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.
I am happy to welcome Toni Mikulka-Chang as as additional instructor! Please see her bio and Winter class offerings below
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.
I am happy to welcome Toni Mikulka-Chang as as additional instructor! Please see her bio and Winter class offerings below
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.
7-Week Pottery on the Wheel with Toni “Tone” Mikulka
Get your hands in the mud, your mind in the moment, and your spirit centered in this joyful 7-week pottery class led by Toni “Tone” Mikulka. Designed for beginners and those looking to refine their craft, this class blends the calming, meditative qualities of working with clay with the fun and focus of learning new skills. You’ll explore the fundamentals of wheel throwing, centering, trimming, and glazing in a relaxed, supportive environment. Plus, pottery naturally supports neuroplasticity—your brain’s ability to rewire and grow—enhancing focus, coordination, and creativity with every mindful movement.
When: Tuesdays, April 29 – June 10 | Time: 6:00–8:30 PM
Cost: $315 — includes clay, tools, glaze, and kiln firings
Come make new friends, center yourself at the wheel, and leave with new skills —and a stronger, more connected sense of self.
Get your hands in the mud, your mind in the moment, and your spirit centered in this joyful 7-week pottery class led by Toni “Tone” Mikulka. Designed for beginners and those looking to refine their craft, this class blends the calming, meditative qualities of working with clay with the fun and focus of learning new skills. You’ll explore the fundamentals of wheel throwing, centering, trimming, and glazing in a relaxed, supportive environment. Plus, pottery naturally supports neuroplasticity—your brain’s ability to rewire and grow—enhancing focus, coordination, and creativity with every mindful movement.
When: Tuesdays, April 29 – June 10 | Time: 6:00–8:30 PM
Cost: $315 — includes clay, tools, glaze, and kiln firings
Come make new friends, center yourself at the wheel, and leave with new skills —and a stronger, more connected sense of self.
Intermediate/Advanced Wheel Throwing with René
Dates: Wednesdays, April 30th -June 11th
Time: Wednesdays, 6-8:30
Duration: 7 weeks
Where: Studio 540, 540 W Broad St., Nevada City, CA
Cost: $315, includes #25 of clay, all materials and tools.
Instructor: Rene Sprattling
SOLD OUT
Seven weeks of exploration in clay! We will practice throwing multiples, including throwing off the hump, and improving our accuracy at repetition. We will also practice making handles for different types of vessels. Specific problem areas will be addressed. All while having fun and making friends.
Students must be able to throw a 6.5" cylinder.
To sign up, contact: [email protected] $100 deposit holds your spot. Cancellations up to 2 weeks before the course are fully refundable.Later cancellations forfeit the deposit. Payment can be by check, cash, Venmo or credit card (3.5% fee). Make checks payable to Rene Sprattling, or Venmo @ Rene-Sprattling, Or call/text her @ 530-277-1510
One make-up class for the group is scheduled per course. All glazing must be finished by the end of the course. Left over bisque ware will be forfeited to the kiln goddess.
Dates: Wednesdays, April 30th -June 11th
Time: Wednesdays, 6-8:30
Duration: 7 weeks
Where: Studio 540, 540 W Broad St., Nevada City, CA
Cost: $315, includes #25 of clay, all materials and tools.
Instructor: Rene Sprattling
SOLD OUT
Seven weeks of exploration in clay! We will practice throwing multiples, including throwing off the hump, and improving our accuracy at repetition. We will also practice making handles for different types of vessels. Specific problem areas will be addressed. All while having fun and making friends.
Students must be able to throw a 6.5" cylinder.
To sign up, contact: [email protected] $100 deposit holds your spot. Cancellations up to 2 weeks before the course are fully refundable.Later cancellations forfeit the deposit. Payment can be by check, cash, Venmo or credit card (3.5% fee). Make checks payable to Rene Sprattling, or Venmo @ Rene-Sprattling, Or call/text her @ 530-277-1510
One make-up class for the group is scheduled per course. All glazing must be finished by the end of the course. Left over bisque ware will be forfeited to the kiln goddess.
Teapot Workshop with Zane Sawyer-Frye
Learn to make clay teapots inspired by the Japanese and Chinese Tea Culture!
In this workshop we will be thowing teapots on the wheel, off the hump.
We will be learning about all things tea pot related, and dive into discussing what makes a tea pot function, from the spout and the pour to the lid and it’s fit, the body for the desired tea,(loose leaf, tea bag, etc.) and strainer on the inside, with an emphasis on a style of tea from China called Gong Fu Cha, where we are making pots in service of the tea. This format is smaller teapot, many steeps. In this workshop we will make the parts and assemble a few tea pots, pitchers and cups. We will discuss a few other brewing styles such as Gaiwan,Shiboridashi and Kyusu. I will demonstrate the classic teapot and the Kyusu.
DATES: Sat., Sun., May 31 , June 1 & June 6
TIME: 10-4 each day, with an hour lunch break.
Day 1: Drink Tea, Discuss tea Functionality, Cover Brewing Styles
Throwing Demo, Discus tools and process
Wedge Clay, Throw off the hump, Clean up
Day 2: Trim pots, Assemble pots, Cover Trimming Techniques
Day 3: One week later, Glaze and Decorate Pots
Place: STudio 540, 540 W Broad St. , Nevada City, CA 95959
COST: $275
Pre-requsite for participation: Must be able to center 5-6 lbs of clay, have experience throwing thin lidded vessels, re-centering for trimming. All work will be high-fired and picked up at a later date.
Learn to make clay teapots inspired by the Japanese and Chinese Tea Culture!
In this workshop we will be thowing teapots on the wheel, off the hump.
We will be learning about all things tea pot related, and dive into discussing what makes a tea pot function, from the spout and the pour to the lid and it’s fit, the body for the desired tea,(loose leaf, tea bag, etc.) and strainer on the inside, with an emphasis on a style of tea from China called Gong Fu Cha, where we are making pots in service of the tea. This format is smaller teapot, many steeps. In this workshop we will make the parts and assemble a few tea pots, pitchers and cups. We will discuss a few other brewing styles such as Gaiwan,Shiboridashi and Kyusu. I will demonstrate the classic teapot and the Kyusu.
DATES: Sat., Sun., May 31 , June 1 & June 6
TIME: 10-4 each day, with an hour lunch break.
Day 1: Drink Tea, Discuss tea Functionality, Cover Brewing Styles
Throwing Demo, Discus tools and process
Wedge Clay, Throw off the hump, Clean up
Day 2: Trim pots, Assemble pots, Cover Trimming Techniques
Day 3: One week later, Glaze and Decorate Pots
Place: STudio 540, 540 W Broad St. , Nevada City, CA 95959
COST: $275
Pre-requsite for participation: Must be able to center 5-6 lbs of clay, have experience throwing thin lidded vessels, re-centering for trimming. All work will be high-fired and picked up at a later date.
Intermediate Wheel Throwing workshop with René , Intensive Weekend
Date: Saturday, May 17& Sunday, May 18th
Time: 10-4p.m.each day
Place: Studio 540, 540 W Brod St., Nevada City, CA 95959
Cost: $189
8 Participants total
Spend an intensive, fun weekend honing your skills and learning new throwing techniques.This workshop is for those with some wheel-throwing experience who can throw a 6" cylinder. We will be throwing and trimming for practice only during the workshop. The opportunity to glaze and fire your pieces will come with an optional $35 followup glaze workshop, time and date TBD. Please bring your request for trouble areas to work on. Some things we will work on, throwing larger, centering larger amounts of clay. making closed forms.
