creative ways to enhance your work through thoughtful design and technique.
Participants will explore a variety of underglaze applications, including:
- Mishima – Delve into this elegant inlay technique, where fine lines are carved and filled with contrasting underglaze to create intricate, graphic detail.
- Paper Resist – Learn how to use cut paper shapes and stencils to block and layer color for bold, crisp designs.
- Sgraffito – Scratch through layers of underglaze to reveal the clay body beneath, creating expressive linework and texture.
- Mono Printing – Experiment with transferring designs onto clay using underglaze and printmaking techniques for spontaneous, painterly effects.
Through guided demonstrations, hands-on practice, and group discussion, you’ll build confidence in combining these techniques and develop your own visual language, leaving with tiles created with a variety of underglaze techniques. Come ready to experiment, play, and be inspired!
All materials provided. Open to all skill levels.
Add to Waitlist
Give it a Spin! 1-Day Wheel Throwing Workshop (1 day, Aug 3) - SOLD OUT
Date: Sunday, August 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!