Young Potters: Beginning Throwing and Hand Building

In this introductory class for ages 10-15, young potters will learn the basics of throwing on the wheel and how to hand build with clay. Even though this is an introductory class, all skills are welcome and our teacher, Ben Burris and Anna Ellis, can help your child with more advanced projects.  Clay, glazes and firing are included in the tuition.

Instructor: Ben Burris

Ben is a ceramic artist currently pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts with the goal of teaching at the university level. He began working in clay at the age of 40 and is drawn to traditional wheel-thrown forms influenced by Asian aesthetics. His work emphasizes natural textures and surfaces, reflecting a deep appreciation for organic form and process. Ben is passionate about ceramics education and sharing the transformative nature of pottery with others

Anna Ellis

Anna is a Lynchburg native who has always had a passion for the arts. She studied at VCU in Richmond Virginia. However, it wasn’t until 2009 that she took a pottery class at CVCC, and fell in love with the medium. After taking what was offered at community college, she made her way down to the Academy.

Encouraged greatly by teacher May Carter she started teaching children’s classes in 2011 after several years moved on to teaching adult classes and workshops. Her work has always been inspired by her love of animals, particularly farm animals. Her work has been in the National Juried Art Exhibition at the Academy and has won awards at the Bath County Art Festival.

Sponsored by:

with Education Access Program Discounts Underwritten by