Summer and Fall Mud
Explore your creativity and expand your skills through hands-on ceramic classes at Bluffton University. Whether you're new to ceramics or an experienced artist, our classes provide opportunities to learn new techniques, develop your skills and create functional and artistic pieces in a supportive studio environment.
Knowledgeable instructors provide guidance throughout the class, with instruction tailored to participants' experience levels. Classes may include wheel throwing, hand building, glazing and firing techniques.
No grades. No tests. No academic credit earned. Beginners and advanced artists are welcome. Participants should be at least 14 years old (in ninth grade).
Classes are held in Bluffton University's ceramic studio in the Sauder Visual Arts Center. Participants have opportunities for both guided instruction and independent studio work.
Class fees include materials and instructor fees. Space is limited, so early registration is encouraged.
June 8-26
Sauder Visual Arts Center, ceramic studio
Instruction available
Mondays through Thursdays 6:30-9 p.m.
- The studio will be open 7 a.m.-11 p.m. everyday for independent work
- Class fees of $330 cover material and instructor fees
- Class size is limited to the first 23 to register and pay
- An introduction to the class and basic wheel throwing will be provided at 6:30 p.m. Monday, June 8. All participants should plan to attend this session.
- Participants need to provide basic tools such as a digger, rib, needle tool, ribbon and pear pitter trimming tools, toggle cutter, sponge and a small plastic water bucket.
- All work is to be done in the studio with the materials provided.
- Completed work will be fired using various kilns at Bluffton University.
- Participants must sign their work.
- The last day to make wetware is June 19. All work must be glazed by June 26.
Registration for Summer Mud 2026 is closed.
Oct. 5-Nov. 25
Sauder Visual Arts Center, ceramic studio
Instruction available
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 5-9 p.m.
Saturdays 1-5 p.m.
- Studio work is available only during Fall Mud hours: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 5-9 p.m. and Saturdays from 1-5 p.m.
- Class fees of $330 include instructor fees and one 5-gallon bucket (approximately 50 pounds) of prepared clay. Additional clay is available for $1 per pound.
- Class size is limited to the first 20 to register and pay
- An introduction to the class and basic wheel throwing will be provided at 5 p.m. Monday, Oct. 5. All participants should plan to attend this session to review class details and scheduling.
- Participants need to provide basic tools such as a digger, rib, needle tool, ribbon and pear pitter trimming tools, toggle cutter, sponge and a small plastic water bucket.
- All work is to be done in the studio with the materials provided.
- Completed work will be fired using various kilns at Bluffton University.
- Participants must sign their work.
- All work must be glazed by Nov. 25.
For questions, contact T.R. Steiner, adjunct instructor of art, at steinerralph@bluffton.edu. TRSteiner.com