classes

Classes & Personnel

Rising Sun Pottery offers day and night adult pottery classes. Classes are taught year

round and are tailored to the knowledge and skill level of each student. Half-day and

full-day Saturday workshop classes teaching wheel, hand-building, glaze making, raku

firing, or other special topics are held at various times throughout the year.

The studio provides an excellent, fun, and relaxed setting to learn pottery-making

skills. There's plenty of space for student projects, excellent equipment, and fun and

caring instructors. Come on down... throw your life away (be a potter)!

Gary Lee, primary instructor, has 32 years of experience as a studio potter with 23 of

those as a teacher. He began teaching at ClayWorks in Charlotte at the Spirit Square

studio, which is now the McColl Center for Visual Art in Charlotte, North Carolina.

ClayWorks is now a stand alone clay studio facility in East Charlotte.

Landon Cornett is the new Rising SunPottery studio manager. He joined Rising Sun in

June of 2019 shortly after graduation in May 2019 from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC with a BFA/Studio Art w/ Ceramic Emphasis. Since joining Rising Sun Landon has become indispensable in the day to day operations of the studio. Her throwing and studio skills are progressing everyday as she uses her creative with her pottery and studio skills and has a goal of teaching and running a studio one day. Landon is from Statesville NC and in addition to her work at Rising Sun she works part time for PetSmart and teaches a small beginner pottery wheel class in Statesville.

Carla Ketola is a former studio manager who joined Rising Sun Pottery in June 2016. She graduated from East Carolina University with a BS in Clothing/Textiles as her major and a minor in Marketing/Management. In addition Carla has background in property management, business ownership and retail sales. Even though she is not actively with us every day she still helps out with the studio and classes when she has a chance.

Wendy Edwards, our former Rising Sun studio manager, has a BA with ceramic/clay concentration. Though retired from Rising Sun Pottery, she substitute teaches class and manages the studio when needed.

Bryon Cook, former Rising Sun student, teaches the Monday night class. Bryon's love of pottery and quest for knowledge makes him a valuable asset to Rising Sun.

Angie Johnson, a former 8-year tenured student who assists with classes and is an substitute instructor when needed.

Classes

Rising Sun Pottery classes are limited to five students, which creates a more casual atmosphere and allows for more individual attention for students. New students will start beside students who have been in the class for several years, which allows the new student to observe more advanced forms or techniques being taught. The studio environment is very open and supports a social constructionist learning style.

Availability

80% of our students have been here at least five years and a few for more than

10 years. We start a new student whenever there is an opening during the requested day or time. Call for openings and available times.

Studio Time

Students are welcome to come in and work during the week or on Saturdays. With our open studio policy, students and others who wish to do studio work may do so for $5.00 per hour. The studio is available anytime except during posted class times.

Costs

The 11-week basic class is $239 and includes 22 hours of instruction and 25 pounds of clay.

Additional clay is $20 per 25-pound bag and includes glazing and firing. After the 11-week

basic class, you stay in your class time period for as long as you wish, paying for the class

and practice time at the first of each month. Additional clay and purchases are paid at the

end of each month. No credit given for missed nights on monthly fee schedule.

Outside Work Firing Policy

For a small fee, Rising Sun Pottery will accept pots crafted outside the studio for glazing

and firing. Only clay compatible with Cone 05 bisque and/or Cone 6 Oxidation firing will be

accepted.