Handbuilding 101 with Deborah Donahower

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checklist More Details comment Description manage_accounts Instructor Info info FAQ program overview Deborah Donahower takes you through the fundamentals of working with clay in hand building in this 8 week course. Designed for all levels (beginners and those more experienced) Deborah thoughtfully explores the tried and true techniques of ceramic work with her students through structured assignments, allowing her students to develop their own creative voice in the process. This course will emphasize building functional forms with creative surface design in mind; focusing on forms with large areas to explore texture, painterly surface techniques, and much more. Students will receive instruction in hand building, and basic glazing techniques. With your 8 week class registration, students receive the opportunity to purchase a studio pass for ½ off during the duration of their class. Sign ups for membership will be included in your pre class email instructor Overview Deborah Donahower Deborah Donahower received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara in Studio Art, with an emphasis in Ceramics, Printmaking and Pastels. She has been teaching art to adults and children for 40 years and it is her passion to empower budding artists with the basic foundation skills in art and help them bloom into their own creativity and personal style. Deborah’s teaching style is structured and starts with building a strong foundation around the fundamentals of clay. Membership Has It’s Benefits All Silver Memberships and above receive 10% off the registration cost for any class purchase over $40. Materials fees are not discounted. Membership helps support our programs, events, and financial aid programs. Become a member today and find community, connection, and creativity. Membership Information Join the Studio Class FAQ What is the process for cancelling my registration? We ask that you notify us at least 10 days in advance of a class if you need to cancel your registration. You may cancel by phone or email and we will gladly offer you a refund or credit toward a future class. If you cancel with less than 10 days’ notice, we will not be able to provide refunds , due to our contractual obligations and material purchases for each class. Sometimes, the Sonoma Community Center has to cancel a class due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, such as a natural disaster or health emergency. If this happens and we do not offer a reschedule date, you will be refunded 100% of your registration fee (minus the payment processing and services fee), or credit towards a future class. If we are able to offer a reschedule date but you are unable to make the new date, we will gladly offer credit towards a future class. All credits must be used within 1 year. Where can I find your full class policies and guidelines? You can view our full class policies and guidelines here . Accessibility Needs & Commitment The Sonoma Community Center is committed to creating an accessible learning environment. If you require any special considerations(medical, physical, learning) please share them with Sean Baskin, Program Associate, by emailing him at sean@sonomacommunitycenter.org so that he can forward them to the relevant Program Director and Instructor. What skill level is right for me? All Levels Welcomes participants from beginning through advanced. Instructor provides a balanced and flexible curriculum suitable for participants with any level of experience. Beginning Participant has little to no experience with this medium and needs or expects guidance at every step during the class. Participant wants to learn about materials, techniques, and vocabulary of the medium. Intermediate Participant is comfortable with the medium and expects both guidance and time to work alone with the medium. Advanced Participant is very confident with all aspects of the medium. Participant is self-motivated; ready to experiment and develop their artistic voice. Is there a building map so I can find my room ahead of time? Click Image to Expand Click Image to Expand Do you pro-rate late additions to classes? Late additions to any program, class, or workshop that has already begun will be allowed on a per-case basis depending upon the Program Director & instructors approval. Late additions will have to pay the full registration cost of the class, along with any materials fees, and will not be prorated for the time missed. You may reach out to the program directors directly, or the Program Associate Sean Baskin at sean@sonomacommunitycenter.org to request a late addition. I am interested in teaching, where can I find more information? We are always looking for new instructors. You can fill out the form directly here . Schedule Every Monday · 8 weeks Date & Time August 3 – September 28, 2026 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM This Session from Exceptions September 7 – Labor Day Location Category Experience Level Ages Registration Cost: $265 Materials Fee: $30 Total Registration Cost: Register Financial Aid