Classes
No matter your age and experience level, come and get creative with VISAC! Browse upcoming programming below and check back for new opportunities added regularly.
Email info@visacgallery.com with any questions.
Pottery Workshops
Wheel Throwing: Basics and Beyond! with Sarah Barr (September 8 - October 20 no class Oct. 13)
Join instructor Sarah Barr in the pottery studio to begin, or further develop, your skills on the wheel. We will explore throwing, trimming, making handles and glazing. Enjoy a hands-on experience with clay during this messy and meditative six week session.
When
6 Monday mornings
September – October 20, 2025 (no class on Oct 13 holiday)
11:00am-1:30pm
Class fee
$270 for VISAC members (or $300 for non-members)
Supply fee
$20 for clay, to be paid by cash or e-transfer on the first day of class. Minimum 4 students, with a maximum of 5.
Youth ages 16-18 are welcome to participate, with parental consent.
Location
VISAC Gallery – Under the red gallery awning
1501 Cedar Ave, Trail
Lower Level of Selkirk Building
About Sarah Barr of Centre Star Studio
Centre Star Studio is the home and workspace of potter Sarah Barr. Located near Gyro Park in Trail BC, it’s here that Sarah works with clay, colour and form to make functional pieces that bring joy to everyday moments. To learn more about Sarah, check out her website.
Sarah teaches wheel throwing and hand building classes in the pottery studio.
Register here
Beginner / Intermediate Wheel Throwing with Lana Jamieson (September 10 - October 15)
Join instructor Lana Jamieson for 6 weeks of instruction on the wheel! This class is perfect for beginners and an opportunity to further develop your skills in the pottery studio. Students will learn wedging, centering, pulling, trimming, handle-making and glazing.
Workshop dates
6 Wednesday evenings
September 10 – October 15, 2025
6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Workshop fee
$270 for VISAC members (or $300 for non-members)
Supply fee
$20 for clay, to be paid by cash or e-transfer on the first day of class. Minimum 4 students, with a maximum of 5.
Youth ages 16-18 are welcome to participate, with parental consent.
Location
VISAC Gallery – Under the red gallery awning
1501 Cedar Ave, Trail
Lower Level of Selkirk Building
About Lana Jamieson of Black Earth Ceramics
Lana is the potter behind Black Earth Ceramics. She has a BFA from Concordia University where she majored in Studio Arts with a Concentration in Ceramic Sculpture. While in Montreal, Lana fell in love with pottery, while studying privately with Iranian master potter Mahmoud Baghaeian. She has a studio in her home in Rossland where she creates pottery which she sells in several shops. Lana has taught several ceramics workshops in schools, at peoples homes, and at the Rossland Museum. Lana also has a Bachelor of Education with a focus on teaching fine arts and currently works as a teacher for SD 20. To learn more about Lana, click here: https://www.facebook.com/BlackEarthCeramics/
Register here
Introduction to Clay Techniques with Lana Jamieson (October 22 - November 26)
This class is a perfect for anyone new to working with clay or anyone who wants to expand their skills. Students learn the fundamental techniques of both wheel throwing and hand-building, including pinching, coiling, and slab construction, to create a variety of forms. This course also covers the basics of wedging, centering, pulling, trimming and glazing providing a solid foundation for your future ceramic projects.
Workshop dates
6 Wednesday evenings
October 22 – November 26 2025
6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Workshop fee
$270 for VISAC members (or $300 for non-members)
Supply fee
$20 for clay, to be paid by cash or e-transfer on the first day of class. Minimum 4 students, with a maximum of 5.
Youth ages 16-18 are welcome to participate, with parental consent.
Location
VISAC Gallery – Under the red gallery awning
1501 Cedar Ave, Trail
Lower Level of Selkirk Building
About Lana Jamieson of Black Earth Ceramics
Lana is the potter behind Black Earth Ceramics. She has a BFA from Concordia University where she majored in Studio Arts with a Concentration in Ceramic Sculpture. While in Montreal, Lana fell in love with pottery, while studying privately with Iranian master potter Mahmoud Baghaeian. She has a studio in her home in Rossland where she creates pottery which she sells in several shops. Lana has taught several ceramics workshops in schools, at peoples homes, and at the Rossland Museum. Lana also has a Bachelor of Education with a focus on teaching fine arts and currently works as a teacher for SD 20. To learn more about Lana, click here: https://www.facebook.com/BlackEarthCeramics/
Register here
Introduction to Clay Techniques with Sarah Zanussi (October 20 - November 24)
This class is a perfect for anyone new to working with clay or anyone who wants to expand their skills. Students learn the fundamental techniques of both wheel throwing and hand-building, including pinching, coiling, and slab construction, to create a variety of forms. This course also covers the basics of wedging, centering, pulling, trimming and glazing providing a solid foundation for your future ceramic projects.
Workshop dates
6 Monday evenings
October 20 – November 24 2025
6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Workshop fee
$270 for VISAC members (or $300 for non-members)
Supply fee
$20 for clay, to be paid by cash or e-transfer on the first day of class. Minimum 4 students, with a maximum of 5.
Youth ages 16-18 are welcome to participate, with parental consent.
Location
VISAC Gallery – Under the red gallery awning
1501 Cedar Ave, Trail
Lower Level of Selkirk Building
About Sarah Zanussi of Pisces Pottery
Creating nature inspired, whimsical collections of functional pottery from her home studio. To learn more, check out her work on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pisces_pottery/
Register here
Wheel Throwing: Basics and Beyond! with Sarah Barr (October 27 - December 1)
Join instructor Sarah Barr in the pottery studio to begin, or further develop, your skills on the wheel. We will explore throwing, trimming, making handles and glazing. Enjoy a hands-on experience with clay during this messy and meditative six week session.
When
6 Monday mornings
October 27 – December 1, 2025
11:00am-1:30pm
Class fee
$270 for VISAC members (or $300 for non-members)
Supply fee
$20 for clay, to be paid by cash or e-transfer on the first day of class. Minimum 4 students, with a maximum of 5.
Youth ages 16-18 are welcome to participate, with parental consent.
Location
VISAC Gallery – Under the red gallery awning
1501 Cedar Ave, Trail
Lower Level of Selkirk Building
About Sarah Barr of Centre Star Studio
Centre Star Studio is the home and workspace of potter Sarah Barr. Located near Gyro Park in Trail BC, it’s here that Sarah works with clay, colour and form to make functional pieces that bring joy to everyday moments. To learn more about Sarah, check out her website.
Sarah teaches wheel throwing and hand building classes in the pottery studio.
Friday Night Pottery (Private Classes)
Perfect for celebrating an occasion or getting to know your work team better, this pottery class is a fun and collaborative way to spend a Friday evening.
During our class you’ll create and decorate a pottery piece of your choice from one of the following options:
1. A slab mug
2. A coil bowl
3. Experience the process of the wheel* (one favorite piece will be kept per participant).
*Students must be 16 or older for this option; maximum five participants
After pieces are glazed and fired, we’ll email you to pick up your piece approximately four to six weeks after your class.
Minimum number of students is one; Maximum number of students is eight
Where:
VISAC Pottery Studio
1501 Cedar Ave, Trail
Lower Level of Community Building downtown
Class Fee:
$300 for the class (firing and glazing included)
Requests to register should be made at least a week in advance. Contact info@visacgallery.com if you need more information, or would like to check on the availability of your preferred date and time.
Youth Programming
Itty Bitty Art Time - Preschool Art Classes (Ages 2-5)
Looking to explore art and creativity with the little kiddo in your life?
Participants can expect to make artwork in a wide range of materials that encourage experimentation and motor skill development. Previous projects include yarn bowls, glitter dioramas and marker pull art.
These classes get MESSY, be sure to dress your child (and yourself!) in play clothes. Paint, salt, glue and many more materials will be used. Art smocks are provided for the children.
One caregiver per child (or group of children) is required.
Class dates
Tuesday mornings
Sept. 9 – Dec. 16, 2025 (13 sessions, no classes on Sept 30 or Nov 11)
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM or 11:00 AM -11:45 AM
Class fees
$90 per child for 13 classes
$7 per drop-in
All supplies are included
Location
VISAC Gallery – Under the red gallery awning
1501 Cedar Ave, Trail
Lower Level of Selkirk Building
About the instructor
Sarah Elizabeth Fibre Works is about all natural fibres; hand processed using the traditions of years gone by and the innovations of the present. The aim is to create a full circle connection for the consumer; an understanding of both the fabulous qualities of the product as well as the connection to the natural world.
If you have any questions, reach out to info@visacgallery.com
Register here
Visual Exploration Club (Ages 5-8)
Students can expect to learn about other artists, experiment with various materials, and make mistakes. Each participant receives a sketchbook to track their skill development in a wide range of materials such as drawing, painting, printmaking and 3-dimensional art.
This session is for ages 5-8, or primary students in grades K-3.
Class dates
Tuesday afternoons from 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
13 sessions from Sept 9 – Dec 16, 2025 (No class Sept 30 + Nov 11)
Minimum 5 students, with a maximum of 12
Class fee
$130 per participant
$10 drop-in fee
All supplies are provided
Location
VISAC Gallery – Under the red gallery awning
1501 Cedar Ave, Trail
Lower Level of Selkirk Building
About the instructor
Instructor information coming soon!
If you have any questions, email info@visacgallery.com
Register here
Visual Exploration Club (Ages 9-12)
Students can expect to learn about other artists, experiment with various materials, and make mistakes. Each participant receives a sketchbook to track their skill development in a wide range of materials such as drawing, painting, printmaking and 3-dimensional art.
This session is for ages 9-12, or intermediate students in grades 4-7.
Class dates
Wednesday afternoons from 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
15 sessions from Sept 10 – Dec 17, 2025
Minimum 5 students, with a maximum of 12
Class fee
$150 per participant
$10 drop-in fee
All supplies are provided
Location
VISAC Gallery – Under the red gallery awning
1501 Cedar Ave, Trail
Lower Level of Selkirk Building
About the instructor
Sarah Elizabeth Fibre Works is about all natural fibres; hand processed using the traditions of years gone by and the innovations of the present. The aim is to create a full circle connection for the consumer; an understanding of both the fabulous qualities of the product as well as the connection to the natural world.
If you have any questions, email info@visacgallery.com
Register here
Visual Exploration Club (Ages 13+)
Students can expect to learn about other artists, experiment with various materials, and make mistakes. Each participant receives a sketchbook to track their skill development in a wide range of materials such as drawing, painting, printmaking and 3-dimensional art.
This session is for ages 13+, or secondary students in grades 8-12.
If your child is 16 or older, they can also participate in adult classes such as pottery workshops or any drop-in groups.
Class dates
Thursday afternoons from 3:30 PM – 4:30 PM
15 sessions from Sept 11 – Dec 18, 2025
Minimum 5 students, with a maximum of 12
Class fee
$150 per participant
$10 drop-in fee
All supplies are provided
Location
VISAC Gallery – Under the red gallery awning
1501 Cedar Ave, Trail
Lower Level of Selkirk Building
About the instructor
Instructor information coming soon!
If you have any questions, reach out to info@visacgallery.com
Register here
Adult Programming
Rock and Gem Polishing Studio and Classes
Rock Your World With A Lapidary Course
Beginner and experienced rockhounds have an opportunity during the fall and winter seasons to expand their knowledge of working with rocks and gems as the VISAC Gallery presents a four-session course on cutting and polishing semi-precious or just plain pretty stones.
Long-time local rock and gem craftsman Russ Olson will present 4-week 2-hour sessions. Email us for class costs. All sessions will be held in the VISAC Gallery’s Lapidary Studio.
Some of the topics to be covered include cabochon, which relates to the flat cutting and polishing of stone for mounting on a ring or pendant; mosaic stones; opal triplets, which involves sandwiching the stone between a black base and a quartz cap for protection; rock beads; and knife handles.
“They will be learning how to cut and polish stones, make custom jewelry they can wear such as belt buckles, pendants, and earrings,” Olson said. “The appeal is that they are leaning a craft that has unlimited ways in which you can go.”
Other possible applications include the creation of lamps similar to stained glass creations, rock vases, mixed media creations involving stone and other materials such as wood, casting gold and silver, and tinsmithing.
Next series: September 2025
To register email: info@visacgallery.com
Instructors
Sarah Barr
Centre Star Studio is the home and workspace of potter Sarah Barr. Located near Gyro Park in Trail BC, it’s here that Sarah works with clay, colour and form to make functional pieces that bring joy to everyday moments. To learn more about Sarah, check out her website.
Sarah teaches wheel throwing and hand building classes in the pottery studio.
Sarah Elizabeth
EST. 2015 & based in Rossland, BC. Sarah Elizabeth Fibre Works provides sustainably sourced and produced fibre art supplies & tools for all fibre art enthusiasts. To learn more about Sarah, visit her website here.
Sarah teaches the preschool art program Itty Bitty Art Time as well as a variety of fibre art classes.
Lana Jamieson
Lana is the potter behind Black Earth Ceramics. She has a BFA from Concordia University where she majored in Studio Arts with a Concentration in Ceramic Sculpture. While in Montreal, Lana fell in love with pottery, while studying privately with Iranian master potter Mahmoud Baghaeian. She has a studio in her home in Rossland where she creates pottery which she sells in several shops. To learn more about Lana, click here.
Lana teaches wheel throwing and hand building classes in the pottery studio.
Theresa LeRose
I work in both hand built and wheel thrown work with emphasis on surface treatment and altered shapes. I work out of my home in Castlegar and a community studio in Trail. To learn more, visit Theresa’s website.
Theresa teaches classes in the pottery studio.
Kerry Bullock
Arts Educator Kerry Bullock is a professional Fibre/Mixed media artist who has worked with children of all ages.
She has learned to communicate with nature while creating a sustainable art practice. She is passionate about our Mother Earth and consciously wants to preserve and improve the land we live on for our future children.
“I feel when you create together with intention, it builds a stronger, more loving community. This will create a stronger, more loving world.”
To learn more about Kerry, visit her Instagram.
Sarah Zanussi
Creating nature inspired, whimsical collections of functional pottery from her home studio. To learn more, check out her work on instagram.
Sarah teaches wheel throwing and hand building classes in the pottery studio.
Cancellation Policy
Last updated on November 12, 2024
This cancellation policy applies to all classes and workshops offered at VISAC.
Registration:
Registration forms for workshops are available on our website.
Payment:
Full payment of the workshop fee is required at the time of registration to hold your seat.
Normal Refund Policy:
Each class and workshop series is priced on the basis of a minimum number of registrants required to cover the costs of facilitating the workshop.
Cancellation requests received 14 days prior to the start of the first class will receive a full refund minus a $20 administration fee per student.
Cancellations requests received with less than 14 days prior to the start of the first class will receive a 75% refund minus a $20 administration fee per student.
Cancellations requests received with less than 7 days prior to the start of the first class will not be refunded.
We do not issue refunds after the class or series has started.
Disclaimer:
In the unlikely event that the gallery or the instructor need to cancel a workshop, all fees that have been collected will be fully refunded or can be allocated to another workshop.