Color in Clay: Intermediate Handbuilding Evenings at Black Hound Studio

At Black Hound Studio in Philadelphia, Intermediate Handbuilding — Color in Clay runs Thursday evenings from 6–9 pm, a focused eight-week session that bridges functional pottery and vibrant surface work. Meeting at 715 South 50th Street, students gather under instructor Corinna Cowles to push beyond basic pinch-and-slab techniques into color, layered slips and custom glazes. The class includes all instruction, tools, glazes, firing and 25 pounds of clay, plus one free open studio—everything needed to make a set of tableware or experimental objects. With a maximum group of 12 and wheelchair accessibility, the workshop balances hands-on practice and personal feedback. The studio's sequence centers on handbuilding methods: coil, slab, and pinched forms, then color applications and surface treatments that respond to form. Expect demonstrations, timed practice sessions, and guided glazing critiques; intermediate makers will refine proportion, wall thickness and joining while exploring how colored slips behave through bisque and glaze firing. Corinna's approach is practical—she breaks down complex surface effects into repeatable steps so students can replicate them at home or in open studio time. This class works well for makers who already understand basic clay behavior and want to integrate color without throwing on the wheel. The community size supports deliberate feedback; instructors can monitor drying schedules and troubleshoot cracking or warping before firing. Because the course supplies 25 pounds of clay and access to studio firings, guests can focus on experimentation rather than logistics. Additional clay purchases are available through the studio website for ambitious projects. Beyond technique, evenings at Black Hound double as a low-key creative scene in West Philadelphia. The schedule from September 24 to November 12 means fall light and cool nights, a useful backdrop for planning glazed palettes inspired by season. If you're on the waitlist, signing up won't obligate you but will put you in line should a spot open. Practical notes: bring a small notebook and reference images, wear clothes you don't mind getting specked with clay, and plan for a full three-hour block of concentrated work. Accessibility and small class sizes make this a good fit for makers seeking sustained progress without the pressure of wheel-throwing. Whether you want to build a matched set of plates or experiment with layered color, Intermediate Handbuilding — Color in Clay at Black Hound Studio offers focused instruction, studio resources and a supportive maker community in Philadelphia. Students leave with functional objects and a clearer sense of glazing chemistry, firing schedules, and studio etiquette—knowledge that pays off whether you continue in open studio hours or pursue further workshops. If you have questions about fit or accessibility, email [email protected]; the waitlist page will contact you if a seat becomes available. Plan to photograph work for portfolio.