Classes at Studio 540 are built around small group sessions to ensure one-on-one attention for every student. Participants experience tailored coaching leading to significant personal skill development. I simplify techniques into step-by-step, approachable instructions, helping students gain confidence in their ability to create.
My weekend workshops are an opportunity for learning, fun, relaxation, and social connection. Beyond exploring a new art form, my hope is that you’ll leave feeling inspired to bring deeper creative expression into your everyday life.
Zane Swyer Frye is now co-teaching with me so you will have two instructors for the throwing classes.
Masks are no longer required in the studio, but spacing of wheels and stations remains. In order for me to proceed responsibly with the safety of everyone in mind, I must ask that you please be vaccinated (Covid) before signing up for a class or workshop. We will be in an enclosed space. Thank you for your understanding.
My weekend workshops are an opportunity for learning, fun, relaxation, and social connection. Beyond exploring a new art form, my hope is that you’ll leave feeling inspired to bring deeper creative expression into your everyday life.
Zane Swyer Frye is now co-teaching with me so you will have two instructors for the throwing classes.
Masks are no longer required in the studio, but spacing of wheels and stations remains. In order for me to proceed responsibly with the safety of everyone in mind, I must ask that you please be vaccinated (Covid) before signing up for a class or workshop. We will be in an enclosed space. Thank you for your understanding.
#2 Beginners Wheel Throwing
With René Sprattling and Zane Sawyer
Zane Sawyer is an accomplished local potter specializing in Asian inspired tea ware.
René Sprattling has over 50 years experience as a ceramic artist, teacher, and past gallery owner who shares her private studio with students past and present.
In this beginning class you will learn to center the clay and pull up a 4-6" cylindar and also learn basic techniques for trimming and glazing as a foundation to becoming a skilled potter.
Dates: Tuesdays, May 12 -June 23, 2026 (7 wks)
Time: 6-8:30p.m.
Place: Studio 540 @540 W Broad Nevada City,
Cost :$345. Includes all materials and firing.
For more information contact: [email protected]
1 Spot Left!!
#1 Intermediate Wheel Throwing Class
With René and Zane
This 7 week course is for students who have taken at least 3 beginning wheel throwing classes who have taken at least two beginning classes and have some proficiency throwing re as well as focusing on controlling the shape of your pot. slip trailing and slip decorating will be introduced.
Dates : Wednesdays, May 13-June 24, 2026
Time: 6-8:30p.m.
Place: Studio540, 540 W Broad St. , Nevada City
Cost: $345 includes all materials and firing.
Contact: [email protected]
Intro to Tea ware and Throwing off the hump
July 13-17
Monday - Friday
11am - 3:30pm
$350
Four Day intensive on learning the basics of throwing off the hump and some fundamentals of the tea ware making process. Here we will cover forms from, Tea cup, Chawan(Tea bowl), Gaiwan(Bowl with lid), Shiboridashi(Shallow lidded bowl with spout), Tea pot, Kyusu (Side Handle Tea pot).
Along with these forms we will go over tips and tricks of throwing off the hump, which is taking a larger mound of clay and throwing small things off the top of that, this allows us to get unique pieces that would otherwise be challenging to throw straight off the wheel head, as well as not having to wedge up many different balls of clay and center them over and over again.”
- 4.5 hours each class w/ 30 minute lunch break
- Skill Level: Intermediate
July 13-17
Monday - Friday
11am - 3:30pm
$350
Four Day intensive on learning the basics of throwing off the hump and some fundamentals of the tea ware making process. Here we will cover forms from, Tea cup, Chawan(Tea bowl), Gaiwan(Bowl with lid), Shiboridashi(Shallow lidded bowl with spout), Tea pot, Kyusu (Side Handle Tea pot).
Along with these forms we will go over tips and tricks of throwing off the hump, which is taking a larger mound of clay and throwing small things off the top of that, this allows us to get unique pieces that would otherwise be challenging to throw straight off the wheel head, as well as not having to wedge up many different balls of clay and center them over and over again.”
