Interested in taking your wheel throwing skills to the next level? Expert ceramicist and regular clay labber, Nazli Soltani, is here to teach you how to do just that! This course is designed for students with previous wheel-throwing experience. Participants are expected to have a basic knowledge of how to center and throw vessels (like bowls and mugs) on their own. Class presentations and demos will be given for the first 20 to 40 minutes of every session, leaving the rest of the session time for practicing techniques and one-on-one feedback from the teacher. Demonstrations and discussions will include more advanced forms depending on the skill level of the group, such as centering larger amounts of clay, making taller cylinders using the lifting technique, learning proper breathing techniques and body positioning, and lifting pots off the wheel properly. While learning intermediate to advanced techniques, students will also be introduced to using ceramics as a means of expression outside of pure functionality. This workshop aims to meet students where they are and take them to the next level of proficiency. Please note the first 2 sessions will focus solely on throwing on the wheel and the 3rd will be dedicated to trimming. There will not be a dedicated glazing session, but questions about this skill are welcome and will be addressed if needed. Additionally, registration will come with 1 clay lab pass so you can return to finish your piece and have it fired by us.

WHEN: May 1, 8, & 15, 2025 5-8 PM

WHERE: Verge Center for the Arts

About the Instructor

Nazli Soltani is a California-based artist originally from Iran. With three decades of artistic experience and ten years dedicated to teaching pottery and ceramics, Nazli brings a wealth of expertise to her classroom. She holds a B.A. in Psychology from Tehran, Iran, a B.A. degree in Interior Architecture from Ottawa, Canada, and a two-year degree in Ceramics and Sculpture from Paris, France. Nazli is passionate about fostering the growth of potters from the basics to more advanced techniques. She has a deep understanding of the artistic process necessary to create meaningful art and can identify where each of her students are in that process. This allows her to accurately advise her students on how to take their work to the next level. Her experience teaching a diverse body of student demographics allows her to adapt her instruction to the student’s needs. She has a personal, collaborative approach that creates a supportive and inclusive learning environment where each student can thrive.

Community Standards

In order to create a safe and encouraging environment for creativity, we ask that all attendees comply with Verge’s non-discrimination policy which prohibits unlawful discrimination and harassment based on race, color, gender, gender identity/expression, age, physical or mental disability, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or any other consideration made unlawful by the state or local laws. We also ask that everyone contribute positively to a safe and comfortable environment for all attendees. We reserve the right to refuse entry to anyone who does not abide by our community standards stated above.

Cancellation and Refunds Policy

Verge Center for the Arts reserves the right to cancel classes, to change instructors, and to make other changes that may become necessary to ensure a quality experience for participants. In the event that a class is canceled, we will contact all registrants and offer the option of transferring to another available session, or receiving a full refund.

If a participant wishes to withdraw from a class, they must do so in writing at least seven days prior to the first class meeting to receive a full refund, less a $25 processing fee. Withdrawals occurring within seven days prior to the first class meeting will receive a refund of 50% of the total class fee or may transfer to a class of equal or lesser value. Participants are only eligible for one transfer per registration and must get it approved by Verge staff. No refunds or transfers are given to withdrawals that occur 24 hours or less before the class begins. Membership fees are non-refundable. Please note we are unable to issue cash refunds.

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Intermediate Wheel Throwing