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Handbuilding Basics

Explore the world of hand building with clay through the pinch pot form, slab rolling (by hand) and coiling. This course will introduce you to important clay tools and techniques, including a follow-up session in glazing. Instruction will be learner-based, allowing you to focus on one or multiple techniques. The goal is to complete at least one sculptural object/creature, with animals like fish and birds demonstrated in class. No former ceramics experience required, all are welcome!

1st session – Saturday, December 5th; 12-4pm (4 hours)
2nd session (glazing) – Saturday, December 12th; 12-2:30pm (2.5 hours)

General Tuition: $240
Pay-It-Forward Tuition: $265
Reduced Tuition (Limited): $215

Accessibility Notice –
This class takes place in the Sculpture Lab which is located on the first floor.  This class may require materials or processes that are hazardous for animals. Please email classes@kala.org prior to enrolling so we can assess if we are able to accommodate you and your service animal safely and efficiently.

  • Tuition: $240
  • Location: Sculpture Lab
  • Instructor: Melissa Wang
  • 2 Classes
  • Saturday, December 5, 2026 — December 12, 2026
  • 12:00 — 4:00PM
  • $25 Materials Fee - Payable to the instructor on the first day

Register

About the Instructor:

Melissa Wang grounds her work in abstraction, using painting, sculpture, and installation to explore human and nonhuman entanglements. As a former researcher and designer in tech, she is concept-driven, looking to ecofeminism and science-fiction for themes that challenge Western anthropocentrism. With over 12+ years of experience in teaching and curriculum design, she has taught art workshops at SONY and Meta. Her work has been exhibited across the US and can be found in private and public collections, including Brown University in Providence, RI and Meta in Menlo Park, CA. She has received an Individual Emerging Artist Fellowship from the California Arts Council and residencies at Root Division in SF, CA and Kala Art Institute (current) in Berkeley, CA.