Image uploaded by Gorham Adult Education

Open studio is offered for those who are interested in using our space and materials to make clay work independently from a class and is available for use only by those who have taken at least one ceramics class at our studio or for those with prior experience that has been approved by the studio manager. Open studio members can choose to handbuild, throw on the wheel, or both! Registration will include 25 pounds of clay, use of wheels and tools, a storage shelf, and the glazing and firing of work made in that month. All clay must be purchased through Gorham Arts Alliance and all firings will be done by the studio manager. You are welcome to purchase your own cone 5/6 glazes to use in firings if you want something other than what is provided. All classes are held at the Art and Nature Center at Tannery Brook. 

AM Session VI: 4 classes, Thursdays, 6/5-6/26, 10:00am-1:00pm, $140

Additional, optional work time will be offered for open studio members and current students on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays 10am-1pm and Fridays from 5pm-8pm. Members are welcome to attend as many or as few times during the week as they choose, but Thursdays will be the only day where there is guaranteed space. The extra, optional work time is first come, first serve for available wheel use and table space. The studio will be closed on federal holidays.

 

Image uploaded by Gorham Adult Education

In these one-day, three-hour classes, you will have the opportunity to try out the pottery wheel and get a brief introduction to our studio space and community. You will have an accelerated lesson in working with clay and wheel throwing and we will save and fire any pieces you would like to keep. One-day clay classes are perfect if you feel like you want to get a taste of pottery before committing to a full session with us or are just looking for a nice weekend activity with friends or family! All classes are held at the Art and Nature Center at Tannery Brook. 

Session III: Saturday, 3/22, 10:00am-1:00pm, $65

Image uploaded by Gorham Adult Education

Come learn how Alexander Calder created his famous kinetic sculptures, also known as mobiles and stabiles. Choose among sea shells, pieces of driftwood, or feathers to create a relaxing, balanced piece of art that moves and shifts in the slightest air currents. All materials included. If you have a favorite pair of needle nosed pliers with wire cutters feel free to bring them along. Chris Toy is a retired Maine educator, cooking instructor, author, and Registered Maine Guide. He enjoys beach combing, where he finds his craft supplies. He creates rustic upcycled crafts by combing the coastline for driftwood, beach stone, and recycled wire from political signs. His work can be viewed on Facebook at Acadian Driftwood Arts.

Tuesday, 5/6, 5:00pm-7:00pm, GMS, $70

 

Image uploaded by Gorham Adult Education

Moss Wall Art

with Melissa Evans

May
14

May 14th, 2025

Join us for an evening of DIY fun where each participant will make a beautiful piece of living art.  We will make a moss wall art that each person will get to leave with that day. This class is meant for beginners.  All tools, instructions, and materials will be waiting for you when you arrive. A $20 material fee is to be paid in cash on the night of your class. Melissa started her jewelry business, Gem Lounge Jewelry, in 2009 and is a proud 8th-generation Mainer, having grown up in southern Maine before attending college in New Orleans. Upon graduation, Ms. Evans moved back to New England, eventually settling back in her beloved state of Maine and finding inspiration for her creations all around. While her roots in Maine keep her grounded in the beautiful state, wanderlust brings her on travels worldwide.

Wednesday, 5/14, 6:00pm-8:00pm, GMS, $40

 

Image uploaded by Gorham Adult Education

Handbuilding (Beginner/Intermediate) Session III

with Piper Smith

Apr
28

April 28th to June 16th, 2025

$200 More Info

This class will be an introduction to hand-building with clay! In these 7-week sessions, you will learn to make both functional and sculptural pieces, ranging from cups, platters, and vessels to more sculptural work like wall pockets, garden gnomes, and funky planters…the possibilities are endless! We will explore coiling, slab building, molds, and more. We will also focus time on learning different surfacing and glazing techniques to create unique textures and designs. The small class size allows for a fun, relaxed, and collaborative learning environment for people with all experience levels. Instructor: Piper Smith. All classes are held at the Art and Nature Center at Tannery Brook.

Session III: 7 classes, Mondays, 4/28-6/16 (no class on 5/26), 6:00pm-8:00pm, $200

Add to the online listing: Additional, optional work time will be offered for open studio members and current students on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays between 10 am and 1 pm and Fridays from 5pm-8pm. This extra, optional work time is first come, first serve for available space. The studio will be closed on federal holidays unless otherwise specified.

Image uploaded by Gorham Adult Education

Hedgehog Painted Felt

with Melissa Evans

Mar
26

March 26th, 2025

Join us for an afternoon of DIY fun where each participant will make this adorable hedgehog-painted felt hoop artwork. Each participant will get a complete kit to learn to paint with wool, creating this beautiful hedgehog landscape art. This class is meant for beginners.  All tools, instructions, and materials will be waiting for you when you arrive—a $ 15 material fee to be paid in cash on the night of your class. Finished pieces measure approximately 6".   Melissa started her jewelry business, Gem Lounge Jewelry, in 2009 and is a proud 8th-generation Mainer, having grown up in southern Maine before attending college in New Orleans. Upon graduation, Ms. Evans moved back to New England, eventually settling back in her beloved state of Maine and finding inspiration for her creations all around. While her roots in Maine keep her grounded in the beautiful state, wanderlust brings her on travels around the world.

Wednesday, 3/26, 6:00pm-8:00pm, GMS, $40