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.
Toni “Tone” Mikulka-Chang discovered her passion for pottery at the age of 15 in her high school ceramics class, igniting a lifelong journey in the arts. She studied ceramics at Plattsburgh State University in New York and later deepened her expertise by studying ceramic pedagogy under master ceramicist Lynne Meade at Mudworks Pottery in the East Bay, where she also served as General Manager. Toni’s work is inspired by playful balance in functional forms, drawing on colors and themes from the Atlantic Ocean of her childhood summers in New York. Her favorite motto is: “Always be creating with your hands.”
Toni merges her love of pottery with her passion for yoga, meditation, and movement, believing that centering clay on the wheel is a metaphor for centering the mind. Through her work, she explores the profound harmony between creativity and mindfulness, offering a unique perspective that inspires both her art and her teaching.
She has taught ceramics workshops and classes at Rockland Community College, Plattsburgh State University, Mudworks Pottery, Berkeley Potters Studio, UC Berkeley, The Curious Forge, the Fremont Arts Council in Seattle, Bread and Puppet in Vermont, and Camp Farnsworth Girl Scout Camp in Vermont. Beyond pottery, Toni creates sculptures and giant kinetic puppets using forms shaped from clay, and she is also a skilled silk painter and seamstress. Her love of tactile arts extends to the kitchen, where she brings creativity to life as a personal chef specializing in culinary artistry.
See her work on Instagram:
@yoga.pottery
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.
Toni “Tone” Mikulka-Chang discovered her passion for pottery at the age of 15 in her high school ceramics class, igniting a lifelong journey in the arts. She studied ceramics at Plattsburgh State University in New York and later deepened her expertise by studying ceramic pedagogy under master ceramicist Lynne Meade at Mudworks Pottery in the East Bay, where she also served as General Manager. Toni’s work is inspired by playful balance in functional forms, drawing on colors and themes from the Atlantic Ocean of her childhood summers in New York. Her favorite motto is: “Always be creating with your hands.”
Toni merges her love of pottery with her passion for yoga, meditation, and movement, believing that centering clay on the wheel is a metaphor for centering the mind. Through her work, she explores the profound harmony between creativity and mindfulness, offering a unique perspective that inspires both her art and her teaching.
She has taught ceramics workshops and classes at Rockland Community College, Plattsburgh State University, Mudworks Pottery, Berkeley Potters Studio, UC Berkeley, The Curious Forge, the Fremont Arts Council in Seattle, Bread and Puppet in Vermont, and Camp Farnsworth Girl Scout Camp in Vermont. Beyond pottery, Toni creates sculptures and giant kinetic puppets using forms shaped from clay, and she is also a skilled silk painter and seamstress. Her love of tactile arts extends to the kitchen, where she brings creativity to life as a personal chef specializing in culinary artistry.
See her work on Instagram:
@yoga.pottery
Hand Building Pottery Class with Toni Tone
Dates: Jan. 15 - Feb.-22, 2025
Time: Wednesdays, 10:00-12:30 p.m.
Duration: 6 weeks
Where: Studio 540, 540 W Broad St., Nevada City, CA
Cost: $315, includes #20 of clay, all materials and access to studio tools.
This six-week handbuilding pottery class is perfect for all skill levels, from beginners exploring clay for the first time to experienced artists looking to refine their handbuilding techniques. Led by ceramic artist Toni Mikulka-Chang, this class focuses on the creative and approachable art of handbuilding, offering an enriching experience for everyone.
In this class, you’ll learn and practice:
• Slab construction: Create flat, sturdy forms using rolled clay slabs.
• Coil building: Build strong, elegant structures with coiled clay.
• Pinch pots: Shape small vessels using simple hand-pinching techniques.
Throughout the course, students will create a variety of functional and decorative projects, including:
• A mini shelf or pencil holder • A bowl and cup set
• A mini planter
Toni will provide step-by-step instruction tailored to your experience level, ensuring that each student is challenged and supported. By the end of the class, you’ll have a beautiful collection of handmade pottery and the confidence to continue exploring clay on your own.
Whether you’re new to pottery or an experienced handbuilder, this class is designed to inspire creativity and build skills.
Sign up today to bring your ideas to life through clay!
To sign up, contact Toni @[email protected], or René @ [email protected] $100 deposit holds your spot. Cancellatons up to 2 weeks before the course are fully refundable.Later cancellations forfeit the deposit. Payment can be by check, cash or Venmo. Make checks payable to Rene Sprattling, or Venmo @ Rene-Sprattling
One make-upclass 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.
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Beginner Pottery Wheel Throwing Class
with Toni Mikulka-Chang Dates: Jan. 15 - Feb.-22, 2025 Time: Wednesdays 6:00 PM - 8:30 PM Duration: 6 weeks Where: Studio 540, 540 W Broad St., Nevada City, CA Cost: $315, includes 20# of clay, glazes and materials, use of studio equipment Join ceramic artist Toni Mikulka-Chang for an inspiring six-week pottery class designed for beginners. Whether you’ve always wanted to try working with clay or are seeking a creative outlet, this course will introduce you to the fundamentals of wheel throwing and ceramic art. In this hands-on class, you’ll learn: • Centering on the wheel: Master the foundational skill of centering clay to create balanced and symmetrical forms. • Ceramic principles: Understand the basics of clay properties, tools, and techniques for a successful creative process. • Straight-walled vessels: Create mugs, cups, or vases with clean, straight lines. • Bowls: Shape and refine classic bowl forms, perfect for daily use or display. Toni’s teaching emphasizes the joy of creativity and mindfulness, offering personalized instruction in a supportive and relaxed environment. By the end of the six weeks, you’ll have a collection of finished pieces to take home and the confidence to continue exploring ceramics. No prior experience is necessary—just bring your enthusiasm and a willingness to get your hands dirty! Sign up today and center yourself with clay! To sign up, contact Toni @[email protected], or René @ [email protected] $100 deposit holds your spot. Cancellatons up to 2 weeks before the course are fully refundable.Later cancellations forfeit the deposit. Payment can be by check, cash or Venmo. Make checks payable to Rene Sprattling, or Venmo @ Rene-Sprattling One make-upclass 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. |
