A Community Pottery Studio
in Midlothian, Virginia
Workshops, Master Classes & Special Events
Duration: 4 Weeks | Meets Once a Week on Sundays
DATES: Sundays 10/25, 11/1, 11/8, 11/15
TIME: 1:30pm - 4pm
Instructor: Lee Hazelgrove (45 years as a Studio Potter & Educator)
Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Tuition Includes: A bag of clay, all materials, glazes, and firings.
Course Overview
Jars are among the most technically demanding and historically rich forms in ceramics. Led by studio potter Lee Hazelgrove, known for his large-scale vessels and dynamic surfaces, this intensive 4-week master class offers a deep dive into the history, engineering, and philosophy of the container-lidded-form.
Intermediate and advanced potters will move beyond basic cylinders to master the structural anatomy, functional mechanics, and various lid considerations required to create commanding lidded vessels.
Lee’s class time will be split equally between 1/2 lecture, demo and critique and 1/2 on the wheel work directly with participants.
From one-time pottery workshops to seasonal events and 4 week focused specialty Master Classes, River City Clay offers lots of different opportunities to explore clay.
Previous Workshops have included: Raku, Make Your Own Glazes, Saggar, Slip Casting, Cone 10, Brushmaking and others!
Saturday, November 21st - 10:00 AM - 1:00PM
Instructor: Diane Whitesel
Join us in the studio for our festive Christmas & Winter Tree Pottery Workshop! This hands-on session focuses on throwing, shaping, and detailing custom ceramic holiday trees. Hands-on guidance will be available throughout class to assist with centering, pulling height, and refining your tree forms.
Workshop Details:
Every participant will leave with at least one winter tree project.
Assistance with wheel techniques, centering, and clay-shaping.
We’ll cover finishing and glazing techniques at the end of class so you're ready to glaze your pieces during studio hours.
Come get creative, spend time at the wheel, and make a few festive ceramic trees to keep or gift this season!
Date: Sunday, November 8 | Time: 9:00 AM – 10:30 AM
Cost: FREE!
Start your Sunday morning with great coffee, delicious breakfast treats, and essential tips for ceramic longevity!
Throwing at the wheel is a deeply rewarding art, but repetitive movements and improper posture can quickly take a toll on your back, wrists, and shoulders. Join us for this interactive 90min session led by Sejal Kinker—an occupational therapist and avid potter who understands the physical demands of clay work firsthand.
In this workshop, you’ll learn:
Key ergonomic principles specifically tailored for wheel throwing
How to position your body to prevent pain and strain
Easy stretches and warm-ups to incorporate into your studio routine
Simple adjustments you can make to your setup to throw comfortably for years to come
Enjoy a warm cup of coffee and breakfast snacks while connecting with fellow makers, trying out live ergonomic positioning techniques at the wheel, and getting your specific posture questions answered.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned potter, learn how to protect your body so you can keep creating for a lifetime!
< Click here to RSVP on Facebook! >
Pottery Classes for All Skill Levels
At River City Clay in Midlothian we offer pottery classes and ceramics instruction for all skill levels. Learn wheel throwing, handbuilding, glazing, and more alongside experienced instructors.
Whether you’re looking to try the pottery wheel for the very first time, leveling up your ceramic skills, or hunting for a creative community to call home, you belong here.
We cater to clay lovers of all skill levels, fostering a fun, supportive atmosphere where we lift each other up and celebrate every single masterpiece (and beautiful mess!) that comes out of the kiln.
Studio Memberships for Independent Potters
Ready to take your pottery practice to the next level? River City Clay offers Studio Memberships for experienced potters in Midlothian, Virginia, serving artists from across the Richmond area who want the freedom to create on their own schedule
After approval by our Studio Manager, Lee Hazelgrove, members enjoy access to the studio for up to 18 hours a day, seven days a week. Choose from two membership options: an Associate Membership for up to 30 hours of studio time each month or a Full Membership with unlimited studio time to support your creative practice.
We are more than a Studio
Join our Creative Community in the Richmond Area
River City Clay is more than a place to make pottery. It's a community where artists encourage one another, share ideas, celebrate accomplishments, and continue learning together. Whether you're taking your first class or have years of experience, you'll find a welcoming space to create, connect, and grow.
Clay brings people together.
The community keeps them coming back.
Ready to get your hands dirty?
There's something special about making pottery with your own two hands.
At River City Clay in Midlothian, VA, just outside Richmond, we offer pottery classes for all levels. We have wheel throwing classes, handbuilding instruction, ceramic workshops, and studio pottery memberships for experienced potters.
We'd love to welcome you into the studio and help you discover everything clay has to offer.