Artisan Center Classes
The NWTC Artisan Center offers non-credit community classes as well as credit certificate classes.
For students ages 14-17 participating in non-youth classes, parents/guardians must complete this waiver and send to Artisan.Center@nwtc.edu
Looking for more in-depth information about what happens in each class?
Ceramics Classes
Classes in the Ceramics Studio cover the fundamentals of hand building, wheel throwing, and sculpture as well as glazing and surface treatment. After learning the basics, students can hone their skills in intermediate and independent project classes. Additionally, specialty classes and workshops offer the opportunity to learn about advanced skills such as kiln operation and raku firing. The studio features a classroom set of Brent pottery wheels, a slab roller, extruder, many handmade glazes, and hand tools.
To view current offerings, CLICK HERE!
The Artisan Center also offers four Credit Ceramics classes that can be completed for an NWTC Certificate. For more information, CLICK HERE!
Students will work their way through a sequence of four courses that begin by focusing on developing foundational techniques in handbuilding and wheel throwing. Students will then practice throwing increasingly larger balls of clay, creating consistent shapes, and adding decorative or sculptural elements. The course includes an exploration of a variety of glazing techniques as well as how to mix glaze, load and fire a kiln, and alternative finishing or firing options
Drawing & Painting
Learn the fundamentals of drawing and painting including composition, color theory, life drawing, and more in our 2D studio space. You can expect to complete both warm up exercises and finished works in each of our 2D classes. In addition to the core classes, workshops are offered regularly to provide the chance to practice a particular skill or technique in the 2D realm.
Fused Glass
he Fused Glass Studio offers classes that teach you how to cut, construct, fire, and slump glass as well as coldwork techniques. A variety of colorful glass is always on hand and included in most registration fees. In addition to our core classes, workshops are offered frequently and provide the opportunity to create unique gifts and decor. Enjoy a studio fully equipped with a grinder, cutting tools, and plenty of space to practice and create beautiful glass art.
Fibers & Textiles
This studio hosts beginner level sewing classes and workshops that include introductory hand and machine sewing techniques. The space features a large cutting table, dress mannequins and classroom sets of Bernina and Singer sewing machines.
Jewelry & Metals
This studio is focused on small metals including opportunities to try your hand at jewelry and sculptural techniques. You can expect to practice soldering, stone setting, creating cold connections and more in one of our jewelry-making classes or try out sculptural welding in a garden art workshop. The studio features acetylene torches, multiple flex shafts, buffing equipment, and a large assortment of hand tools to allow you to bring your creative vision to life.
Wood
The Wood Studio features premier woodturning lathes and classes in both woodturning and pyrography (woodburning). We offer the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of turning basic shapes such as door stops and rolling pins, have intermediate classes focused on bowls and vessels, and invite you to progress to learn advanced skills like segmented turning and fine-turned spindles through specialty workshops. The studio boasts a classroom set of Powermatic lathes, along with class sets of gouges, dust collection, sharpening tools, and more.
To view current offerings, CLICK HERE!
The Artisan Center also offers four Credit Woodturning classes that can be completed for an NWTC Certificate. For more information, CLICK HERE!
Students in the credit woodturning courses, will have the opportunity to learn new skills or expand their knowledge in the area of safe lathe operation, wood stock selection, spindle turning, bowl turning, design, form and balance, banding of pieces of wood together, and bowl finishing. In addition, students will be exposed to principles of business skill development as they apply to the creative economy and setting up a business as a craftsperson.
Youth Participation
Youth Participation (Ages 14–17)
We welcome young artists ages 14–17 to join regular classes!
To participate, youth must have a signed waiver from a parent or legal guardian on file before the first class session.
Please note:
Youth must be able to work independently alongside adult learners.
Some classes may involve tools or materials that require instructor approval for youth participation.
Waivers are available onsite or can be downloaded [here].
Have questions about whether a class is the right fit? Contact us—we're happy to help you find the right creative opportunity.