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April 13-17, 2026 - Throwing with Finesse with Sarah Wells Rolland - Image 2
April 13-17, 2026 - Throwing with Finesse with Sarah Wells Rolland - Image 3
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April 13-17, 2026 - Throwing with Finesse with Sarah Wells Rolland - Image 5

April 13-17, 2026 – Throwing with Finesse with Sarah Wells Rolland

Days: Monday-Friday
Time: 9:00 am-3:00pm
(with extended open studio hours Monday – Thursday to 6:00 p.m.)
Fee: $925 per person

In stock

Whether you are a professional potter, aspiring to be, or a hobbyist this class is for you. Sarah Wells Rolland will partner with you on a path of throwing with excellence. As you develop a relationship with your clay, grow in your understanding of the properties of clay and the nuances of moving clay, the more adept and creative you become.

Each student will be set up to push their current skill set beyond their current level. Whether you are a seasoned beginner or intermediate to advanced potter this class will be customized to your needs. We will have lively discussions, sharing and “what if's" will be explored. This is always a favorite part of Sarah’s classes.

We will hone our skills and explore how a pot evolves and changes.

Including emphasis on multiple techniques:

  1. Efficient throwing, using all the clay
  2. Balancing your pull with wheel speed for even walls and clay strength
  3. Choking clay successfully
  4. Problem solving and avoiding problems
  5. Moving larger volumes of clay
  6. Using ribs for their intended purpose
  7. Handles and attachments that are clean, balanced and accent the form

Bring Your Favorite Tools:*

  1. Ribs (small and large, curved and straight), Sponges, Chamois, Wood knife

  2. (4) 14” x 3/8” Bats or  16” x 3/8“ (Medex preferred over plastic)

  3. Large Weed Torch with ignitor

  4. Propane canisters (Please do not purchase the tall narrow version.)

  5. 2 Towel(s) and 2 Apron(s)

*If you are flying into this workshop I have bats, towels, and a torch available for you to use.

Student Skillset Recommendation

We recommend that you are comfortable centering and moving at least 2 lbs of clay to be successful in this workshop. Otherwise, this workshop is designed for all levels of wheel-throwing student (seasoned beginner to advanced).

 

Workshop Logistics:

  • Demonstrations will begin every day at 9:00 a.m. Sarah will work with students individually until 3:00 pm. Additional open studio hours will be from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Monday-Thursday.
  • Students will purchase clay directly from The Village Potters Clay Center the week of the workshop. Both cone 6 and cone 10 options will be available. Please note that the use of external clays is not permitted during the workshop.
  • Students have the option to transport their greenware pieces home to be fired in their own studio, or have the work they make during the workshop bisque fired at The Village Potters Clay Center for an additional fee. Additional shipping fees may also apply.
  • Several weeks before the workshop you will receive the details of what to expect, what to bring, materials list, and directions to the studio.

Please contact The Village Potters Clay Center if you have any questions about this workshop.

Class Recommendations

  • Inclusivity: We are committed to maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for everyone. We value inclusivity and kindness.
  • Footwear: For your safety, closed-toe shoes are required at all times in the studio. This protects your feet from dropped tools, clay, and other potential hazards.
  • Hair & Clothing: We recommend that long hair should be tied back or tucked into a cap, and loose clothing should be avoided. This prevents them from becoming caught in moving equipment like the potter’s wheel or slab roller.
  • Restricted Areas: Some spaces in our building are private working studios for other artists. Please enjoy only the spaces designated for HOW student use, and do not enter any other areas unless invited.
  • Nonsmoking facility: Smoking/vaping are not permitted anywhere inside our clay center.
  • Weapons-free facility: To ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in our community, firearms and weapons of any kind are strictly prohibited on our premises, whether concealed or openly carried.

Cancellation Policy

To provide you the best experience possible in the workshop, we restrict the number of registrants. By registering for a workshop, you understand you are making a commitment to the instructor and reserving a spot that someone else could potentially take.

Student Cancellation

  • John Britt does not offer refunds for his workshops. However, if possible, The Village Potters will attempt to fill a canceled registration spot with a student from the waitlist. If the vacancy is successfully filled, the initial registrant will then have the option of a refund (minus a $75 administrative fee).

TVPCC Cancellation

  • In the rare event that a class is canceled by The Village Potters Clay Center students will be given the option of transferring their registration to a different or future workshop, receive a credit on their account equal to the value of the workshop, or receive a full refund.
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