LGG Creative Art ~ Pottery and Bone Carving
Beautiful. Functional. Unique.
TRY IT CLASS: PRIVATE LESSONS ON THE POTTER'S WHEEL
$90 per person
In this 90 minute private session, I will teach you how to make your very own clay masterpiece on the potter's wheel (no prior experience necessary). After a brief demo, I will guide you through each step of the process, carefully observing your form and teaching you how to feel the subtle changes in the clay.
I have two wheels, so I can teach two people at once. Bring your girl! Bring your guy! Bring your mom! Bring a friend! Children are also welcome (age 12 and up). I provide the clay, tools, and instruction; you bring your patience, creativity, and clothes that you don't mind getting dirty. I will trim your piece, bisque fire it, then glaze it in your choice of single-dip glazes, or you may come back during an open studio and paint it yourself with underglazes.
Sessions can be booked by phone at 315-750-5022. My schedule is flexible, so mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekends are all possible.
LATIN THURSDAY POTTERY LESSONS ~ Come on, give it a whirl!
Schedule a private "Try It!" class on a Thursday evening, and afterwards, I'll take you downtown and introduce you Rachel and Vincent--the owners of Crossbody Dance + Movement and the hosts of Pittsburgh's Thursday night Latin social dance. They offer a free intro class before the social begins, and no previous dance experience is necessary. I dance at Crossbody every Thursday and would love to help you learn TWO great new skills in one night!
*Crossbody's social dance fee is $10, payable by Venmo or credit card.
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4 SESSION PRIVATE LESSON PACKAGE
$425 per person (includes 25 lbs of clay and lots of private practice time)
Private lessons are, by far, the best and fastest way to learn how to throw pots on a potter's wheel. Unlike group pottery classes where the instructor is on the other side of the room when your pot is threatening to collapse, I will be sitting right next to you, teaching you how to throw even, sturdy walls, showing you how to correct problems as they occur, and, most important, how to avoid them during your solo practice sessions.
In this package of four 90 minute private lessons, you will receive clear and concise demonstrations of how to create various shapes on the potter's wheel and will receive my focused attention on your form and body mechanics. Immediately following each lesson, you will have an extra 30 minutes (or more!) to practice on your own, though I will be nearby to answer questions and provide assistance as needed.
Basics we will cover:
1. How to throw cylinder, bowl, and vase shapes, plus throwing "off the hump"
2. Various methods of trimming each of these shapes
3. How to pull and attach handles
4. If spending more time on decorating a project is your goal, we can focus one who session on surface decorating techniques, including scraffito, relief carving, underglazing, and finish glazing.
People learn at different speeds and can have vastly different interests when it comes to creating art, so I can structure the Private Lesson Packages to reflect YOUR interests.
What makes your lessons special?
Throwing pottery on the wheel involves a constant stream of micro hand movements that are more easily felt than seen, so I stop often during the demo process and encourage students to feel the clay as it changes through the various steps. Learning how to "see" with your fingertips is an important skill for a potter.
During the trimming and glazing sessions, I provide students with a number of practice pieces so they can develop their technique and form before applying it to their own work.
I have a high degree of patience, am comfortable working with people who learn in different ways and at different speeds, and am committed to providing a safe and welcoming space for ALL.
Are there prerequisites for private lessons?
I encourage students who have never worked with clay to take my Try It! class first, as it focuses on the ultra basics like centering, collaring, rim trimming, and various hand positions for pulling walls. My private lesson packages build on these skills. But if you have a deep interest in learning and want to jump right in and start with a package, let's do it!
When are classes offered?
My schedule is very flexible, so mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekends are all possible. The frequency of classes is up to you. We can do all four lessons in one week, two lessons per week a few days apart, or one lesson per week for four weeks.
Can I take private lessons with a friend?
Yes! I have two pottery wheels in my studio.
How can I schedule classes?
Sessions are booked by phone at 315-750-5022 or email at LGGCreativeArt@gmail.com.
What payment methods do you take?
I accept cash, Venmo, PayPal, CashApp, LGG Creative Art gift certificates, and all major credit cards.
Are there times outside of private lessons when I can practice?
Yes! I host Open Studio every Monday from 12-8 pm. Private lesson students will have full access to my studio and tools during these times to practice. Since I work from my home studio, there are many other time slots throughout the week to practice as well. My schedule is quite flexible and includes most nights and weekends.
Do I have to practice in between private lessons?
No, but it definitely helps to cement the skills and build muscle memory.
** Please note that my studio is on the third floor of my home, so step climbing is necessary. On the plus side, you'll feel like you're making pottery in a tree house, so that's cool! Also, I have a delightful cat named "Daisy". If you are allergic to cats, I will make sure that she stays in a separate room during your lesson and will open the studio windows before your class to help clear the air of allergens.
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"GHOST" PHOTOSHOOT AND PRIVATE LESSON
$150 per person ~ Great for engagements and anniversaries!
Yes, I host "Ghost Sessions" where I throw the vase shape from the famous scene in the movie then take photos of you and your partner while you reenact the scene. The photos always turn out great, and it's a really fun experience for everyone, myself included.
The photo session is followed by a 1 hour private lesson for both of you. Ages 21 and up are welcome to bring your favorite beverage of choice.