POTTERY [Ages 16+]
This class is devoted to the understanding and practice of the joys of ceramics. Open to all. No experience is required. The instructor will teach according to each student's skill level. You will learn the fundamentals of throwing on the wheel, hand-building, and glazing; so that by the end of the class you will have a portfolio of finished work. The main goal of this class is to create, as well as appreciate, expressive and beautiful three-dimensional clay forms. Weekly bench time is included in the class. Bench time is held on Saturdays from 1 to 3:30 p.m. Bench time is on a first-come basis, limited to six students at a time. Bench time is not instructor-led. Bench time is a time for students to practice their skills in the studio.

POTTERY WITH JUSTIN
Tuesdays 3-5:30 p.m., 6-8:30 p.m.
April 2 - May 21 | June 18 - Aug 6

Thursdays 12-2:30 p.m.
March 14-May 2 | May 16-July 11

Member: $315.00
Non-Member: $345.00

POTTERY WITH GRACE
Wednesdays 1-3:30 p.m.
Feb 21 - April 10 | April 24 - June12

Thursdays 6-8:30 p.m.
Feb 22 - April 11 | April 25 - June 13

Saturdays 9-11:30 a.m.
Feb 24 - April 13 | April 27-June 15

Member: $260.00
Non-Member: $290.00

PRIVATE POTTERY LESSONS
Offered Year-Round
Private lessons are one-on-one pottery lessons available for beginner to advance potters. Students can work on a variety of specific projects with the instructor. Have a group of people you want to create with? Group lessons are the same base fee with an additional $75 per person to account for clay! Times for private lessons are determined between the student and instructor. Please email pottery@thecomo.org to set up a time prior to registering!

SIP ‘N’ SPIN POTTERY WORKSHOP
Offered Year-Round
Every first and third Friday of each month. Bring your favorite wine or brew and sip through a professional wheel-throwing demo. Then, receive instruction on how to throw your own creation on the pottery wheel or by handbuilding. Clay and firing for three pieces included. Ages 21+ only. Registration through Eventbrite.

INDEPENDENT POTTERY
Offered Year-Round
Independent Potters are selected capable potters who work on their own in the studio with access to the studio at a wider variety of times during the week and on weekends when classes aren’t in session. The COMO Pottery Studio is designed to engage and support both the student and experienced potter as hobbyists, not commercial production. As a nonprofit organization that subsidizes the operations of the studio in order to keep the art form of ceramics affordable and accessible to the community, production with the intent to sell outside of the COMO umbrella changes the independent potter’s hobbyist status to a licensed vendor. Licensed vendors who utilize the studio’s resources to generate wares for private sales are cost prohibitive to the COMO making commercial production prohibited. Click here for more info about our Independent Potter Program!

WATERCOLOR WONDERS WITH MYSTIC MUSEUM OF ART
May 8 - June 5
Wednesdays 6:30-7:30 p.m.

A partnership with the Mystic Museum of Art. Join MMoA artist educator, Carol Mann, and learn how to paint in watercolor. MMoA artist educators bring unique perspectives, skills, and expertise to the table, and we are excited to offer Watercolor Wonders, the first of many collaborative art programs to come to the Stonington COMO’s Makerspace.

Watercolor is a versatile, expressive artistic medium that is readily learned, but which can take a lifetime to master. On the pathway to mastery, it can be used to make a garden/nature journal, illustrate a travel diary, or for creating one of a kind greeting cards. In this class, students will learn the basics of laying flat and graded washes, achieving the right pigment-to-water ratio, and using various tools and techniques to create texture and interest. Using still life and landscape as subject matter, the principles fundamental to making a compelling artistic statement in any medium (e.g. composition and color) will be reviewed.

All supplies provided, although participants may want to bring a small paper pad for making notes and preliminary sketches. Beginner and Intermediate Level. No prior experience required.

Member $150
Nonmember $180

REGISTER FOR WATERCOLOR WONDERS

MAKERSPACE OPEN STUDIO [Ages 18+]
May 13 - June 3
Mondays 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Come into the COMO Makerspace to bring your creative projects to life! Includes access to makerspace equipment. COMO Members ONLY. No need to register — just drop in!

Member FREE

CONNECTING MEMORIES: WRITING CLASS WITH LASER_ENGRAVED KEEPSAKE
May 4, 11, 18, June 1
Saturdays 11-12:30 p.m.

Transform your personal experiences into compelling written narratives. In this four-week class, you’ll gain insight into various forms of writing from life, including letters, personal essays, and memoirs. You’ll engage in generative writing exercises to spark creativity and receive constructive feedback in a supportive workshop environment. Each session will be a dynamic blend of exploration, discussion, and writing.

The final class of the session will be spent laser engraving your letter on maple hardwood that you can cherish or gift to a loved one. Engraved in either in your handwriting or a font of your choice. Class is taught by Lara Enrlich. Lara is an author and the founder and director of Thought Fox Writers Den, which builds community and supports writers of all levels with in-person and virtual workshops, coaching, events, and more.

All materials provided. No class on May 25.

Member $150
Non-members $180

REGISTER FOR CONNECTING MEMORIES

INTRO TO LEATHERCRAFT WORKSHOPS: DIY LEATHER AND BRASS PERSONALIZED KEYCHAIN
March 22 | April 12 | April 26 | May 10
Fridays 6:30-8 p.m.

Come join us at COMO Makerspace for a hands-on workshop where you'll learn the art of leathercrafting! In this session, you'll get to create your very own personalized keychain using high-quality leather and brass materials. Experienced leatherworker and maker Brian Keefe will teach you how to use leathercraft hand tools to cut, thin out, smooth, and polish leather. Participants will make and leave with a unique leather loop keychain that has a solid brass snap and their initials stamped on it. The COMO Makerspace is located at 45 Cutler St., Stonington, CT 06379. The building is attached to the COMO Thrift and the makerspace entrance is the last door on the left.

This is a BYOB (bring your own beverage) event with fun music and a laid back vibe. Ages 21+

$65/person

REGISTER FOR LEATHERCRAFTING

3D PRINTER & DESIGN TRAINING FOR PROFESSIONALS
Offered Year-Round
Is your team new to 3D printing, or do you want to expand your professional print and design skills? One of our professional trainers/engineers will come out to help you set up your printers and get them running for you, train your staff on how to use hardware and software, go over best practices for printing, or help troubleshoot your current machines or designs to get the best prints. Or, bring your team to the COMO Makerspace and we can do the training here. Ideal for schools, small businesses, and organizations. Price: $500 Includes 4-hour training for up to four staff ($75+ for each additional), and up to a 50-mile radius of Stonington, CT (additional charge for further distance). Email V.Witte@thecomo.org to register and learn more