June 15-19, 2026 – Taking the Next Step Throwing Intensive with Ron Philbeck
Days: Monday to Friday
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
(extended open studio hours Monday-Thursday until 6:00 p.m.)
Fee: $925
In stock
This workshop is geared toward improving your throwing skills and to help you develop more ease and confidence with clay. Starting where you are, we will explore ways to move your work in a forward direction. Ron will demonstrate creating a number of different functional forms, from mugs and pitchers to yunomi, jars, bowls and plates. He will also demonstrate making handles and cutting/trimming feet. This is a "hands-on" workshop. Ron will demonstrate his techniques, but there will also be plenty of time for participants to make pots under his guidance.
As the week progresses, Ron will guide you in exploring several decorative techniques including textured slip application, faceting, wax resist with slips, rope impressed and stamped decoration. If time allows, Ron will discuss his use of social media and online sales.
Students will purchase clay directly from the Village Potters Clay Center the week of the workshop. Several weeks before the workshop you will receive the details of what to expect, what to bring, materials list, and directions to the studio.
Recommended Student Skill Level:
Seasoned beginner to intermediate throwing knowledge is required. For students growing in confidence working more complex forms who wish to become more intentional with their work.
If you have any questions, please contact us and we will be happy to help make sure this is the right workshop for you.
About Ron Philbeck:
Ron Philbeck is a highly sought after, wonderful potter and beautiful person specializing in wheel thrown, sodium vapor glazed pottery. He creates limited production and one of a kind pots at his studio in Shelby, N.C. Ron believes that pots should be well made, pleasant to look at, and easy to use. His work can be found in collections and kitchens around the world.
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.