Pottery Workshops & Masterclasses in Midlothian, VA
Our specialized pottery workshops and Master Classes at River City Clay offer the perfect opportunity to dive in, get your hands muddy, and elevate your craft. Conveniently located in Midlothian for makers across Richmond, Chesterfield, and the greater RVA area, our studio offers two distinct learning tracks:
Single-Session Guest Workshops: One-off hands-on sessions and artist demonstrations hosted by visiting ceramicists.
4-Week Master Classes: Immersive deep dives led by Lead Instructor and Studio Manager, Lee Hazelgrove, designed for intermediate and experienced potters looking to master specialized techniques, materials, and surface decorating styles.
River City Clay
Master Classes
4-Week Technical Focus Series
Designed for potters looking to refine their technique and elevate their craftsmanship, our 4-Week Master Classes offer structured, hands-on instruction led by Lee Hazelgrove.
Each series focuses deeply on a specialized skill set: from advanced surface decoration and glazing chemistry to complex multi-part builds and wheel-throwing precision.
What to Expect:
Dedicated Skill Focus: Dive deep into specific materials, decorative styles, or advanced ceramic forms.
Progressive Skill-Building: Weekly 3-hour guided sessions with targeted instruction, personal feedback, and tailored practice.
Small Class Sizes: Enjoy dedicated wheel/bench space and individual guidance throughout the 4 weeks.
Upcoming Master Classes:
Duration: 4 Weeks | Meets Once a Week on Sunday for 3 Hours
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 Hazelgroveknown 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.
River City Clay
Workshops
Experience fresh perspectives and new approaches through our visiting artist workshops! Hosted by guest potters, visiting ceramicists, and studio artists, these single-session events feature hands-on workshops, technique demonstrations, and artist talks.
What to Expect:
One-Time Events: Standalone workshops ranging from short demonstrations to half-day hands-on projects.
Guest Perspectives: Learn specialized techniques and studio tricks straight from visiting artists.
Open to All Levels: Perfect for dipping your toes into a new style or getting inspired by guest makers.
DATE: Saturday, October 10th
TIME: 1:30 - 4
Instructor: Diane Whitesel
Come join us for a fun, hands-on workshop where you’ll learn how to create your very own ghost and pumpkin!
Each participant is guaranteed to take home at least one ghost and one pumpkin, and we’ll make sure you leave with pieces you’ll be proud of.
No experience is necessary! If you need help with centering, throwing, or raising your clay, guidance will be provided throughout the workshop.
At the end of class, we’ll also go over glazing techniques and tips so you’ll know how to finish your pieces. Glazing will be completed by individual students after the workshop.
Come get creative, have some fun, and make some festive pottery to enjoy for the season!
Previous Workshops:
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Cuerda Seca with Leslie Messersmith
Cuerda Seca is a process of ceramic surface decoration that originated in the Middle East as a technique for decorating tiles. Wax is used to draw out the design and then the areas inside the lines are filled with glaze.About the Guest Instructor: Leslie Messersmith of Locust Hill Pottery, in Mechanicsville, Va. Her work has been featured in the Virginia Museum Shop, 43rd St. Gallery in Richmond, VA., Touch of Earth in Williamsburg, VA. and Sophia Street Gallery in Fredericksburg, VA. She has participated in numerous craft shows over the years in Florida, North Carolina, Virginia, Maryland and Washington, D.C.
