Free Form: Advanced Wheel Throwing

Mondays & Wednesdays
May 15 – June 26*

*Classes begin Wednesday, May 15. No class on Memorial Day (May 27).

Ages 18+
Experience Level Intermediate and up. Previous experience with the pottery wheel required.*


Class Description

Graduates of Clay Craft 2.0 welcome!

In this 6-week advanced wheel throwing class, you are put in the driver’s seat. Students will design their own self-directed projects, and class time will be spent helping each student reach their goals. We will cover clay selection, throwing, trimming, glazing, kiln firing, and everything in between. Presentations on notable ceramic artists will start every class, helping to deepen our engagement with the field of contemporary ceramics. Each week will consist of a regular instructional day, and a “workday” where students will have open studio access. This class may be enrolled in multiple times.

Students are encouraged to consider participation in our Open Studio program to help make this class as productive and successful as it can be!


Materials Needed

Students will be provided with 1 bag (25 lbs) of fresh clay.
Additional clay may be purchased as you go.


Ceramics Open Studio

Monthly passes are available for experienced students to access the ceramics studio for independent outside-of-class worktime. Contact Maxwell at [email protected] to learn more.


Maxwell Starr

Maxwell Starr

Pottery Instructor & Program Associate

[email protected]

About the Instructor

Maxwell Starr was born and raised in a small town outside of Philadelphia and has been a life-long visitor to the Adirondacks. Maxwell first learned to throw on the wheel over a decade ago from his father, who was himself a recreational potter. In the years since, he has been involved in academic programs, arts centers, and both public and private kiln firings. After graduating from Skidmore College in 2021, he spent a year working for the national renowned graduate program in Ceramics at Edinboro University of Pennsylvania before moving full-time to Lake Placid. Maxwell’s own ceramic work focuses on traditional pottery forms fired in atmospheric kilns. His other areas of interest and experience include natural draft kiln design and construction, glaze and clay chemistry, and wood firing kilns.

ClayIn-PersonMulti-DayAdvancedIntermediate

Questions? Know you may need to miss class sessions? *Unsure if this class is the right fit for you? Contact [email protected].