Clay Education
Clay Education is a comprehensive and immersive course designed for individuals who are passionate about ceramics and want to take their skills to the next level.
This ongoing course spans from February 2026 to mid December 2026, allowing participants to fully immerse themselves in the world of clay. The Clay Education program is divided into two semesters, each offering in-depth learning and exploration of ceramics. This program provides the perfect platform for personal growth and creative development alongside a wide range of teachers and a supportive community.
Throughout the course, participants will have the opportunity to learn various hand-building or wheel-throwing techniques. Our experienced instructors will guide and support you every step of the way, offering valuable insights and personalised feedback to help you enhance your skills.
Participants have the flexibility to enroll per semester or for the whole year. Whether you want to commit to one semester to explore a specific aspect of ceramics or dedicate the entire year to comprehensive learning, the choice is yours.
By enrolling in our Clay Education program, you will gain access to a supportive community of like-minded individuals who share your passion for ceramics. You will also have the opportunity to participate in exhibitions and showcases to display your work.
Designed for emerging and committed ceramic artists ready to deepen their craft, broaden their technical knowledge, and develop a cohesive artistic voice. Across two semesters, students learn from a team of practising ceramicists—Danny Cox, Joe Say, Emma Rose, Jessie Pittard and Gabie Mello—through a sequence of focused subjects that build skills progressively. The program culminates in a curated end-of-year exhibition, showcasing each student’s development.
Wheel Throwing course is now sold out with a full waitlist. Handbuilding course is now available
Clay Education 2026 Details
Teachers, Subjects & Dates
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Jessie Pittard
Jessie Pittard is Melbourne based artist, printmaker and ceramicist. Working across various modalities and local studios, Jessie brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience.
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Gabie Mello
Gabriela Mello (she/her) is a Latinx multidisciplinary artist, Arts Therapist, and the owner and director of Warrandyte Pottery, a vibrant gallery and ceramics studio nestled in the heart of Warrandyte.
With a Master’s in Therapeutic Arts with a specialisation in Arts-Based Research, Gabie brings a rare blend of creative depth, professional insight, and relational care to everything she does. Her life’s work is dedicated to fostering community, exploring the nuances of clay and art, and honouring the intricate relational threads that connect individuals to themselves, each other, the human and more then human world.
Course Details
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Course Details 〰️
Clay Education Handbuilding
with Jessie Pittard, supported by Gabie Mello
Wednesdays 6:30 pm – 9:00 pm
Semester Dates
Semester 1
11 February – 24 June 2026
Mid-Year Showcase: Friday 26
Break 29 June – 6 July 2026
Semester 2
15 July – 9 December 2026
End-of-Year Exhibition: Saturday 12 December
*Studio access is available weekly for the duration of the elected course unless in the case of a private function, workshop or planned studio closure. You will be notified via our WhatsApp group in advance.
*No classes run on public holidays
Includes:
2.5 hour comprehensive course with a class once a week: Wednesdays 6:30pm - 9pm
Small class size, limited to 8 participants
Studio Access every Friday and Sunday 10am - 4pm (except the first Sunday of each month)
Includes reclaim clay, tools, use of equipment, studio glazes and some raw materials
HIGHLY discounted firing rates
Invitation to attend specialty workshops and events
Semester 1 – Foundations and Form
Focus: Technical fundamentals, form development, and core surface methods.
Students begin by developing strong handbuilding foundations using pinch, coil, and slab techniques. Emphasis is placed on construction, finishing, and early-stage surface design that creates both decorative and functional artworks.
Key Learning Areas
Subject 1: Clay Fundamentals & Building Techniques
Developing structural confidence through pinch, coil, and slab construction. Understanding clay properties, moisture control, and finishing methods.Subject 2: Functional Design & Form Development:
Designing and constructing vessels — mugs, bowls, boxes, and small sculptural forms — with attention to ergonomics, balance, and aesthetic composition.Subject 3: Surface Technique I— Carving and Inlay
Introducing tactile and graphic clay surface methods:Sgraffito and Mishima (inlay)
Underglaze painting and slip layering
Basic stenciling and water etching
Students learn to carve, layer, and apply color on leather-hard surfaces to complement their forms.
Subject 4: Glazing Fundamentals
Introduction to glaze theory and application. Dipping, pouring, and brushing glazes, as well as layering techniques for surface variation.
(Note: this unit covers glaze layering and experimentation — not overglaze, luster, or decal firing.)
Semester 2 – Expression and Exploration
Focus: Sculptural approaches, advanced surface techniques, and independent project work.
In the second semester, students expand their creative and technical repertoire. The focus shifts toward sculptural ceramics, print-based surface methods, and personal project development culminating in exhibition-ready works.
Key Learning Areas
Subject 1: Sculptural Thinking & Assemblage
Exploring clay as a sculptural medium. Students design and construct larger or multi-component forms, integrating handbuilding approaches with conceptual development.Scale, volume, and structure.
Armature and support-building.
Integration of functional and sculptural elements.
Subject 2: Surface Technique II: Print & Pattern
Advanced surface work emphasising printed and layered processes:Mono-printing and screen printing on clay.
Image transfers, decals, and ceramic transfers.
Stamping, wax resist, and patterned slip work.
Students utilise these processes to develop sophisticated, multi-layered surfaces that integrate image, texture, and glaze.
Subject 3: Advanced Glaze Development:
Expanding on foundational glaze methods through dipping, brushing, and layering. Experimentation with opacity, colour interaction, and surface variation. Glaze used responsively to enhance print and pattern.Subject 4: Independent Project & Exhibition Preparation
Each participant conceptualises and produces a cohesive body of work guided by individual mentoring and group critique sessions.Developing concepts, sketches, and production timelines.
Finishing, firing, and professional presentation.
Preparing work for inclusion in the end-of-year Warrandyte Pottery Studio Exhibition.
Investment
We understand that we all find ourselves in varying degrees of financial ability. To keep our course accessible we can create individual payment plans outside of the ones offered. More details will be sent with enrolment confirmation.
Full year commitment: offered a spot first priority
$2,100 per semester : with various payment plans available.
Per semester commitment: offered a spot second priority
$2,600 per semester: with various payment plans available
Per subject commitment: only available if a spot becomes available.
$150 per week the subject of each subject.
Apply Now
Applications are accessed on a first come basis until the course is full.
Limited to 8 participants per subject.
