Community Arts Program

Fall 2026: September 21-November 20

PRINTMAKING

MOKU HANGA - JAPANESE WOODBLOCK PRINTING WORKSHOP
WOOD BLOCK and LINOLEUM BLOCK - RELIEF PRINTING

MOKU HANGA - JAPANESE WOODBLOCK PRINTING WORKSHOP

4-Day Workshop: 4 Hours Per Day
Instructor: Alex Prentiss
Dates: Monday, Oct 26; Tuesday, Oct 27; Thursday, Oct 29; Friday, Oct 30
Time: 2-6 p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: All Levels are Welcome
Class Size: 6 minimum, 10 max
Tuition: $450 ($350+ $100 materials fee)
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Vollum Building, 2nd Floor, 8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, OR

Course Description: Japanese woodblock prints are characterized by the luminous brilliance of water-based ink printed on Washi (handmade Japanese paper). No press is used; water is the only solvent and minimal workspace is required. This is one form of printmaking you can easily and safely enjoy at home. Studio work will take you through the skills needed to produce a multi-colored print. We will work on Shina (Japanese plywood), spread ink with a stiff brush and print on Washi with a Baren, the Japanese hand-held printing tool. Time will be devoted to designing, carving, printing, and experimenting with techniques unique to Moku Hanga.

Materials Fee: The materials fee Will cover supplies that the student will keep: two carving tools, a baren and a special printing brush; plus the supplies that will be used in class (woodblocks, ink, paper etc.). A full list of the other supplies you need to bring to the class will be sent to you after registration.

Please Bring from Home: A drawing of an image for a print that can be traced. The drawing needs to be no larger than 5"x7" (it can be smaller), clear-edged, using two or three colors. Leave at least a 1" margin on all sides of the image on the paper with your drawing. No photographs, please. Think of simple shapes, like cartoons or drawings in a coloring book.

Alex is an experienced teacher of Moku Hanga. She taught workshops at Oregon College of Arts and Craft from 2014 to 2018. She has also taught at the Multnomah Arts Center, Clatsop Community College, Atelier Meridian and recently at Back Door Studio in Currents Gallery in McMinnville, Oregon. She is the owner of McClain's Printmaking Supplies, which specializes in relief printmaking supplies.

Questions? Please contact Catlin Gabel Community Arts Program

WOOD BLOCK and LINOLEUM BLOCK - RELIEF PRINTING

8 Week Class: 3 Hours Per Day
Instructor: Jef Gunn
Dates: October 1-November 19
Days and Time: Thursdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: All Levels
Class Size: 6 minimum, 10 max
Tuition: $370 ($345+ $25 materials fee)
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Vollum Building, 2nd Floor, room 202, 8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, OR

Course Description: Let’s make relief prints! Printing images and text by wood block has been around since ancient China. It was the first printmaking process and is still done the world over in many ways. For this introductory class, we’ll learn about designing the image in reverse, carving linoleum blocks and/or wood blocks. We’ll print with black ink on white or colored paper. More complex prints with other colors might be possible toward the end of the term.

Topics Covered:

Tools: carving tools: purposes, sharpening and safety; ink brayers and palettes; wooden spoon, baren, and etching press.
Materials: wood or linoleum for the block; inks (we can use either oil or water-based inks; papers (lightweight printmaking papers)
Process: Design in black and white; cutting; proofing; printing and editions. Move to color depending on experience.

Materials List: You are welcome to bring any of your favorite chisels and gouges, brayers, barens or wooden spoons. We’ll review this in our first class. Each student will be provided with 2 linoleum blocks, inks, some papers, and access to cutting tools, brayers, barens and the press.

Jef Gunn has studied and practiced drawing and painting since the 1970s, with formative experiences in California, Barcelona, and Paris. He began working in encaustic in 1985, integrating materials such as paper, ink, tar, fabric, and gold leaf to explore layered meanings influenced by Asian art. His work has been exhibited nationally, including solo and group shows at Oregon State University, Marylhurst University, and the Portland Institute for Contemporary Art. In 2006, he co-curated the national encaustic show Impulse. Jef has taught painting and drawing in Seattle and Portland since the mid-1990s, and his work is represented by galleries in Seattle, Edison, Honolulu, and Portland.

Questions? Please contact Jef Gunn

PAINTING

CONTEMPORARY PAINTING - COMPOSITION AND COLOR

9 Week Class: 3 Hours Per Day
Instructor: Jef Gunn
Dates: September 23-November 18
Days and Time: Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Prerequisites: Beginning painting or equivalent.
Class Size: 6 minimum, 12 max
Tuition: Tuition: $390 (no materials fee)
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Vollum Building, 2nd Floor, room 205-206, 8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, Oregon

Course Description: The idea with this class is to become free in your own painting. We’ll learn how to bring life and energy, through structure, distortion, and well considered color into a composition that will enliven anything you do with paint. Central to this class is color mixing and color interactions and…importantly…fun.

We’ll work on at least five paintings, hopefully finishing all of them. Our work will take place outdoors when the weather permits. Being spring, after all, we’ll likely hold most classes in the upstairs studio at Catlin Gabel East Campus. There will be lectures, slide shows and demonstrations during most classes and plenty of time for students to practice. It is hoped that you’ll be painting during the week too. The first two or three classes will be the most dense with information, so don’t miss those.

Expected Learning Outcomes:

Learn basic and advanced dynamics in 2D composition
How Cézanne and other painters organized a picture
How to analyze a painting
Learn terms common to art composition and color
Deepen your looking and your painting
Ways to see through space regarding perspective
Realism and Abstraction
Problems of scale and control of volume and space

Materials List: Provided upon registration

Jef Gunn has studied and practiced drawing and painting since the 1970s, with formative experiences in California, Barcelona, and Paris. He began working in encaustic in 1985, integrating materials such as paper, ink, tar, fabric, and gold leaf to explore layered meanings influenced by Asian art. His work has been exhibited nationally, including solo and group shows at Oregon State University, Marylhurst University, and the Portland Institute for Contemporary Art. In 2006, he co-curated the national encaustic show Impulse. Jef has taught painting and drawing in Seattle and Portland since the mid-1990s, and his work is represented by galleries in Seattle, Edison, Honolulu, and Portland.

Questions? Please contact Jef Gunn.

LAYERS AND COLORS - ACRYLICS

9 Week Class: 3 Hours Per Day
Instructor: William Hernandez
Dates: September 24-November 19
Day and Time: Thursdays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: Beginning and Intermediate
Tuition: $390 (no materials fee)
Class Size: 6 minimum, 12 maximum
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Vollum Building, 2nd Floor, room 205/206
8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, Oregon

Course Description: This painting class is taught by renowned artist William Hernandez. He will introduce still life painting, composition, and color, drawing exercises, figures and portraits and landscapes. “I want students to learn to trust their own voices and be honest without worrying about making mistakes. I try to show students the ‘big picture’ of the amazing process of making art.”

Materials: A list will be provided after registration.

William Hernandez is a Portland-based painter whose vibrant artwork reflects his rich cultural heritage and personal experiences, fostering a sense of connection and community. Trained at Lima’s prestigious Escuela Nacional de Bellas Artes, Hernandez worked as a fine artist and graphic designer for public and international institutions in Lima before settling in Portland in 2009. His surreal subjects and graphic, illustrative style create layered narratives infused with lingering emotions from whimsy to melancholy.

Hernandez is a highly creative muralist and teaching artist with 20+ years of experience delivering visual art education in drawing, painting, and mixed media. He has been an artist-in-residence at the Milagros Theater, held workshops through the Portland Art Museum, taught art in public and private schools, and has been teaching painting classes at the East Campus for the last four years.

Questions? Please contact William Hernandez.

MAKE YOUR ARTWORK LIKE A PRO

8-Week Class: 3 Hours Per Day
Instructor: William Hernandez
Dates: September 28-November 16
Days and Time: Monday 10am-1 p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: Beginning through Advanced
Class Size: 6 minimum, 12 max
Tuition: $395 (345+$50 materials fee)
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Vollum Building, 2nd Floor, room 205/206
8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, OR

Course Description: Discover the excitement of making art through an energetic, hands-on workshop designed to spark imagination, build confidence, and help students develop real creative skills. Over eight weeks, students will explore drawing, painting, watercolor, sculpture, printmaking, mixed media, and more through guided demonstrations, playful experiments, and personal projects. Each class encourages students to try new techniques, ask questions, collaborate with others, and develop their own artistic voice in a supportive studio environment. The class concludes with a final review and informal artwork presentation where students can celebrate their progress.

This class welcomes beginning through advanced students who want to explore materials, strengthen technique, and experience the joy of creating original artwork. Weather permitting, selected lessons will move outdoors for plein air drawing and painting, supported by audiovisual examples and group discussion.

Materials List:

Acrylic Paints: Please buy these specific colors or a close variation to the color listed, 2oz tube is recommended: Titanium White, Cadmium Red, Cadmium yellow, Orange, Ultramarine Blue or Cobalt Blue, Alizarin Crimson, Burnt Sienna, Permanent Green, Pthalo Blue, Mars Black, or Viridian Green
Disposable Palette Paper or any kind
Acrylic Retarder Medium (any size)
Two clean plastic or glass containers (for your brushes), clean rag or paper towels
Palette Knife (for mixing paint)
4-5 Acrylic Paint Brushes- Pre-set packages of various thicknesses or hand select a variety of thickness from skinny/fine to 1” thick. Purchase sizes and brands of your choice.
Stretched Canvases:
- 2 - 11" x 14"
- 1 - 16" x 20"
- 1 – **your choice**
Sketchbook, Charcoal or conte, pencils HB and 4B

William Hernandez is a Portland-based painter whose vibrant artwork reflects his rich cultural heritage and personal experiences, fostering a sense of connection and community. Trained at Lima's prestigious Escuela Nacional de Bellas Artes, Hernandez worked as a fine artist and graphic designer for public and international institutions in Lima before settling in Portland in 2009. His surreal subjects and graphic, illustrative style create layered narratives infused with lingering emotions from whimsy to melancholy.

Hernandez is a highly creative muralist and teaching artist with 20+ years of experience delivering visual art education in drawing, painting, and mixed media. He has been an artist-in-residence at the Milagros Theater, held workshops through the Portland Art Museum, taught art in public and private schools, and has been teaching painting classes at the East Campus for the last four years.

Questions? Please contact William Hernandez.

WATERCOLOR BASICS

8-Week Class: 3 Hours Per Day
Instructor: Patty Schmidt
Dates: September 29 – November 17
Days and Times: Tuesdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: All Levels
Class Size: 6 minimum, 14 max
Tuition: $345 (no materials fee)
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Vollum Building, 2nd Floor, room 205/206
8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, OR

Workshop Description: This is the 8-week class I wanted when I first began painting with watercolor, with just enough color theory to explain the “whys” of color mixing. With class exercises learn how to mix bright and neutral colors: glowing oranges, designer purples, earthy greens and luminous tans and grays. Get to know your watercolor paints transparent, opaque, or staining qualities by painting reference color swatches. Paint wet into wet fall leaves and a fall squash practice painting with step-by-step instruction and demonstrations. Then learn how to photograph and paint your choice of squash to create your own fall squash painting, with me as your coach. Great tips on water control, brush care and more.

Materials List: You will receive a supply list after registration. To our first class, please bring your watercolor pigments (at least a yellow, blue and red watercolor pigments), palette with mixing surface, brushes, roll of toilet paper (to control watercolor), paper towels, masking tape, water containers, and a black ultra fine “Sharpie” marker. Watercolor paper for our first class will be supplied for our Color Theory exercises. We will also go over the supply list to answer questions.

Patty Schmidt has painted with watercolor for over thirty years, known for super-realistic work alive with color and light. She has taught watercolor, drawing, and colored pencil as adjunct faculty at Mt. Hood Community College, Portland Community College, and Clark College, plus classes at the Sitka Center for Art and Ecology and workshops throughout Oregon.
She is a signature member of the Northwest Watercolor Society, Watercolor Society of Oregon, Oregon Art Center, and SPLASH. Her work has appeared in Splash Retrospective: 20 Years of Contemporary Watercolor Excellence (2013), Splash 14: Light and Color (2013), Splash 12: Celebrating Artistic Vision (2011), and Watercolor magazine (Winter 2005).

Schmidt&rquo;s paintings are shown at the Portland Art Museum&rquo;s Rental Sales Gallery. Her watercolored pen-and-ink drawings illustrated the 2024 children's book A Dolphin Named Destiny. She has designed greeting cards for Great Northwest Greeting Seeds, Allport Editions, Homestead Cards, Lighthouse Publishing, 4C Graphics, White Horse Studios, and Doernbecher Hospital, and pen-and-ink designs for First Impression Rubber Stamp.

Questions? Please contact Patty Schmidt.

WATERCOLOR WITH WATERCOLOR PENCIL IRIS

8-Week Class: 3 Hours Per Day
Instructor: Patty Schmidt
Dates: September 29-November 1
Days and Time: Tuesdays, 1-4 p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: All Levels
Class Size: 6 minimum, 14 max
Tuition: $345 (no materials fee)
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Vollum Building, 2nd Floor, room 205/206
8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, OR

Workshop Description: Enjoy an 8-week class with some delightful additions to your watercolor paintings. Learn a wonderful new watercolor pencil technique to more easily apply composition “gold” leaf for a glowing background in a practice Iris painting! With step-by-step instruction and class exercises, learn dry and wet application of watercolor pencil lines and washes to paint the Iris with luscious color. Learn how to mix wonderful earthy and bright green watercolor washes to paint the Iris leaves. Then enjoy studio time with Patty’s coaching to create your own choice of flower painting with these techniques.

Materials List: You will receive a supply list after registration. To our first class please bring: your watercolor pencils (at least a yellow, red, blue, and green); pencil sharpener; watercolor brushes; paper towels; roll of toilet paper; masking tape; and water container. Watercolor paper will be supplied for our class exercises. We will also go over the supply list to answer any questions.

She is a signature member of the Northwest Watercolor Society, Watercolor Society of Oregon, Oregon Art Center, and SPLASH. Her work has appeared in Splash Retrospective: 20 Years of Contemporary Watercolor Excellence (2013), Splash 14: Light and Color (2013), Splash 12: Celebrating Artistic Vision (2011), and Watercolor magazine (Winter 2005).

Questions? Please contact Patty Schmidt.

CERAMICS

SILKSCREEN UNDERGLAZE WORKSHOP

4 Week Class: 3 Hours Per Day
Instructor: John Driscoll
Dates: September 30, October 7, 14, 21
Day and Time: Wednesdays, 12-3 p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: Beginning and Intermediate
Class Size: 6 minimum, 12 max
Tuition: $245 ($195 + $50 materials and firing fee)
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Ceramics Building
8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, Oregon

Course Description: The workshop will consist of four three-hour demonstrations and hands-on sessions that cover the process of creating silk screens from original designs or photos, preparing and forming clay, selecting and mixing underglaze and ﬁnally applying designs through the silkscreen process to clay surfaces. Glazing and ﬁring processes will also be included. You get one additional Open Studio per week. It can be after the workshop. Or later during the week during regular Open Studio hours.

Workshop 1: Wednesday, September 30
We’ll introduce the silk screen process as it applies to ceramic decoration. Show examples of work in-progress and ﬁnished pieces. Demonstrate on how to make silkscreens using the E-Z Screen system. Show how to apply underglaze using the screen and prepare printed clay pieces for drying and bisque ﬁring. Following the demonstration, you’ll try your hand at printing individual ceramic tiles. Raw clay tiles, underglaze and tile size screens are provided. I suggest you bring in any artwork you would like to apply to clay. High contrast black and white images work best. You will have time to make your own screens, roll additional slabs and print more tiles with underglazes.

Workshop 2: Wednesday, October 7
Bring at least one high contrast photo or artwork printed or drawn on white copy paper. We’ll demonstrate the screen making process again with tips to get the best possible imagery. I’ll show you techniques for forming larger printed platters with added color highlights. Pieces you create will be placed in the dryer for bisque ﬁring.

Workshop 3: Wednesday, October 14
You fully understand the process by now and can explore the creative possibilities. We’ll demonstrate glazing work from the ﬁrst classes. I’ll also show how to build curved shapes and handmade cups for screen printing. Hopefully your questions will be answered and you can use this process for your ceramic work.

Workshop 4: Wednesday, October 21
We’ll explore the decal screen printing process and more advanced transfer decorating techniques. By the time you’ll likely have a creative direction to follow with your new skills. We’ll also have a “gallery” of our ﬁred work and share experiences.

Materials List
You’ll get 3 full sheets of screen making material. Underglazes and ﬁnal glaze material, as well as clay, will also be provided. If you need more clay or a different clay body you can purchase from the studio manager.

John Driscoll was in undergraduate school when he was drafted into the military and had a career flying in the Air Force. Once his commitment was over, he followed his true passion for art, design and teaching and started as an adjunct professor at a community college. He was soon offered a job at the Department of Design, University of California at Davis where he taught for 17 years. His focus was graphic design, web design and application development. After moving to Portland, he pursued ceramic classes at the then OCAC, which is now our Community Arts Program, at East Campus. Beside ceramics, John is an avid fisherman and knife maker. He has a BA-Western Washington Univ, Graphic Arts and MFA-University of Puget Sound, Printmaking/Ceramics.

Questions? Please contact John Driscoll.

BEGINNING & INTERMEDIATE POTTERY

9 Week Class: 3 Hours Per Day
Instructor: WiL LaBelle
Dates: September 21-November 16
Day and Time: Mondays, 6-9 p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: Beginning and Intermediate
Class Size: 6 minimum, 12 max
Tuition: $495 ($435 + $60 materials and firing fee)
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Ceramics Building
8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, Oregon

Course Description: This class is for both beginning and intermediate level students. For beginners, with little to no experience, it will highlight the basic tenets of function regarding utilitarian pottery while covering basic shapes that will include the mug, the bowl, and the plate. For intermediate level students this class will explore more advanced projects such as: Teapots, Pitchers, altered vessels, and lidded jars, while incorporating slab and coil techniques. Glaze demonstration will include application and discussion. Students are expected to follow the curriculum and do a majority of the assignments.

Included are 3 Open Studio sessions per week as a part of tuition. Open Studio hours are Monday 2-6 p.m., Tuesday 2-6 p.m., Wednesday 3-7 p.m., Thursday 12-4 p.m., Friday 12-4 p.m. (days and times subject to change). We will make every effort to get work glaze fired but may not get everything fired by the end of the term. The studio is for educational and recreational use, commercial or production work that is produced for sale, is not allowed.

Materials List: Students are required to bring their own towels, tool kits, aprons, and masks. Studio equipment such as wheels, buckets, bats, and shelf space will be provided. Materials/firing fee includes 1 bag of studio made clay per student and glaze/bisque firing of pieces. You may purchase additional bags of clay, limited to 5 bags per term.

Have questions? Please contact WiL LaBelle.

BEGINNING POTTERY

9 Week Class: 3 Hours Per Day
Instructor: WiL LaBelle
Dates: September 22-November 17
Day and Time: Tuesdays, 6-9 p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: Beginning
Class Size: 6 minimum, 12 maximum
Tuition: $495 ($435+$60 materials and firing fee)
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Ceramics Building, 8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, Oregon

Course Description: This class will highlight the basic tenets of function regarding utilitarian pottery, while covering the three basic shapes. Projects will include the mug, the bowl, and the plate. Basic glaze demonstration will include application and discussion. This course is geared toward beginners with little to no experience. Students are expected to follow the curriculum and do a majority of the assignments.

Included are 3 Open Studio sessions per week as a part of tuition. Don’t come to Open Studio until you have attended the first class. Open Studio hours are Monday 2-6 p.m., Tuesday 2-6 p.m., Wednesday 3-7 p.m., Thursday 12-4 p.m., Friday 12-4 p.m. (Days and Times subject to change). We will make every effort to get work glaze fired but may not get everything fired by the end of the term. The studio is for educational and recreational use, commercial or production work that is produced for sale, is not allowed.

Materials List: Students are required to bring their own towels, tool kits, aprons, and masks. Studio equipment such as wheels, buckets, bats, and shelf space will be provided. Materials/firing fee includes 1 bag of studio made clay per student and glaze/bisque firing of pieces. You may purchase additional bags of clay, limited to 5 bags per term.

Have questions? Please contact WiL LaBelle.

SCULPTURAL BUILDING in CLAY

8 Week Class: 3 Hours Per Day
Instructor: Grace Hartley
@heygracehartley (Instagram)
Dates: September 29-November 17
Day and Time: Tuesdays 11a.m.-2 p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: Beginning and Intermediate
Class Size: 6 minimum, 12 max
Tuition: $444 ($384+$60)
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Ceramics Building
8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, Oregon

Course Description: This class leans into the soft, strange, and expressive possibilities of clay. Using foundational handbuilding techniques like pinch, coil, and slab, we’ll move beyond function and into sculptural territory, building objects that feel held, held onto, or maybe just barely holding together.

We’ll explore different approaches to form: small-scale figures, large scale forms, abstract shapes, vessels that verge on collapse, surfaces that sag, stretch, and gather, as well as collaborative building. We’ll experiment with texture, attachment, and intuitive making, using tools like the extruder and slab roller, and of course our hands (always our hands).

Perfect for beginners or those looking to loosen up their practice, this class centers play, material curiosity, and following the pull of the clay. Expect to make things you didn’t know you knew how to make.

Grace Hartley was born and raised in Northern Michigan and now resides in Portland, Oregon. She is an interdisciplinary confessional artist who creates objects that hold and are meant to be held, tactile vessels of care and contradiction, using ceramics, glitter, epoxy, fabric, spoken word, and her own body. Blending traditional ceramic craft with a ritualistic embodiment practice, she explores the vulnerability of being in relation with others. With a background in community art and recognition as a NAEA award-winning art educator, Grace approaches both teaching and making as acts of reciprocity. Her installations, performances, and intimate objects invite viewers into moments of personal reflection, often functioning as containers for quiet witnessing. She holds a BFA in art education from Kendall College of Art and Design and an MFA in Visual Studies from the Pacific Northwest College of Art, where she was awarded the Thesis Writing Award in Visual Studies.

Questions? Please contact Grace Hartley.

BEYOND THE BOWL: FUNCTIONAL SCULPTURE

6 Week Class: 3 Hours Per Day
Instructor: Grace Hartley
@heygracehartley (Instagram)
Dates: October 15-November 19
Day and Time: Thursday 6-9 p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: Beginning and Intermediate
Class Size: 6 minimum, 12 max
Tuition: $328 ($288 + $40)
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Ceramics Building
8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, Oregon

Course Description: For the love of the squish, let’s get together and make. Beyond the bowl explores the foundational handbuilding techniques that make up much of traditional ceramic craft: slab, coil, and pinch. We will focus on a new method and form, building skill through guided projects and exploration, as well as color and glaze finishes for handbuilding. You’ll learn to use the slab roller, extruder, and basic texture methods. This class will focus beyond basic functional work (like bowls and mugs) and move into exploring functional work that verges on sculpture like large scale forms, wall hung work, and more!

Perfect as an introduction to ceramics or as a way to expand your current practice, this class encourages experimentation and personal expression.

Questions? Please contact Grace Hartley.

Introduction to Handbuilding & Wheel

9 Week Class: 3 Hours Per Day
Instructor: Kurtis Piltz
Dates: September 24-November 19
Day and Time: Thursdays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: All Levels
Class Size: 6 minimum, 12 maximum
Tuition: $495 ($435+$60 materials and firing fee)
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Ceramics Building
8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, Oregon

Course Description: This is an all-levels class that will focus on the fundamentals of throwing and hand-building. Besides basic throwing and trimming techniques demonstrations will include slab-building both soft and hard, coils, handles, throwing off the hump and simple alterations. No prior experience is necessary. Students are expected to follow the curriculum and do a majority of the assignments.

Materials List: Students are required to bring their own towels, tool kits, aprons, and masks. Studio equi p.m.ent such as wheels, buckets, bats, and shelf space will be provided. Materials/firing fee includes 1 bag of studio made clay per student and glaze/bisque firing of pieces. You may purchase additional bags of clay, limited to 5 bags per term.

Kurtis Piltz has been teaching at the Multnomah Arts Center for many years. He is adept at both throwing and building slab forms.

Have questions? Please contact Kurtis Piltz.

GLAZE APPLICATION

3 Week Class: 3 Hours Per Day
Instructor: Grace Hartley
@heygracehartley (Instagram)
Dates: September 24, October 1, October 8
Day and Time: Thursday 6-9 p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: Beginning and Intermediate
Class Size: 6 minimum, 12 max
Tuition: $164 ($144+$20 materials and firing fee)
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Ceramics Building
8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, Oregon

Course Description: Glaze finishes always get you down? Come find the magic of glaze in this three week glaze application and ceramic finishing class. We’ll explore brushed, sprayed, and dipped application, matte vs glossy glazes, and underglaze & stain. Test and compare cone 6 oxidation and cone 10 reduction firing. Learn the importance of viscosity and intention. Get that box of unglazed bisqueware out of your attic and onto your table because when the appropriate glaze is applied correctly it can make a piece sing. Does the glaze support the form or is the form a canvas for the glaze? Come find out!

Materials List: Bring unglazed bisqueware for this class. Pots, small sculptures or test tile that you made previously would be great.

Questions? Please contact Grace Hartley.

HAND AND WHEEL

8 Week Class: 3 Hours Per Day
Instructor: Dale Rawls
Dates: October 2-November 20
Day and Time: Fridays, 9 a.m.-12 p.m.
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: Beginning and Intermediate
Class Size: 6 minimum, 12 maximum
Tuition: $444 ($384+$60 materials and firing fee)
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Ceramics Building
8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, Oregon

Course Description: A beginning level class for students new to pottery and a review for returning potters. All levels welcomed. Hand-building techniques will include slab, coil, and press-molds. Throwing techniques will include basic throwing, trimming, and introduction to appropriate potter’s tools. Surface design will focus on slips, oxides, underglazes and stoneware glazes and application. No prior experience is necessary. Students are expected to follow the curriculum and do a majority of the assignments. Included are 3 Open Studio sessions per week as a part of tuition. Don’t come to Open Studio until you have attended the first class. Open Studio hours are Monday 2-6 p.m., Tuesday 2-6 p.m., Wednesday 3-7 p.m., Thursday 12-4 p.m., Friday 12-4 p.m. (days and times subject to change). We will make every effort to get work glaze fired but may not get everything fired by the end of the term. The studio is for educational and recreational use, commercial or production work that is produced for sale, is not allowed.

Have questions? Please contact Dale Rawls.

MAKER SPACE CERAMICS

9 Weeks During Open Studio Times
No Instructor: Studio Manager approval required for sign up
Dates: September 21-November 20
Days and Time: Monday 2-6 p.m., Tuesday 2-6 p.m., Wednesday 3-7 p.m., Thursday 12-4 p.m., Friday 12-4 p.m. (days and times are subject to change)
Ages: 18 and Up
Skill Level: Experienced Artists, Intermediate to Advanced
Class Size: TBD
Tuition: $485 ($440+$45 studio glazes and firing fee)
Location: Catlin Gabel East Campus, Ceramics Building
8245 SW Barnes Road, Portland, Oregon

Description: Maker Space participants work in a self-directed course of study (no teacher). Artists need to have appropriate training, understand how a clay studio functions and fully understand clay and glazes. Registration is contingent upon meeting the criteria in the Maker Space Application and upon Studio Manager’s approval. The Maker Space Application will guide the selection of Maker Space participants. To that end, applicants will describe their thesis, skills, training, and studio histories. You must have the Studio Manager’s okay, to work in Maker Space.

You will need to complete an application for Maker Space Ceramics and email it to the Studio Manager before the term starts, Thursday, September 17. There will be a mandatory Maker Space meeting, Monday September 21, at 2:00 p.m.

Please note that fees do not cover materials. Bags of clay can be purchased from the studio manager, limited to 5 bags per term. All materials must be purchased through the Ceramics Studio Manager. Any materials being brought in by students must have prior approval for use. No outside glazes and clay bodies can be used unless they are approved by the studio manager and tested for use in the studio. Failure to do this may result in loss of studio access. We will make every effort to get work glaze fired but may not get everything fired by the end of the term. The studio is for educational and recreational use, commercial or production work that is produced for sale, is not allowed. Maker Space Ceramics is not available for outside firing.

Do not register online for Maker Space Ceramics. To receive the Maker Space Application please contact the Studio Manager, Dale Rawls.

Cancellation Policy

If registration is cancelled 20 or more days before the class the price of registration minus a $75 cancellation fee will be refunded.
If registration is cancelled 14-19 days before the class half the price of registration will be refunded.
If registration is cancelled 13 or less days before the class there are no refunds given. Thank you for your understanding.

Term Schedule

Class offerings vary by term. Previous courses have included pottery, drawing, watercolor, acrylics, calligraphy, printmaking, mixed media, and more.

2027

Winter Term: January 4-March 5
Spring Term: March 29-May 29
Summer Term: June 21-August 20
Fall Term: September 20-November 19

In This Section

Catlin Gabel East Campus

8245 SW Barnes Rd, Portland, OR 97225

See Campus Map (PDF)

Oregon ArtsWatch

Craft and Continuity at Catlin Gabel Community Arts

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I had taken many classes and workshops at OCAC after I completed my art degree at PSU. These gave me a way to dive deeper into some areas I wanted to explore. The teachers have always been extremely knowledgeable and prepared. Very excited to see this tradition continuing through Catlin Gabel.