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. $120/Fall 2026
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18+ | MTWRF | 9/1 - 12/31 | 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. $70/participant + $30 materials fee.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Dates(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18+ | SA | 9/12 | 9:30 a.m - 12:30 p.m. | JDCAC |
Contact: Emillie Dombrowski • (334) 501 - 2944 • edombrowski@auburnal.gov
Opening Yourself Up to Making Closed Forms
Making a wheel-thrown closed form means sealing off the pot to create a hollow vessel, then altering it to create functional items. You will learn the closed-form techniques to make bird feeders, small ornaments, jars with custom lids, salt cellars, and citrus juicers among other useful pieces. This class required the intermediate skills of a confident potter. Instruction will also include surface decoration, carving designs, and glazing techniques.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18+ | T | 9/15 - 10/13 | 5:30 - 8 p.m. | JDCAC |
Contact: Amy Kaiser • amyekaiser@gmail.com
Beginning Wheel Throwing
Begin your pottery journey in this introductory wheel-throwing class. Participants learn the basics of centering clay, creating simple form, and exploring surface techniques. In this class you'll practice and develop your skills in a supportive studio environment. This class is perfect for beginners looking to build confidence, have fun, and create functional pieces to take home. All materials and tools are provided. $120/participant + $35 Materials Fee.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18+ | W | 10/21 - 12/16 | 5:30 - 8 p.m. | JDCAC |
Contact: Emillie Dombrowski • edombrowski@auburnal.gov • 334-501-2944
Mahjong Ornament Workshop
Design and create up to five handcrafted Mahjong ornaments perfect for your holiday tree. All supplies are included, making it it easy to relax and enjoy the creative process. This two session workshop will have you working with our raw clay in different colors, then returning to add glazes that bring each piece to life. Fee: $10/participants + $15 materials fee per person.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15+ | F | 9/18 & 10/2 | 5:30 - 6:30 pm | JDCAC |
Contact: Emillie Dombrowski • edombrowski@auburnal.gov • 334-501-2944
Hand-Building and Surface Decoration Techniques with Maria
Join our studio and become familiar with hand-building and surface decoration techniques. This class is designed for both beginners and more advanced students eager to explore hand-building and decorative techniques for designing plates, serving dishes, cups, planters, and other items. Fees: $150/participant + $50 materials fee.
| Age(s) | Day(s) | Date(s) | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15+ | M | 9/14 - 11/2 | 6-8 pm | JDCAC |
Contact: Maria Auad • lujanauad@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