Clay Slab-building Workshop

Essentials of Slab Building – Form, Structure & Construction



2.5 hours Location Nob Hill Class size 1 to 20 guests   $109 - $185 ($185 per guest when you book for 1 guest, $155/guest for 2+ guests, $137/guest for 4+ guests, $115/guest for 6+ guests, $109/guest for 11+ guests)

In this focused, hands-on slab-building workshop, students will dive into essential slab-building techniques, learning how to transform flat clay slabs into strong, well-constructed ceramic forms. This class emphasizes process, precision, and good building habits that translate to both functional and sculptural work.
Students will learn how to make, prepare, and join slabs, create and use paper templates, and properly assemble and reinforce forms for strength and longevity. The techniques covered are ideal for building boxes, vessels, tiles, architectural forms, and clean, geometric shapes.
This workshop is suitable for motivated beginners and intermediate students looking to refine their slab-building skills. Advanced students may choose to bring or purchase translucent porcelain (such as Frost or Coleman) to explore refined surfaces and light-box forms.
This is a 1-day class (2.5 hours) and focuses on building techniques. For students who want a deeper experience with surface design, glazing, and firing, we recommend enrolling in one of our 6-week courses to enjoy the complete pottery-making process.
Finished pieces will be dried, fired, glazed, and glaze fired by the studio and will be ready for pick-up in approximately 4–6 weeks.
Workshop minimum: 2 participants
Clean-Up
The final 15 minutes of class are reserved for clean-up. If you’d prefer to spend every minute creating, a clean-up service is available for a small fee—at checkout.
Location Notes
We have two pottery studios in San Francisco. Please double-check which location you are booking before registering.
Please note:
  • Please arrive 10 minutes early so we can start on time. Late arrivals disrupt the flow of the demonstration and won't give you the time you will want to create.
  • For a private group or team session at a date and time of your choice, please contact your teacher.
What you'll get
Included in this experience
2-1/2 hrs of instruction and firing
Sulpture clay and firing for 2-3 sculptures
Shared tools and aprons are available
Consider bringing your pieces to one of our raku workshops.
Knowledge required
Great for all skill levels
What to bring
Wear clothes and shoes you don't mind getting dirty and bring your creative spirit!
Add-on available for this class
  • Have us clean up your work area for you ($12)
You can add this when you book (optional).
Suitable for

This class is great for individuals and couples as well as for a date idea, team building activity, Christmas party, birthday or bachelorette party.

Suitable for adults, and kids (minimum 7 years old).

An adult must accompany any attending kids, and must pay for a separate ticket.

This experience would also be a fun gift for her, gift for mom, Xmas gift or gift for couples.

Location

SMAart Gallery & Studio - 1045 Sutter Street, San Francisco, CA

Clay Slab-building Workshop location
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Your teacher

SMAart Gallery and Studio
SMAart Gallery and Studio

4.8 (373)

Steve has been an artist and creator his whole life and working in clay for over 35 years. After working in the high-tech manufacturing industry for more than two decades, he quit his day job and received a BA and MFA. He began teaching ceramics at Bay Area colleges, universities, and community centers. He also managed the ceramic studio at the Richmond Art Center until he opened SMAart Gallery and Studio in 2012. He loves to create and is pleased to share his passion here at SMAart.

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2026-11-20 15:00:00
class 0 4FHB8OR140 b96a490f1dd90bcefdba5812d2d1076a 1 production san-francisco San Francisco CA US san-francisco