At Turning Arts Studio in Bowdoinham, Maine, we offer hands-on pottery workshops and private clay lessons for all skill levels. Many of our workshops are hosted through Merrymeeting Adult Education, providing accessible, community-centered creative experiences for people from Brunswick, Portland, and the wider Midcoast region. Stay tuned for our upcoming schedule and join us to explore your creativity in a welcoming, supportive space.

Workshops

  • Three ceramic vases with abstract multicolor designs on a wooden surface outdoors.

    Raku Firing

    In this two-part workshop, you’ll explore the dramatic and hands-on process of raku firing. In Part 1, you’ll sculpt a piece in clay and watch a live raku firing demo. Three weeks later in Part 2, you’ll glaze and fire your own work using the raku method—removing red-hot pieces from the kiln and placing them into combustibles for stunning, unpredictable results. This class will be taught by Zachary Fields. No experience necessary. All tools and materials provided. $20 materials fee payable to the instructor. Finished pieces will go home after the second session.

    Part 1: October 11th, 1:00 - 4:00 pm

    Part 2: November 1st, 1:00 - 4:00 pm

    (rain date for Part 2: 11/8)

    Join the waitlist 
  • Set of ceramic bowls with geometric patterns on a wooden surface

    Sip & Sgraffito

    Enjoy a relaxing evening sipping hot chocolate or tea while carving thoughtful designs into pre-made pottery by Janna and Zachary. Learn the sgraffito technique—scratching through colored slip to reveal the clay beneath—and leave your piece for firing. Finished work ready for pickup two weeks later. All tools and materials provided. $20 materials fee payable to the instructor. No experience needed.

    Fall Session: October 24th, 7:00 - 9:00 pm (waitlist)

    Winter Session: January 16th, 7:00 - 9:00 pm

    Register Here 

  • Monoprinting on Clay

    Learn how to transfer hand-drawn imagery onto clay using monoprinting techniques with slip and underglaze. Explore layering, line work, and expressive surface design. Bring leather-hard pots if you’d like, or use provided slabs. All materials included; $20 materials fee payable to the instructor. No experience necessary.

    Fall Session: November 15th, 1:00 - 4:00 pm

    Winter Session: February 7th, 1:00 - 4:00 pm

    Register Here 
  • Hand holding a ceramic mug with floral design on a wooden surface

    Make Your Own Coffee Mug

    Learn basic hand-building techniques to create a unique, microwave- and dishwasher-safe ceramic mug. We’ll explore pinch, coil, and slab construction, experiment with handles, and add surface design through texture and carving. Glazing will be done later by Janna or by participants. All materials included; $20 materials fee payable to the instructor. No experience necessary.

    Fall Session: October 18th, 1:00 - 4:00 pm

    Winter Session: January 10th, 1:00 - 4:00 pm

    Register Here 

  • Clay & Cheer: Handmade Holiday Gifts

    Get in the holiday spirit with this festive gift-making workshop! We’ll hand-build a variety of small ceramic pieces perfect for gifting—ornaments, trinket dishes, spoon rests, magnets, and more. You’ll learn simple decorating techniques and leave your pieces for firing. Finished work will be ready for pickup one week later. All tools and materials provided. $20 materials fee payable to the instructor. No experience necessary - suitable for all ages. Hot cider and cookies included.

    December 13th, 1:00 - 4:00 pm

    Register Here 
Zachary Fields wheel throwing pottery at Turning Arts Studio in Bowdoinham, Maine.

Private Lessons

With decades of teaching experience between us, we love sharing our joy of working in clay. Join us at Turning Arts Studio in Bowdoinham for private pottery lessons tailored to your interests. Whether you want to learn wheel throwing, hand-building, or surface design techniques, we’ll guide you every step of the way.

$60 per hour

Let's chat!

Past Workshops