focused intensives
If you are interested in taking an Intensive at Pewabic, please read our Education Studio Welcome Packet.
Fall 2025 Intensive registration opens Tuesday, August 5 at 10am.
Take your ceramic practice to the next level with specialized Intensives, guided by talented ceramic artists from our studio and broader community.
Intensives include:
- 3 hours of weekly instruction (during scheduled class time)
- Glazes, slips, underglazes, and firingsÂ
- A small studio shelf
- 3 weekly open studio opportunities (schedule posted)
Each intensive offers a unique focus and tailored materials. Be sure to check the specific section for details on what’s included and what to expect from your chosen session. Intensives are exclusively available for students aged 18 and older.
SPRING/SUMMER 2025 INTENSIVES:
GLAZING : INTENSIVE SESSION IV
UNDERSTANDING ATMOSPHERIC FIRINGS
Instructor: Lauren McCoy
Dates: August 5 - August 26 (4 weeks)
Time: Tuesday Evenings from 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Price: $180
Description: During this intensive led by Pewabic Onsite Education Manager Lauren McCoy, students will build confidence in cone 10 atmospheric firings and learn essential information to better understand Pewabic Education’s available atmospheric firings. Through a combination of lectures, demonstrations, and hands-on experience, participants will explore cone 10 Reduction, cone 10 Soda, and 05 Western Raku. Please note, this class will focus exclusively on glazing and firings and does not cover the construction of work. Prior ceramic knowledge and bisque-ware are required.
Who should register?
This intensive is perfect for students who want to elevate their glazing skills by reviewing and refining the fundamentals of proper glaze application. Participants must bring bisque-fired pieces to glaze.
FALL 2025 INTENSIVES:
FORM + FUNCTION: SESSION I
Form & Function: Teapots
Instructor: Drew Davis
Dates: September 6 - September 27 (4 weeks)
Time: Saturday Mornings 10:30 am -1:30 pm
Price: $180
Description: In this 4 week intensive, taught by Pewabic Kiln Technician, Drew Davis, intermediate students will learn the fundamentals and fine details of wheel-throwing and constructing their own functional teapot. The teapot pictured left was handcrafted by the instructor, Drew Davis.
Important Details
- This class does not cover beginner basics
- Reserved for intermediate to advanced wheel-throwing students
Who Should Register?
This intensive is reserved for intermediate to advanced wheel-throwers who can center clay, pull walls, trim, and glaze successfully.
intermediate glazing: SESSION II
Glazing: Surface Design & RenderingÂ
Instructor: Drew Davis
Dates: October 5 - October 25 (3 weeks) Prorated for Raku Party
Time: Saturday Mornings 10:30 am -1:30 pm
Price: $150
Description: This intensive explores a variety of surface decoration techniques to bring your ceramic work to life. Designed for those looking to develop more intentional and expressive surfaces, this class requires students to bring their own bisqueware and greenware pieces to work on throughout the session.
Who should register?
Adults (18+) with a few clay classes under their belt will have the best experience in this intensive.
FORM + FUNCTION: SESSION III
Form & Function: Intro to Sculpting Clay MasksÂ
Instructor: Russell Meschler
Dates: October 29 - November 19 (4 weeks)
Time: Wednesday Evenings 6:00 pm -9:00 pm
Price: $180
Description: In this fast-paced, 4-week intensive, students with a background in clay will explore sculpting and handbuilding techniques to create their own decorative clay masks. Designed for those ready to deepen their skills, this focused course encourages creative expression through character and form.
Who Should Register?
Adults (18+) with a few clay classes under their belt will have the best experience in this intensive.
Advanced Glazing: SESSION IV
Glazing: Experimental & Speciality Glaze Exploration
Instructor: Michelle Durham
Dates: Â November 26 - December 10 (3 weeks)
Time: Wednesday Evenings from 6:00pm – 9:00pm
Price: $150
Description: This intensive dives into the world of experimental and specialty glazes that push beyond traditional glaze surfaces. We’ll focus on glazes that offer alternative textures and depth, perfect for students looking to elevate their sculptural work. While these unique glazes aren’t typically recommended for functional pieces, they’ll open up a new realm of creative expression. Students will get to explore options like crater, gloop, and crackle glazes, and learn how to test and formulate these glazes as a class.
Who Should Register?
Adults (18+) who consider themselves intermediate/advanced.
