Life at PCD

Knight Classes

June Arts Intensive

JUNE INTENSIVE SCHEDULE - All Classes Run Monday, June 16 through Thursday, June 19

Beginning Pottery - Sessions offered from 5:00–6:30 PM and 7:00–8:30 PM 
Planters with Coils - 5:00–6:30 PM
Press & Print: A Hands-On Workshop - 5:00–6:30 PM
Spine & Stitch: Bookbinding Basics - 7:00–8:30 PM 
Tea Pots with Slabs - 7:00–8:30 PM 

Registration for the June Intensive Classes opens Monday, June 2 at noon. Class times and days subject to change.

Beginner Pottery

In this four-day beginner pottery class, you will learn techniques for making mugs, vases, and bowls, including surface design and glazing. At our studio, we aim to inspire creativity while teaching both form and function to adults looking to learn how to work with clay on the potter’s wheel. 

This class is open to all levels, ages 18 and up. This is a great opportunity for beginners or as a refresher for experienced potters. All materials and firing are provided.

Planters with Coils

In this four-day handbuilding class, you will learn the technique of rolling coils and building large vessels with them. Surface design and glazing will be introduced in a fun and engaging environment.  
This class is open to all levels, ages 18 and up.  All materials and firing are provided.

Press & Print: A Hands-On Workshop

Discover the art of printmaking in this four-day workshop for adult beginners. Meeting for 1.5 hours each day, you'll explore three essential techniques: monoprinting, linocut, and drypoint etching. In our well-equipped studio, you'll learn to create designs, prepare plates, and operate a press while developing your artistic style. Each session builds on previous skills, allowing you to complete several prints to take home. No experience needed—all materials provided in this hands-on introduction to printmaking.

Spine & Stitch: Bookbinding Basics

Discover the craft of bookbinding in this four-day workshop for adult beginners. Meeting for 1.5 hours each evening, you'll explore three essential techniques: pamphlet stitch, case binding, and Japanese stab binding. In our well-equipped studio, you'll learn to fold signatures, sew book blocks, and create covers while developing your personal style. Each session builds on previous skills, allowing you to complete several handmade books to take home. No experience needed—all materials provided in this hands-on introduction to the timeless art of bookbinding.

Tea Pots with Slabs

In this four day in a row intensive hand building class, you'll learn slab-making and construction techniques to design and build your very own teapot. Explore surface design and glazing in a fun, engaging studio environment—no experience necessary!

This class is open to all levels, ages 18 and up. All materials and kiln firing are included.

Our teachers

Jennifer Thayer Karl is an Upper School Art Teacher and the Art Department Chair at PCD. She is a passionate potter and sculptor who brings her vibrant creativity to life both in the classroom and through her local art sales. With a deep love for clay, she is dedicated to fostering a sense of community by sharing the joy of pottery and sculpture with individuals of all ages. Her commitment to art extends beyond teaching; she creates a welcoming space where everyone can explore their creativity and connect through the transformative power of clay.
Sean Garrett is a graduate of RISD's Ceramics Program with 12 years of Ceramic Teaching experience, I'll show you a variety of building methods using clay to create great artworks. Clay has been a passion of mine since I first started working with it, and I'm sure you'll grow to love it too... as long as you are prepared to get your hands dirty!
Chloe Wessner is a RISD-educated painter and multidisciplinary artist with over 15 years of experience in both fine art and jewelry design. Her clear and organized approach will help you confidently explore color theory while developing foundational painting habits that will serve you for years to come. 

Sign up online for June Intensive Knight Classes:

MAY 2025 Classes

Adult Pottery Class

This class will inspire creativity while teaching both form and function to adults looking to learn how to work with clay on the potter’s wheel. In this four-week beginner pottery class, you will learn techniques for making mugs, vases, and bowls, including surface design and glazing. This class is open to all levels, ages 18 and up. This is a great opportunity for beginners or as a refresher for experienced potters. All materials and firing are provided. Students will create approximately 4 to 6 pieces to keep or give as a gift. Come join the fun!
Jennifer Thayer Karl is an Upper School Art Teacher and the Art Department Chair at PCD. She is a passionate potter and sculptor who brings her vibrant creativity to life both in the classroom and through her local art sales. With a deep love for clay, she is dedicated to fostering a sense of community by sharing the joy of pottery and sculpture with individuals of all ages. Her commitment to art extends beyond teaching; she creates a welcoming space where everyone can explore their creativity and connect through the transformative power of clay.

The Color Lab: Painting for Beginners

Dive into the fundamentals of painting and discover the power of color in this introductory course. Over four evenings, you'll build a strong foundation in color theory and basic painting principles. We'll start by exploring the color wheel and how colors relate to each other, so you can create vibrant palettes and achieve harmony in your work. You'll also learn important skills like how to manage your palette, correct paint application techniques, and the basics of composition. Working in acrylic gouache, you'll progress from exercises to studies to a more involved composition. Along the way you will gain confidence and lay the groundwork for your own painting style. This course is perfect for absolute beginners or anyone looking to refresh their fundamental painting skills.
Chloe Wessner is a RISD-educated painter and multidisciplinary artist with over 15 years of experience in both fine art and jewelry design. Her clear and organized approach will help you confidently explore color theory while developing foundational painting habits that will serve you for years to come. 

Clay Hand Building

Class Description: In the class we'll aim to cover coil / slab building, carving, and sculpting clay to make 2 or more complex art pieces. The first will be a slab / coiled ceramic vessel (vase, cup, mug, pencil holder) focusing on function and quality craftsmanship. The second will be a sculpting / carving sculpture where we will be diving into movement and proportions.  Reminders: Come prepared in clothes you can easily move and get dirty in (it will wash out!)
Sean Garrett is a graduate of RISD's Ceramics Program with 12 years of Ceramic Teaching experience, I'll show you a variety of building methods using clay to create great artworks. Clay has been a passion of mine since I first started working with it, and I'm sure you'll grow to love it too... as long as you are prepared to get your hands dirty!