Classes & Events
Dishware with Laura Williams
Wednesdays, June 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th 5:30-8:30pm
Calling ceramic hand-builders of all levels: spend time with us at the Digs!
In this class, we will take an in-depth look at coiling, slab building, handles, lids, spoons, and more! This class will focus on the creation of functional dishes, cups, and mugs for your home.
Laura Williams, our versatile instructor, will work closely with students to help them reach their hand-building goals, while also demonstrating basic techniques to refine their skills. Beginners, don't worry! Laura will take your skill level into account and work with you accordingly.
This four-week class is designed to encourage returning students. Attend once for an introduction to hand-building, and re-enroll to refine your skills and receive hands-on assistance with project goals and technical development.
About your Instructor:
Laura Williams
Laura (they/them/she) has been living and making in Chicago since 2016. Their work explores themes of color, image, story-telling and play.
“I feel incredibly lucky to do what I do. I love making and sharing what I learn along the way with those who take my classes. My illustrations and sculptures respond to life. I often put tidbits of myself and those i love in comics and on my ceramics.”
Laura studied ceramics and printmaking at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. They’ve since taught and assisted at several art centers including; Shake Rag Center for the Arts, Penguin Foot Pottery, The Digs Chicago, Watershed Ceramics Center, Haystack Center for Craft, Wheel House Studios and Lillstreet Art Centre.
Learning Objectives:
Developing your pinching, coiling and slab building technique
Understanding of basic skills and when to use them for a desired project.
Handles and additions
Surface decoration: Inlay vs. Sgraffito
Project & Time Management
Self-sufficiency and courtesy in a ceramic studio
Wheel Throwing Class
Wednesdays, June 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th 5:30pm-8:30pm
4 sessions • 3 Hours
Join us as a beginner or intermediate thrower. Beginners will receive a rundown on the technical basics, and intermediate throwers will receive guidance on project management as well as pointers on specific throwing skills.
Learning Objectives
Beginner: Wedging Basics, Centering Basics, Throwing a Cylinder, Surface Decoration & Additions, Trimming Basics, Begin thinking about the possibilities of clay as a medium for creative and functional expression.
Intermediate:
Spiral wedging, Alternate centering methods, Throwing various shapes, improving walls, Surface Decoration, Additions & Glazes, Trimming Design. Trimming tapered shapes, Improve your project management skills.
Dishware with Laura Williams
Wednesdays, June 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th 5:30-8:30pm
Calling ceramic hand-builders of all levels: spend time with us at the Digs!
In this class, we will take an in-depth look at coiling, slab building, handles, lids, spoons, and more! This class will focus on the creation of functional dishes, cups, and mugs for your home.
Laura Williams, our versatile instructor, will work closely with students to help them reach their hand-building goals, while also demonstrating basic techniques to refine their skills. Beginners, don't worry! Laura will take your skill level into account and work with you accordingly.
This four-week class is designed to encourage returning students. Attend once for an introduction to hand-building, and re-enroll to refine your skills and receive hands-on assistance with project goals and technical development.
About your Instructor:
Laura Williams
Laura (they/them/she) has been living and making in Chicago since 2016. Their work explores themes of color, image, story-telling and play.
“I feel incredibly lucky to do what I do. I love making and sharing what I learn along the way with those who take my classes. My illustrations and sculptures respond to life. I often put tidbits of myself and those i love in comics and on my ceramics.”
Laura studied ceramics and printmaking at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. They’ve since taught and assisted at several art centers including; Shake Rag Center for the Arts, Penguin Foot Pottery, The Digs Chicago, Watershed Ceramics Center, Haystack Center for Craft, Wheel House Studios and Lillstreet Art Centre.
Learning Objectives:
Developing your pinching, coiling and slab building technique
Understanding of basic skills and when to use them for a desired project.
Handles and additions
Surface decoration: Inlay vs. Sgraffito
Project & Time Management
Self-sufficiency and courtesy in a ceramic studio
Wheel Throwing Class
Wednesdays, June 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th 5:30pm-8:30pm
4 sessions • 3 Hours
Join us as a beginner or intermediate thrower. Beginners will receive a rundown on the technical basics, and intermediate throwers will receive guidance on project management as well as pointers on specific throwing skills.
Learning Objectives
Beginner: Wedging Basics, Centering Basics, Throwing a Cylinder, Surface Decoration & Additions, Trimming Basics, Begin thinking about the possibilities of clay as a medium for creative and functional expression.
Intermediate:
Spiral wedging, Alternate centering methods, Throwing various shapes, improving walls, Surface Decoration, Additions & Glazes, Trimming Design. Trimming tapered shapes, Improve your project management skills.
Transferring Images onto Clay Workshop
Are you ready to take your surface decoration to the next level? Join us for our newest workshop: Imagery Transfer onto Clay with Serena.
This workshop is perfect for clay artists of all levels who are looking for a fun, new surface design technique to add to their skillset.
If you are new to clay, this workshop is also for you. Although the art of image transfer can elevate a ceramic practice, it is also a skill that does not require prior ceramic experience.
**We ask that students come prepared with some drawings or images they would like to translate to print.
Learning Objectives:
Prepping and facilitating a screen print for clay
Working with screen filler and stencils
Directly printing onto clay tiles
Making screen printed transfers
About your Instructor:
Serena Hocharoen
https://serenahocharoen.fish/Info
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The Digs strives to make all workshops more affordable with Sliding Scale Pricing. Sliding scale allows you the option to pick your price based on your affordability. Please select the pricing model that best suits your personal income.
For 15% off use code SLIDING15
For 25% off use code SLIDING25
For 35% off use code SLIDING35
Dishware with Laura Williams
Wednesdays, June 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th 5:30-8:30pm
Calling ceramic hand-builders of all levels: spend time with us at the Digs!
In this class, we will take an in-depth look at coiling, slab building, handles, lids, spoons, and more! This class will focus on the creation of functional dishes, cups, and mugs for your home.
Laura Williams, our versatile instructor, will work closely with students to help them reach their hand-building goals, while also demonstrating basic techniques to refine their skills. Beginners, don't worry! Laura will take your skill level into account and work with you accordingly.
This four-week class is designed to encourage returning students. Attend once for an introduction to hand-building, and re-enroll to refine your skills and receive hands-on assistance with project goals and technical development.
About your Instructor:
Laura Williams
Laura (they/them/she) has been living and making in Chicago since 2016. Their work explores themes of color, image, story-telling and play.
“I feel incredibly lucky to do what I do. I love making and sharing what I learn along the way with those who take my classes. My illustrations and sculptures respond to life. I often put tidbits of myself and those i love in comics and on my ceramics.”
Laura studied ceramics and printmaking at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. They’ve since taught and assisted at several art centers including; Shake Rag Center for the Arts, Penguin Foot Pottery, The Digs Chicago, Watershed Ceramics Center, Haystack Center for Craft, Wheel House Studios and Lillstreet Art Centre.
Learning Objectives:
Developing your pinching, coiling and slab building technique
Understanding of basic skills and when to use them for a desired project.
Handles and additions
Surface decoration: Inlay vs. Sgraffito
Project & Time Management
Self-sufficiency and courtesy in a ceramic studio
Wheel Throwing Class
Wednesdays, June 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th 5:30pm-8:30pm
4 sessions • 3 Hours
Join us as a beginner or intermediate thrower. Beginners will receive a rundown on the technical basics, and intermediate throwers will receive guidance on project management as well as pointers on specific throwing skills.
Learning Objectives
Beginner: Wedging Basics, Centering Basics, Throwing a Cylinder, Surface Decoration & Additions, Trimming Basics, Begin thinking about the possibilities of clay as a medium for creative and functional expression.
Intermediate:
Spiral wedging, Alternate centering methods, Throwing various shapes, improving walls, Surface Decoration, Additions & Glazes, Trimming Design. Trimming tapered shapes, Improve your project management skills.
Wheel Throwing Workshop
$75.00
Friday, June 9th 5:30pm-8:30pm
Level: Beginner - Advanced
Description:
This workshop is an instructor-guided wheel throwing clinic for throwers of all skill levels. Join us to try a new activity or to strengthen your existing throwing skills!
This workshop is an instructor-guided wheel session for throwers of all skill levels. Join us to try a new activity or to strengthen your existing throwing skills!
Instructors will assist in developing technique and will perform demonstrations based on participant interest.
Learning Objectives
For beginners, we promise a fun challenge with lots of guidance.
For our Intermediates+, we will build upon your skills and reach new heights!
All workshops are on a sliding scale basis.
For 15% off use code SLIDING15
For 25% off use code SLIDING25
For 35% off use code SLIDING35
For 45% off use code SLIDING45
Contact thedigschicago@gmail.com to chat about payment plans!
Dishware with Laura Williams
Wednesdays, June 8th, 15th, 22nd, 29th 5:30-8:30pm
Calling ceramic hand-builders of all levels: spend time with us at the Digs!
In this class, we will take an in-depth look at coiling, slab building, handles, lids, spoons, and more! This class will focus on the creation of functional dishes, cups, and mugs for your home.
Laura Williams, our versatile instructor, will work closely with students to help them reach their hand-building goals, while also demonstrating basic techniques to refine their skills. Beginners, don't worry! Laura will take your skill level into account and work with you accordingly.
This four-week class is designed to encourage returning students. Attend once for an introduction to hand-building, and re-enroll to refine your skills and receive hands-on assistance with project goals and technical development.
About your Instructor:
Laura Williams
Laura (they/them/she) has been living and making in Chicago since 2016. Their work explores themes of color, image, story-telling and play.
“I feel incredibly lucky to do what I do. I love making and sharing what I learn along the way with those who take my classes. My illustrations and sculptures respond to life. I often put tidbits of myself and those i love in comics and on my ceramics.”
Laura studied ceramics and printmaking at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. They’ve since taught and assisted at several art centers including; Shake Rag Center for the Arts, Penguin Foot Pottery, The Digs Chicago, Watershed Ceramics Center, Haystack Center for Craft, Wheel House Studios and Lillstreet Art Centre.
Learning Objectives:
Developing your pinching, coiling and slab building technique
Understanding of basic skills and when to use them for a desired project.
Handles and additions
Surface decoration: Inlay vs. Sgraffito
Project & Time Management
Self-sufficiency and courtesy in a ceramic studio
Wheel Throwing Class
Wednesdays, June 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th 5:30pm-8:30pm
4 sessions • 3 Hours
Join us as a beginner or intermediate thrower. Beginners will receive a rundown on the technical basics, and intermediate throwers will receive guidance on project management as well as pointers on specific throwing skills.
Learning Objectives
Beginner: Wedging Basics, Centering Basics, Throwing a Cylinder, Surface Decoration & Additions, Trimming Basics, Begin thinking about the possibilities of clay as a medium for creative and functional expression.
Intermediate:
Spiral wedging, Alternate centering methods, Throwing various shapes, improving walls, Surface Decoration, Additions & Glazes, Trimming Design. Trimming tapered shapes, Improve your project management skills.
Jewelry Making Workshop
Saturday, June 3rd 2pm-5pm
Make your own ceramic jewelry in this one day workshop, from rings, earrings, necklaces and more! Clay allows so much freedom when making jewelry, its time to make the weird and wild wares you've always dreamt of!
Learning Objectives
make ceramic jewelry from scratch
learn to bend wire to make jewelry hardware
learn surface decoration techniques with underglaze
learn to make a stilts for holding work while its firedAll workshops are on a sliding scale basis.
For 15% off use code SLIDING15
For 25% off use code SLIDING25
For 35% off use code SLIDING35
For 45% off use code SLIDING45
Contact thedigschicago@gmail.com to chat about payment plans!
Private Event
Attn Members!
Public Work Space is reserved for this event.
First come first serve availability
Feels on Wheels: Challenging Perfectionism
Sunday, May 28th 1pm-3pm
Challenging Perfectionism
Feels on Wheels: A Workshop Series with Krista Tyner
Skill Level: Beginner - Advanced
Learning Objectives:
Explore how perfectionism shows up in your practice/informs our work/appears when selling work / Etc.
Understand benefits and challenges of perfectionism
Learn mindfulness skills to combat unhelpful perfectionist thought patterns
Explore the potters wheel without the weight and expectation of mastering a new creative skill
About the Series:
"Feels on Wheels: A Series with Krista Tyner" is a therapeutic workshop designed to guide participants in an exploration of their emotions and experiences through the medium of clay. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced artist, this workshop is a safe and supportive space to gain new insights and connect with others who are on a similar journey.
Note: this session is categorized as a therapeutic workshop and not as traditional therapy.
The workshop is structured into the following activities :
Check-in to help participants become more present and aware of their physical and emotional experiences
Movement or meditative based activity to guide participants through connection with their bodies and tune into their inner selves
Therapeutic prompt to encourage participants to explore their emotions and experiences more deeply while working with the clay medium
Closing process to encourage reflection of the session's concepts and participants' experiences
About your Instructor:
Krista (she/her) is a licensed clinical professional counselor and dance/movement therapist who sees clients through her private practice in Chicago. Through traditional talk therapy and the use of body-based modalities she works with clients to tell the stories of their lives, their ancestors, and their communities. Her hope is that by offering a non judgemental holding space clients will gain the ability to sit in the discomfort, when it feels safe, and address it in ways that feel most meaningful to them. In her ceramic work she feels inspired by the people in her life and her own cultural practices to create pieces that remind her of our connection to the land, rituals of sharing food and drink, and community. Krista has been working with clay since late 2020 and is currently a resident at The Digs. She's excited to bridge her two passions and help folks explore their experiences through these creative therapeutic workshops.
✷✷✷
The Digs strives to make all workshops more affordable with Sliding Scale Pricing. Sliding scale allows you the option to pick your price based on your affordability. Please select the pricing model that best suits your personal income.
For 15% off use code SLIDING15
For 25% off use code SLIDING25
For 35% off use code SLIDING35
For 45% off use code SLIDING45
For 55% off use code SLIDING55
Contact thedigschicago@gmail.com to chat about payment plans!
Open House
Attend our quarterly Open House!
Open House is designed to provide an opportunity for the public to come and explore our ceramic studio, meet the talented artists who utilize the space, and get an opportunity to inquire about the various programs we offer. At each open house, we provide refreshments and snacks, as well as a personal tours of the studio and demonstrations of some of the techniques used in ceramic art. It's a great way to get to know the members of the Digs community and learn more about the amazing art of ceramics!
4pm-8pm
4pm-5pm: tours and space questions
5pm-6pm: demonstrations/ activities
6pm-8pm: worktime / hang time
Beginner Handbuilding Class
Thursdays, May 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th 5:30pm-8:30pm
Calling ceramic hand-builders of all levels: spend time with us at the Digs!
In this class, we will take an in-depth look at coiling, slab building, handles, lids, spoons, glazing, and more.
Kirin will work closely with students to help them reach their hand-building goals, while also demonstrating basic techniques to refine their skills. Beginners, don't worry! We will take your skill level into account and work with you accordingly.
This four-week class is designed to encourage returning students. Attend once for an introduction to hand-building, and re-enroll to refine your skills and receive hands-on assistance with project goals and technical development.
About your Instructor:
Kirin Kane
https://www.kirinkane.com/
Wheel Throwing Class
$225.00
May ✸ Mixed Wheel Throwing Class
with LAURA WILLIAMS!
Wednesdays , May 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th 5:30-8:30pm
Join us as a beginner or intermediate thrower. Beginners will receive a rundown on the technical basics, and intermediate throwers will receive guidance on project management as well as pointers on specific throwing skills.
Learning Objectives
Beginner: Wedging Basics, Centering Basics, Throwing a Cylinder, Surface Decoration & Additions, Trimming Basics, Begin thinking about the possibilities of clay as a medium for creative and functional expression.
Intermediate:
Spiral wedging, Alternate centering methods, Throwing various shapes, improving walls, Surface Decoration, Additions & Glazes, Trimming Design. Trimming tapered shapes, Improve your project management skills.
About your Instructor:
Laura Williams
Laura (they/them/she) has been living and making in Chicago since 2016. Their work explores themes of color, image, story-telling and play.“I feel incredibly lucky to do what I do. I love making and sharing what I learn along the way with those who take my classes. My illustrations and sculptures respond to life. I often put tidbits of myself and those i love in comics and on my ceramics.”Laura studied ceramics and printmaking at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. They’ve since taught and assisted at several art centers including; Shake Rag Center for the Arts, Penguin Foot Pottery, The Digs Chicago, Watershed Ceramics Center, Haystack Center for Craft, Wheel House Studios and Lillstreet Art Centre.
Make a Chia Pet
Level: Beginner - Advanced / All Levels
Description:
Remember Chia Pets?
Make your own!
In this one-day workshop, you’ll learn how to make your very own chia pet. It’s time to make the chia pet of your childhood dreams!
Learning Objectives
hand build a closed form
add sculptural elements like faces, legs, and ears
texture your chia pet
digs staff will fire your work
take home a bag of chia seeds and grow your friend
All workshops are on a sliding scale basis.
For 15% off use code SLIDING15
For 25% off use code SLIDING25
For 35% off use code SLIDING35
For 45% off use code SLIDING45
Contact thedigschicago@gmail.com to chat about payment plans!
Beginner Handbuilding Class
Thursdays, May 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th 5:30pm-8:30pm
Calling ceramic hand-builders of all levels: spend time with us at the Digs!
In this class, we will take an in-depth look at coiling, slab building, handles, lids, spoons, glazing, and more.
Kirin will work closely with students to help them reach their hand-building goals, while also demonstrating basic techniques to refine their skills. Beginners, don't worry! We will take your skill level into account and work with you accordingly.
This four-week class is designed to encourage returning students. Attend once for an introduction to hand-building, and re-enroll to refine your skills and receive hands-on assistance with project goals and technical development.
About your Instructor:
Kirin Kane
https://www.kirinkane.com/
Wheel Throwing Class
$225.00
May ✸ Mixed Wheel Throwing Class
with LAURA WILLIAMS!
Wednesdays , May 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th 5:30-8:30pm
Join us as a beginner or intermediate thrower. Beginners will receive a rundown on the technical basics, and intermediate throwers will receive guidance on project management as well as pointers on specific throwing skills.
Learning Objectives
Beginner: Wedging Basics, Centering Basics, Throwing a Cylinder, Surface Decoration & Additions, Trimming Basics, Begin thinking about the possibilities of clay as a medium for creative and functional expression.
Intermediate:
Spiral wedging, Alternate centering methods, Throwing various shapes, improving walls, Surface Decoration, Additions & Glazes, Trimming Design. Trimming tapered shapes, Improve your project management skills.
About your Instructor:
Laura Williams
Laura (they/them/she) has been living and making in Chicago since 2016. Their work explores themes of color, image, story-telling and play.“I feel incredibly lucky to do what I do. I love making and sharing what I learn along the way with those who take my classes. My illustrations and sculptures respond to life. I often put tidbits of myself and those i love in comics and on my ceramics.”Laura studied ceramics and printmaking at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. They’ve since taught and assisted at several art centers including; Shake Rag Center for the Arts, Penguin Foot Pottery, The Digs Chicago, Watershed Ceramics Center, Haystack Center for Craft, Wheel House Studios and Lillstreet Art Centre.
Beginner Handbuilding Class
Thursdays, May 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th 5:30pm-8:30pm
Calling ceramic hand-builders of all levels: spend time with us at the Digs!
In this class, we will take an in-depth look at coiling, slab building, handles, lids, spoons, glazing, and more.
Kirin will work closely with students to help them reach their hand-building goals, while also demonstrating basic techniques to refine their skills. Beginners, don't worry! We will take your skill level into account and work with you accordingly.
This four-week class is designed to encourage returning students. Attend once for an introduction to hand-building, and re-enroll to refine your skills and receive hands-on assistance with project goals and technical development.
About your Instructor:
Kirin Kane
https://www.kirinkane.com/
Wheel Throwing Class
$225.00
May ✸ Mixed Wheel Throwing Class
with LAURA WILLIAMS!
Wednesdays , May 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th 5:30-8:30pm
Join us as a beginner or intermediate thrower. Beginners will receive a rundown on the technical basics, and intermediate throwers will receive guidance on project management as well as pointers on specific throwing skills.
Learning Objectives
Beginner: Wedging Basics, Centering Basics, Throwing a Cylinder, Surface Decoration & Additions, Trimming Basics, Begin thinking about the possibilities of clay as a medium for creative and functional expression.
Intermediate:
Spiral wedging, Alternate centering methods, Throwing various shapes, improving walls, Surface Decoration, Additions & Glazes, Trimming Design. Trimming tapered shapes, Improve your project management skills.
About your Instructor:
Laura Williams
Laura (they/them/she) has been living and making in Chicago since 2016. Their work explores themes of color, image, story-telling and play.“I feel incredibly lucky to do what I do. I love making and sharing what I learn along the way with those who take my classes. My illustrations and sculptures respond to life. I often put tidbits of myself and those i love in comics and on my ceramics.”Laura studied ceramics and printmaking at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. They’ve since taught and assisted at several art centers including; Shake Rag Center for the Arts, Penguin Foot Pottery, The Digs Chicago, Watershed Ceramics Center, Haystack Center for Craft, Wheel House Studios and Lillstreet Art Centre.
Pipes Workshop
In this workshop, you will be taken through the steps of crafting a one-of-a-kind, functional pipe out of clay. You will be shown the various methods and techniques you can use to shape the clay into the desired form, learning how to make a functional, hand-held piece of art. In addition to learning the basics of forming a pipe from clay, you will also be introduced to different creative techniques you can use to further customize your pipe, such as adding color, texture, or patterns. By the end of the workshop, you will have the skills and the confidence to create a unique pipe.
Beginner Handbuilding Class
Thursdays, May 4th, 11th, 18th, 25th 5:30pm-8:30pm
Calling ceramic hand-builders of all levels: spend time with us at the Digs!
In this class, we will take an in-depth look at coiling, slab building, handles, lids, spoons, glazing, and more.
Kirin will work closely with students to help them reach their hand-building goals, while also demonstrating basic techniques to refine their skills. Beginners, don't worry! We will take your skill level into account and work with you accordingly.
This four-week class is designed to encourage returning students. Attend once for an introduction to hand-building, and re-enroll to refine your skills and receive hands-on assistance with project goals and technical development.
About your Instructor:
Kirin Kane
https://www.kirinkane.com/
Wheel Throwing Class
$225.00
May ✸ Mixed Wheel Throwing Class
with LAURA WILLIAMS!
Wednesdays , May 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th 5:30-8:30pm
Join us as a beginner or intermediate thrower. Beginners will receive a rundown on the technical basics, and intermediate throwers will receive guidance on project management as well as pointers on specific throwing skills.
Learning Objectives
Beginner: Wedging Basics, Centering Basics, Throwing a Cylinder, Surface Decoration & Additions, Trimming Basics, Begin thinking about the possibilities of clay as a medium for creative and functional expression.
Intermediate:
Spiral wedging, Alternate centering methods, Throwing various shapes, improving walls, Surface Decoration, Additions & Glazes, Trimming Design. Trimming tapered shapes, Improve your project management skills.
About your Instructor:
Laura Williams
Laura (they/them/she) has been living and making in Chicago since 2016. Their work explores themes of color, image, story-telling and play.“I feel incredibly lucky to do what I do. I love making and sharing what I learn along the way with those who take my classes. My illustrations and sculptures respond to life. I often put tidbits of myself and those i love in comics and on my ceramics.”Laura studied ceramics and printmaking at the University of Wisconsin - Madison. They’ve since taught and assisted at several art centers including; Shake Rag Center for the Arts, Penguin Foot Pottery, The Digs Chicago, Watershed Ceramics Center, Haystack Center for Craft, Wheel House Studios and Lillstreet Art Centre.