JDCAC Ceramics Studio
Who We Are
The Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center (JDCAC) Ceramics studio is a creative space with many artistic and educational opportunities for the community. The studio offers a wide variety of ceramic classes for the absolute beginner as well as experienced potters. The JDCAC Ceramics Studio is the perfect opportunity to introduce yourself or your children to the creative possibilities of clay!
Independent studio memberships are also available pending approval from the studio coordinator or by taking two full eight week courses. Our studio is equipped with professional pottery throwing wheels, a stainless steel extruder, a slab roller, multiple hand mixed glazes, commercial-grade firing kilns, and pug mills. Our studio space serves the artistic needs of the community, providing residents with the creativity, inspiration, and encouragement to create ceramic works. The studio is designed so that individuals may work in a relaxed environment where ingenuity soars.
Classes
Our instructors offer a selection of top-notch classes that range in skill level and age. Below is a list of ceramics classes coming this spring! Please view the Parks and Recreation Program Brochure for more detailed information on the many classes Parks and Recreation offers. Current Calendar
CERAMIC INDEPENDENT STUDIO FOR ADULTS
Individuals who have had experience in ceramics and pottery and meet the Independent Studio membership requirements (two full ceramics classes and completion on the Pre-IS courss) may work in the studio independently during center hours once obtaining approval from studio director and registering. The Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center is located at 222 E. Drake Ave. Enjoy working in out studio which offers opportunities to hand-build ceramics and throw on our potter's wheels. A selection of clay will be available for purchase with glaze and firing fees calculated into the cost. Clay is $50/box and must be purchase through MyRec. All Independent Studio memberships will be required to sign into the studio each day, assist in keeping the studio clean, and adhere to the policies stated in the member contract. Studio hours are subject to change based on the schedule of classes offered by the studio. $150/Spring 2026
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18+ | MTWRF | 6/1 - 8/31 | 8 a.m. - 9 p.m. | JDCAC |
Contact: Emillie Dombrowski • (334)501-2944 • edombrowski@auburnal.gov
PRE-INDEPENDENT STUDIO
Are you interested in joining Independent Studio? Taking this course is required before joining. This course will guide you through studio policies, procedures, idea building, troubleshooting, and kiln/glaze knowledge needed to explore our state-of-the-art studio on your own. Prerequisite: completion of two studio classes. (No formal class 6/23 & 30) $70/participant + $30 materials fee.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Dates(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18+ | SA | 6/13 | 9:30 a.m - 12:30 p.m. | JDCAC |
Contact: Emillie Dombrowski • (334) 501 - 2944 • edombrowski@auburnal.gov
LEARN TO MAKE POTTERY ON THE WHEEL FOR ADULTS
This class, intended for the absolute beginner, will demystify what looks like magic by teaching the basics of the fascinating process of turning wet clay into functional pieces. Learning time-tested strategies you will center the clay, pull cylinders and throw bowls. By experiencing the many stages of working in clay you will be able to critique your own efforts, helping you make corrections and improvements that lead to success. $150/participant + $40 materials fee.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18+ | T | 6/9 - 7/28 | 5:30 - 8 p.m. | JDCAC |
Contact: Amy Kaiser • amyekaiser@gmail.com
Adult Mixed-Level Pottery Wheel with Bryce
Whether you are brand-new to clay or returning to the wheel, this class offers a supportive space to learn and build beginning and intermediate throwing techniques. Enjoy instructor demonstrations, guided practice, peer coaching, and the creativity and camaraderie that come with the group! $150/participant + $40 materials fee.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18+ | R | 6/4 - 7/9 | 5:30 - 8 p.m. | JDCAC |
| 18+ | R | 7/16 - 8/20 | 5:30 - 8 p.m. |
Contact: Bryce Gray • bdgray2017@gmail.com • (317) 498-2692
Learning to Make Pottery on the Wheel for Youth
Make your world turn ‘round and ‘round as you learn the basics of making pottery on the potter's wheel. We will work on the basics of throwing, beginning with centering the clay. From there we will pull cylinders and learn to make bowls. We will glaze our fired pieces on the last day of class with finished work ready to be picked up within two weeks. $120/participant + $30 materials fee.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 12 - 17 | TR | 6/2 - 6/30 | 9:30 - 11 a.m. | JDCAC |
Contact: Amy Kaiser • amyekaiser@gmail.com
Intermediate Wheel Throwing
Jump into Spring and learn some new techniques along the way! We'll work with coils, slabs, textures and glazes, turning a lump of clay into amazing creations. Bringing 50 years of teaching experience to her class, Jackie always does a demo and project, but students are encouraged to bring their ideas and we'll make them happen in class. $165/participant + $50 materials fee.
Refine your wheel throwing skills in this Intermediate level class! Designed for those with basic experience and completion of beginning wheel throwing, this course explores advanced techniques in centering, shaping, trimming, and glazing. Consistent successful centering and ability to make two-pound bowls is required for this class. Guided instruction in weekly classes and open studio time is provided to provide successful skill building. Join us to elevate your pottery skills. $150/participant + $40 materials fee.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18+ | M | 6/1 - 7/20 | 5:30 - 8 p.m. | JDCAC |
Contact: Jenny Mulligan • jclaypottery@gmail.com
Advanced Wheel Throwing
Master your wheel throwing skills in this Advanced level class! Designed for those with experience and completion of Intermediate wheel throwing, this course explores master’s level techniques in centering, shaping, trimming, and glazing. Consistent successful centering is required for this class. Guided instruction in weekly classes and open studio time is provided to provide successful skill building. Join us to elevate your pottery skills. $150/participant + $40 materials fee.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18+ | T | 6/2 - 7/2 | 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. | JDCAC |
Contact: Jenny Mulligan • jclaypottery@gmail.com
Advanced Wheel & Hand-Building Techniques with Maria
Ready to move beyond the basics? This advanced ceramic class is designed for potters who want to push their skills further. Starting with wheel-thrown components, you will explore altered and constructed forms using techniques like bottomless cylinders, thrown slabs, dicing, and multi-part construction. Learn to create larger, more complex vessels while developing confidence, creativity, and your own artistic voice. $150 + $50 materials fee
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18+ | M | 6/8 - 7/27 | 6 - 8 p.m. | JDCAC |
Contact: Maria Auad • lujanauad@gmail.com • (334) 663-8292
Summer Hand Building with Jacqueline
Come play in the clay with us! We will learn new techniques and practice the basics. Always a project and a demo but let’s explore your ideas too….and we will make pumpkins! $155/participant + $50 materials fee.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18+ | W | 6/3 - 7/8 | 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | JDCAC |
Contact: Jacqueline McDonough • ladylovesgrits@hotmail.com • (770) 715-1741
Christmas in July Hand Building with Jacqueline
Get a jump start on your Holiday/Winter ceramics in this hand building class. We will practice the basics and learn new techniques. Always a project and always a demo but let’s explore your ideas too! Beginners and experienced potters are welcome. $155/participant + $50 materials fee.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18+ | W | 7/9 - 9/1 | 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. | JDCAC |
Contact: Jacqueline McDonough • ladylovesgrits@hotmail.com • 770-715-1741
Upcoming Events
Hours of Operation
Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Saturday 9, a.m. - 1 p.m.
Please note that after the quarter has begun, hours may change. An updated calendar will be available upon request after the start of the quarter.
Independent Studio
Individuals who have had experience in ceramics and meet the Independent Studio membership requirements may work in the studio independently during center hours once obtaining approval from studio director and registering.
The Ceramics Studio is located inside the Jan Dempsey Community Arts Center at 222 E. Drake Ave. Enjoy working in our studio, which offers opportunities to hand-build ceramics and throw on our potter's wheels.
A selection of clay will be available to purchase with glaze and firing fees calculated into the cost. Clay is $40/box and must be bought through MyRec. All Independent Studio members will be required to sign into the studio each day, aid in keeping the studio clean, and adhere to the policies stated in the member contract. Studio hours are subject to change based on the schedule of classes offered by the studio. Price is $80 per quarter.
To purchase a ceramic transfer please visit the studio prior to purchasing to see a current list of designs available.
Any person interested interested in becoming an independent studio member must meet one of the following three criteria:
- Taken a minimum of two classes at the Jan Dempsey Ceramics Studio within the past two calendar years. Only classes that are 7 weeks or longer count towards independent membership.
- Completed 16 hours of private lessons with a studio instructor.
- Have comparable professional experience or completed a ceramics degree in the last five years.
If the above requirements are met, an interview and studio tour can be scheduled with the studio director to decide independent membership status. Once given permission by the studio director, members can register for independent membership. Members who need assistance registering can visit the Harris Center at 425 Perry St. in Auburn. Examples of work and experience must be presented.
For more information about the Ceramics Studio or the City of Auburn Parks and Recreation Department, please contact Emillie Dombrowski, Art Education Specialist, at edombrowski@auburnal.gov or by calling 334-501-2944