Term Pottery Classes
Term classes are 8 wks , held four times a year. We cater for both new and experienced potters. Join a class to have a great time learning new skills, meet people and create wonderful pottery pieces in a warm and supportive class.
Term 1 Program 2025
Term 1 Bookings are now open for newstudents.
Welcome to Term 1, 2025 – Bookings -Ceramic Studio classes; Parramatta Clay and Arts Incorporated. (PCAI)
We offer both hand building and wheel throwing courses so we can focus on specific abilities that both approaches demand, rather than trying to achieve everything in a short period of time in one class.
Some of our courses are booked out already due to returning students who have a return booking option. But there are spaces available in the Beginners courses at present.
And as a Newsletter subscriber, you will also have a head-start to book ahead of the public.
Course Descriptions Introduction to the Wheel: In this Term we are offering a day class and an evening class. The courses are designed for complete beginners to provide you with the basic skills and techniques needed to throw, trim clay on a pottery wheel and to glaze your work.
Tuesday Evening Ongoing Wheel throwing: is an 8-week course for those continuing from Beginners with their previous pottery experience. You will learn how to make other forms such as bowls, and how to glaze the pots. You will need to have completed Beginners or equivalent before enrolling. (Not for Beginners)
Wednesday Morning wheel throwing course: This 8-week course can cater for beginners to ongoing students. The focus of this course is to introduce you to throwing on the wheel, trimming and glazing. For those more experienced potters, Elsie will help you refine your techniques and assist you with more advanced wheel work techniques.
Wednesday Evening is for students who have completed three or more beginners’ courses or who have had previous experience. This term is 8 weeks. Dianne will focus on developing your skills and provide more challenging wheel techniques /projects to work towards (Not for Beginners). Must be able to Centre clay.
Thursday evening –Hand-building and Sculptural is an 8-week course. Designed to teach you hand building techniques for sculptural and functional ware. Diamando will guide and nurture your creativity and introduce advanced techniques in hand building for ongoing students.
Please read our Conditions of Enrolment /refund policy carefully prior to enrolling in a class/ workshop as it’s an 8-week commitment.
Monday Evening Introduction to Wheel Throwing Class – Beginners only
Elsie Zhao, brings with her more than a decade of expertise in the ceramic industry.
“I earned my bachelor’s degree in ceramic art design from Jingdezhen Ceramic University in China in 2012. Over the course of 6 years, I’ve honed my teaching skills in ceramics, gaining valuable hands-on experience in throwing, trimming, glazing, and hand building.” (Elsie)
This course gives you the basic techniques needed to throw on a pottery wheel such as learning to centre your pieces, pull the clay up; and then trim the bases. You will be using coloured slip and texture to decorate and glaze your pieces.
Terms & Conditions
Terms & Conditions of Enrolment, Parramatta Clay and Arts Inc. (PCAI)
Confirmation of Booking
Once your booking is confirmed, details about our studio and what to bring to class will be sent closer to class commencement date.
Cancellation/ Refund Policy / Missed classes
2 weeks notification prior to commencement of class is required if cancelling your enrolment. A $20 cancellation fee applies
As there is a large waiting list for classes, no refunds or make up classes are available once class commences for missed classes, for change of mind, or failure to attend. In dire personal circumstances a partial refund may be considered. Conditions apply. Students must contact Director immediately to be considered.
Using the Gift Voucher
If you have received a Gift Voucher you still need to book into the program via the online Booking Form. Instead of payment details simply place Gift Voucher number in Notes section of Form. Vouchers can be purchased via email. Gift Vouchers are valid for 24 months from date of purchase.
Waiting List
Class sizes are limited to 10 to 12 persons per class and fill very fast. Sometime places open, due to cancellation so please complete the waiting list details form. If a place opens when term has commenced you will be advised and pay either the full rate or a pro-rata rate (if you miss a class) for the remainder of Term.
The Wait list is compiled in order of date and time of your booking.
Additional Needs and Physical ability
PCAI is an accessible venue for most although there is one step to the bathroom to navigate. A wheelchair accessible bathroom is available nearby.
Using the pottery wheel can be physically challenging for some with the following conditions: arthritis in or injury to hands; neck or back pain, reduced strength or limited motion in upper arms and shoulders; later trimester of pregnancy; Hip or Foot injury.
There are ways to modify the wheel throwing experience but please consider your physical capacity prior to enrolling in a wheel throwing class. We provide many options hand building with clay, as an alternative to the pottery wheel experience. Please feel free to contact us to discuss any addition needs further, so we may be of assistance.
Materials
Your materials fee covers a bag of clay, coloured slips and glazes per student.
Additional materials such as underglaze and tissue transfers can be purchased from the studio and are not included in materials fee.
For home studio use Clay can be purchased from the studio at discounted prices however orders need to be placed in advance.
Extra firings
PCAI kilns are always full, due to large student numbers. Occasionally we can fire some extra pieces, however a cost for bisque and glaze firings for work made outside of class time is necessary. Pieces can only be fired when kiln space is available as priority is given to PCAI student work.
If an excess of materials is used during class, students may be asked to refine their work and select only the best for firing or to pay an additional fee for kiln space and materials used.
Date Monday Evening: February 10 to March 31 (8 weeks)
Time 6 to 9 pm
Tutor Elsie Zhao
Fee $490 (includes clay, glaze, and firings)
9 in stock
Tuesday Evening Ongoing Wheel (Intermediate level)
Di Turner is an experienced ceramic artist and the founder and director of PCAI. She has been teaching for over 20 years at PCAI and Tafe NSW.
This course gives you the second steps needed after you have practiced the basic techniques such as centring the clay, pulling up and trimming the bases. You will be learning more techniques, using coloured slips, texture and glazing your bisque ware.
Terms & Conditions
Terms & Conditions of Enrolment, Parramatta Clay and Arts Inc. (PCAI)
Confirmation of Booking
Once your booking is confirmed, details about our studio and what to bring to class will be sent closer to class commencement date.
Cancellation/ Refund Policy / Missed classes
2 weeks notification prior to commencement of class is required if cancelling your enrolment. A $20 cancellation fee applies
As there is a large waiting list for classes, no refunds or make up classes are available once class commences for missed classes, for change of mind, or failure to attend. In dire personal circumstances a partial refund may be considered. Conditions apply. Students must contact Director immediately to be considered.
Using the Gift Voucher
If you have received a Gift Voucher you still need to book into the program via the online Booking Form. Instead of payment details simply place Gift Voucher number in Notes section of Form. Vouchers can be purchased via email. Gift Vouchers are valid for 24 months from date of purchase.
Waiting List
Class sizes are limited to 10 to 12 persons per class and fill very fast. Sometime places open, due to cancellation so please complete the waiting list details form. If a place opens when term has commenced you will be advised and pay either the full rate or a pro-rata rate (if you miss a class) for the remainder of Term.
The Wait list is compiled in order of date and time of your booking.
Additional Needs and Physical ability
PCAI is an accessible venue for most although there is one step to the bathroom to navigate. A wheelchair accessible bathroom is available nearby.
Using the pottery wheel can be physically challenging for some with the following conditions: arthritis in or injury to hands; neck or back pain, reduced strength or limited motion in upper arms and shoulders; later trimester of pregnancy; Hip or Foot injury.
There are ways to modify the wheel throwing experience but please consider your physical capacity prior to enrolling in a wheel throwing class. We provide many options hand building with clay, as an alternative to the pottery wheel experience. Please feel free to contact us to discuss any addition needs further, so we may be of assistance.
Materials
Your materials fee covers a bag of clay, coloured slips and glazes per student.
Additional materials such as underglaze and tissue transfers can be purchased from the studio and are not included in materials fee.
For home studio use Clay can be purchased from the studio at discounted prices however orders need to be placed in advance.
Extra firings
PCAI kilns are always full, due to large student numbers. Occasionally we can fire some extra pieces, however a cost for bisque and glaze firings for work made outside of class time is necessary. Pieces can only be fired when kiln space is available as priority is given to PCAI student work.
If an excess of materials is used during class, students may be asked to refine their work and select only the best for firing or to pay an additional fee for kiln space and materials used.
Date Tuesday Evening: February 11 to April 1 (8 weeks)
Time 6 to 9 pm
Tutor Di Turner
Fee $490 (includes clay, glaze, and firings)
8 in stock
Wednesday Morning Introduction to Wheel Throwing Class -Beginners 1
Elsie Zhao, brings with her more than a decade of expertise in the ceramic industry.
“I earned my bachelor’s degree in ceramic art design from Jingdezhen Ceramic University in China in 2012. Over the course of 6 years, I’ve honed my teaching skills in ceramics, gaining valuable hands-on experience in throwing, trimming, glazing, and hand building.” (Elsie)
This course gives you the basic techniques needed to throw on a pottery wheel such as learning to centre your pieces, pull the clay up; and then trim the bases and apply glaze.
Terms & Conditions
Terms & Conditions of Enrolment, Parramatta Clay and Arts Inc. (PCAI)
Confirmation of Booking
Once your booking is confirmed, details about our studio and what to bring to class will be sent closer to class commencement date.
Cancellation/ Refund Policy / Missed classes
2 weeks notification prior to commencement of class is required if cancelling your enrolment. A $20 cancellation fee applies
As there is a large waiting list for classes, no refunds or make up classes are available once class commences for missed classes, for change of mind, or failure to attend. In dire personal circumstances a partial refund may be considered. Conditions apply. Students must contact Director immediately to be considered.
Using the Gift Voucher
If you have received a Gift Voucher you still need to book into the program via the online Booking Form. Instead of payment details simply place Gift Voucher number in Notes section of Form. Vouchers can be purchased via email. Gift Vouchers are valid for 24 months from date of purchase.
Waiting List
Class sizes are limited to 10 to 12 persons per class and fill very fast. Sometime places open, due to cancellation so please complete the waiting list details form. If a place opens when term has commenced you will be advised and pay either the full rate or a pro-rata rate (if you miss a class) for the remainder of Term.
The Wait list is compiled in order of date and time of your booking.
Additional Needs and Physical ability
PCAI is an accessible venue for most although there is one step to the bathroom to navigate. A wheelchair accessible bathroom is available nearby.
Using the pottery wheel can be physically challenging for some with the following conditions: arthritis in or injury to hands; neck or back pain, reduced strength or limited motion in upper arms and shoulders; later trimester of pregnancy; Hip or Foot injury.
There are ways to modify the wheel throwing experience but please consider your physical capacity prior to enrolling in a wheel throwing class. We provide many options hand building with clay, as an alternative to the pottery wheel experience. Please feel free to contact us to discuss any addition needs further, so we may be of assistance.
Materials
Your materials fee covers a bag of clay, coloured slips and glazes per student.
Additional materials such as underglaze and tissue transfers can be purchased from the studio and are not included in materials fee.
For home studio use Clay can be purchased from the studio at discounted prices however orders need to be placed in advance.
Extra firings
PCAI kilns are always full, due to large student numbers. Occasionally we can fire some extra pieces, however a cost for bisque and glaze firings for work made outside of class time is necessary. Pieces can only be fired when kiln space is available as priority is given to PCAI student work.
If an excess of materials is used during class, students may be asked to refine their work and select only the best for firing or to pay an additional fee for kiln space and materials used.
Date Wednesday Mornings February 12 to April 2 (8 weeks)
Time 10 am to 1 pm
Tutor Elsie Zhao
Fee $490 (includes clay, glaze, and firings)
7 in stock
Wednesday Evening Class – Experienced
Suitable for ongoing students who have done 3 terms with us or elsewhere
Di Turner is an experienced ceramic artist and the founder and director of PCAI. She has been teaching for over 20 years at PCAI and Tafe NSW.
his course is designed for those with competency in wheel throwing to advance to more challenging projects on the wheel. It is NOT a beginner’s course. You will also learn about surface decoration such as slips, texture and glazing techniques. Students with more experience will be guided in projects to further develop their skills through a series of weekly demonstrations and practices that aim to refine your individual skills.
Terms & Conditions
Terms & Conditions of Enrolment, Parramatta Clay and Arts Inc. (PCAI)
Confirmation of Booking
Once your booking is confirmed, details about our studio and what to bring to class will be sent closer to class commencement date.
Cancellation/ Refund Policy / Missed classes
2 weeks notification prior to commencement of class is required if cancelling your enrolment. A $20 cancellation fee applies
As there is a large waiting list for classes, no refunds or make up classes are available once class commences for missed classes, for change of mind, or failure to attend. In dire personal circumstances a partial refund may be considered. Conditions apply. Students must contact Director immediately to be considered.
Using the Gift Voucher
If you have received a Gift Voucher you still need to book into the program via the online Booking Form. Instead of payment details simply place Gift Voucher number in Notes section of Form. Vouchers can be purchased via email. Gift Vouchers are valid for 24 months from date of purchase.
Waiting List
Class sizes are limited to 10 to 12 persons per class and fill very fast. Sometime places open, due to cancellation so please complete the waiting list details form. If a place opens when term has commenced you will be advised and pay either the full rate or a pro-rata rate (if you miss a class) for the remainder of Term.
The Wait list is compiled in order of date and time of your booking.
Additional Needs and Physical ability
PCAI is an accessible venue for most although there is one step to the bathroom to navigate. A wheelchair accessible bathroom is available nearby.
Using the pottery wheel can be physically challenging for some with the following conditions: arthritis in or injury to hands; neck or back pain, reduced strength or limited motion in upper arms and shoulders; later trimester of pregnancy; Hip or Foot injury.
There are ways to modify the wheel throwing experience but please consider your physical capacity prior to enrolling in a wheel throwing class. We provide many options hand building with clay, as an alternative to the pottery wheel experience. Please feel free to contact us to discuss any addition needs further, so we may be of assistance.
Materials
Your materials fee covers a bag of clay, coloured slips and glazes per student.
Additional materials such as underglaze and tissue transfers can be purchased from the studio and are not included in materials fee.
For home studio use Clay can be purchased from the studio at discounted prices however orders need to be placed in advance.
Extra firings
PCAI kilns are always full, due to large student numbers. Occasionally we can fire some extra pieces, however a cost for bisque and glaze firings for work made outside of class time is necessary. Pieces can only be fired when kiln space is available as priority is given to PCAI student work.
If an excess of materials is used during class, students may be asked to refine their work and select only the best for firing or to pay an additional fee for kiln space and materials used.
Date Wednesday Evenings: February 12 to April 2 (8 weeks)
Time 6 to 9 pm
Tutor Di Turner
Fee $490.00 (includes clay, glaze, and firings)
2 in stock
Thursday Evening Class- Hand Building / Ceramics Sculptural
Diamando is an experienced practicing ceramic artist, community arts facilitator, and art administrator. She has designed this course to introduce you to a variety of hand building techniques for making both functional and non-functional ceramics and to investigate the numerous and diverse ways to adorn your clay surfaces with texture, glaze, and slip. Methods of slab building, coil, and pinch pot construction, are among the skills you will acquire.
Expand your creativity and fortify your sense of well-being in the company of like-minded creatives. Each participant is guided along their unique pottery making journey, to manifest work that is meaningful to you personally.
Terms & Conditions
Terms & Conditions of Enrolment, Parramatta Clay and Arts Inc. (PCAI)
Confirmation of Booking
Once your booking is confirmed, details about our studio and what to bring to class will be sent closer to class commencement date.
Cancellation/ Refund Policy / Missed classes
2 weeks notification prior to commencement of class is required if cancelling your enrolment. A $20 cancellation fee applies
As there is a large waiting list for classes, no refunds or make up classes are available once class commences for missed classes, for change of mind, or failure to attend. In dire personal circumstances a partial refund may be considered. Conditions apply. Students must contact Director immediately to be considered.
Using the Gift Voucher
If you have received a Gift Voucher you still need to book into the program via the online Booking Form. Instead of payment details simply place Gift Voucher number in Notes section of Form. Vouchers can be purchased via email. Gift Vouchers are valid for 24 months from date of purchase.
Waiting List
Class sizes are limited to 10 to 12 persons per class and fill very fast. Sometime places open, due to cancellation so please complete the waiting list details form. If a place opens when term has commenced you will be advised and pay either the full rate or a pro-rata rate (if you miss a class) for the remainder of Term.
The Wait list is compiled in order of date and time of your booking.
Additional Needs and Physical ability
PCAI is an accessible venue for most although there is one step to the bathroom to navigate. A wheelchair accessible bathroom is available nearby.
Using the pottery wheel can be physically challenging for some with the following conditions: arthritis in or injury to hands; neck or back pain, reduced strength or limited motion in upper arms and shoulders; later trimester of pregnancy; Hip or Foot injury.
There are ways to modify the wheel throwing experience but please consider your physical capacity prior to enrolling in a wheel throwing class. We provide many options hand building with clay, as an alternative to the pottery wheel experience. Please feel free to contact us to discuss any addition needs further, so we may be of assistance.
Materials
Your materials fee covers a bag of clay, coloured slips and glazes per student.
Additional materials such as underglaze and tissue transfers can be purchased from the studio and are not included in materials fee.
For home studio use Clay can be purchased from the studio at discounted prices however orders need to be placed in advance.
Extra firings
PCAI kilns are always full, due to large student numbers. Occasionally we can fire some extra pieces, however a cost for bisque and glaze firings for work made outside of class time is necessary. Pieces can only be fired when kiln space is available as priority is given to PCAI student work.
If an excess of materials is used during class, students may be asked to refine their work and select only the best for firing or to pay an additional fee for kiln space and materials used.
Date Thursday Evening: February 13 to April 3 (8 weeks)
Time 6 to 9 pm
Tutor Diamando Koutsellis
Fee $490.00 (includes clay glaze and firings)
Out of stock