The Arts and Crafts Movement and its idealistic philosophy, based on the synthesis of nature, love of craft, and simple living, was the genesis of the Byrdcliffe Colony and remains a living and growing component. The tradition and the future of education is alive and centered at the historic Byrdcliffe Arts Colony.
The tradition and the future of ceramics are alive and centered at the historic Byrdcliffe Barn. Our Ceramics classes take place in the Lower Level of the Byrdcliffe Barn on 485 Upper Byrdcliffe Road, Woodstock, NY.
Beginner and intermediate/ advanced classes are offered in both wheel throwing and handbuilding, and a state-of-the-art kiln is on site.
April 2026
Tuesdays 7, 14, 21, 28: Drop in 10:30 – 8:00
Wednesdays 8, 15, 22, 29: Drop in 11:00 – 6:00
Drop in on Tuesdays or Wednesdays during open session for personal instruction, demonstrations and queries as requested. Take advantage of open studio time the rest of the week to practice. This session is highly recommended if you are new to wheel throwing or would like to get back in the studio from winter break and begin pottery making.
Rich Conti, instructor.
This class will teach new students the basic skills to make pottery and reenforce skills to people who have had some experience and are looking to gain the confidence to make larger more complex pottery. People with no experience will focus on centering and making bowls and cylinders. Intermediate students will hone their skills working on shaping and additions of handles lids knobs and spouts. We will then learn how to glaze and understand the firing process.
This class is designed for beginners, novice potters, and self-guided learners. If you’re new to the potter’s wheel, you’ll learn to center clay and master the basics of throwing pottery. Those with prior experience will have the opportunity to refine their skills and explore creating cups, bowls, vases, plates, or anything else you can imagine. The class includes demonstrations on making handles, lids, knobs, and spouts. All work will be fired in a gas kiln to stoneware temperatures in a reduction atmosphere.
Come explore the wondrous possibilities of hand building with clay. We’ll use soft slabs, pinching and coiling techniques and learn how to use watercolor and roofing paper templates, drape molds and sewing skills (basic pattern making, darting, seaming) to create creative, functional pots. We’ll dive into surface decoration techniques including using colorful underglazes with stencils, Mishima, wax, water and latex resists. We’ll explore the use of stamps to add texture to our vibrant pots!
This is for experienced potters. This class emphasizes integrating form and the visual designs to impact into your work. Sharpen your skills by exploring resist techniques using tape and wax, Sgraffito, and brush painting. We’ll even make our own brushes and stamps. We will plan our ideas in sketchbooks and focus on skill development that harmonizes pottery forms with visual imagery. It is recommended that pottery be made out of porcelain or white stoneware. All work will be fired in a gas kiln in a reduction atmosphere.
Work independently in the ceramics studio on your own projects. Participants must have the basic skills and understanding in the process they choose to work. Independent study allows you use of the ceramic studio 5 days a week up to 3.5 hours a day, Monday through Saturday between 9am – 6pm so long as a class is not taking place in the studio.
Ceramics Program Director, Rich Conti available on Mondays from 10:00 – 11:00 am for feedback and questions.
Become part of a team which will support our clay community and studio by creating pottery and helping maintain an organized and functioning studio. After our initial making session, we will meet up once a month to discuss and work on projects. This program is open for people who have the desire to volunteer their time and skills to produce and sell handmade pottery, created in the tradition and spirit of a Guild of craftspeople.
To get involved, contact Rich Conti, Ceramics Program Director, at ceramics@woodstockguild.org
Classes
The Brydcliffe Ceramics Studio is located on the ground level of the Byrdcliffe Barn at 485 Upper Byrdcliffe Road in Woodstock, NY.
Our Ceramics classes with Byrdcliffe Ceramics Director Rich Conti and other guest instructors are offered at the Ceramics studio with morning, afternoon, and evening class options.
Classes fill up quickly. If you are not able to sign up for the class you are interested in because it is full, please call 845.679.2079 to be added to a waitlist.
Class Schedule
For exact dates and times of class offerings, click on the ceramics registration button at the top of the page.
Spring Training: April
Session I: May – June
Session II: July – August
Session III: September – October
Session IV: November – December
Open Studio Policy
Our ceramics studio is open 7 days a week from 8:30 am – 8:30 pm. Each eligible student may take advantage of the community class room once a day for up to 6 hours at a time when classes are NOT in session.
Materials and studio fee
Includes up to 25 lbs. of clay and bisque firing. Extra clay and firings after first 25 lbs have an additional charge. Fee subject to change based on market costs.
Cancelations
There are NO REFUNDS for classes purchased within two weeks of start date. If refunds are issued prior to two-weeks of start date, an administrative fee of $25 will be applied.
Firing Fees/ Kiln
The Woodstock Byrdcliffe Guild will fire ceramic artists’ creations in the kilns (cone 10 gas reduction and up to cone 6 electric kiln firings) at the Byrdcliffe ceramics studio. Firing fees:
• enrolled members are $0.05 per cubic inch and $0.10 for soda firing
• enrolled not-yet-members are $0.06 per cubic inch and $0.12 for soda
firing
• non-enrolled are $0.07 per cubic inch and $0.14 for soda firing
Drop off firings for non-enrolled are $0.07 per cubic inch with an additional $0.03 if bisque fired. To have your work fired and for additional information, send an email to ceramics@woodstockguild.org.
FIRING FEE PAYMENTS – CLICK HERE
Private Lessons
Private lessons are available. Interested in a ceramic class for an individual or for a group of up to 10? Please email Ceramics Program Director, Rich Conti directly at ceramics@woodstockguild.org for availability. $60 per person plus materials and firing for a 2.5 hour session (there is a $120 minimum required)
Ceramics Studio Access Membership / Independent Study
Provides access to the ceramics studio for 8 hours per day when classes are not in session. Material and firing fees are not included. $150 per month. Please email Ceramics Program Director, Rich Conti directly at ceramics@woodstockguild.org for additional questions. Must be an active Byrdcliffe member to access a Ceramics Studio Membership
Become a Byrdcliffe Member here
Register for a Studio Membership here
What tools to bring to class:
Basic pottery tool kit, medium Terry cloth hand towel, an apron is optional but recommended.
Bailey’s Pottery is a great local resource for tools and supplies. Please note that supply chain issues have been experienced. They try their hardest to get your orders filled. Prepare accordingly.non-
Harry is largely self-taught. A ceramics artist of the Catskill Mountains of New York, his interest in the history and geology of the region has lead him to explore the potential of local clay, stone, and wood ash as the basic materials from which his pots can be made.
