April 3rd - May 8th

This intermediate wheel-throwing course is designed for potters who can reliably center 1–2 lbs of clay and are ready to refine technique, increase scale, and elevate craftsmanship. We’ll strengthen control and efficiency at the wheel—centering with less strain and better posture, pulling even walls, troubleshooting wheel habits, refining cylinders and curves, and making cleaner rims, sharper transitions, and more intentional proportions.

From there, we’ll scale up with confidence. You’ll learn practical strategies for throwing larger without losing structure: compression, collaring, rib control, timing, moisture and friction management, and how to move from struggling to stand up to shaping forms with clarity. We’ll also emphasize finishing as part of the form—trimming with intention, developing defined feet, and improving overall balance and resolve.

By the end of the course, you will complete a population of pieces that demonstrates growth in scale, form, and finish, with a stronger sense of craftsmanship and deeper understanding of the wheel and the ceramic process. 

Prerequisite: can reliably center 1–2 lbs and execute a basic cylinder.

Clay and firing provided as part of pricing. Students are welcome to use the tools in the studio and/or purchase their own.

Short bio of Frank Zhu

Frank Zhu is an Austin-based ceramicist, multidisciplinary artist, and educator whose practice spans ceramics, sculpture, metalwork, drawing, poetry, performance and photography. His work moves between language, materials and memory, At the core of Zhu’s practice is the metaphor of vessel. 

See Franks Work @frankzhuceramacist,  https://www.instagram.com/frankzhuceramicist/?hl=en