Been practicing your pottery on the wheel and looking to try out some new skills? Join Sarah Barr of Centre Star Studio and explore throwing taller and bigger forms, trimming tricky pieces and practicing closed forms and lids! Learn these techniques through demonstrations and then set your own pace. This class offers lots of time for individualized support!

When 

6 Monday mornings 
September 14th – October 26th, 2026 (No class October 12)
11:00am-1:30pm

Class fee 

$300 for VISAC members (or $330 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 6.

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

Learn the fundamentals of pottery in this beginner friendly three day intensive. Whether you’ve never touched a pottery wheel before or are looking to build confidence with the basics, this class will guide you through the entire process from clay to finished piece.

Day 1: Wheel Throwing
Day 2: Trimming
Day 3: Glazing

No previous experience is required. By the end of the course, you’ll have a solid introduction to wheel throwing and several handmade pieces to enjoy.

Workshop dates

3 Monday evenings
September 28th – October 19th, 2026 ( No class October 12)
6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Workshop fee

$175 for VISAC members (or $205 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 6.

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

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 14th – December 2nd (No Class Nov 11)
6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Workshop fee

$300 for VISAC members (or $330 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 6.

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

Using a pottery wheel, expect to learn centering, pulling, trimming, making handles and glazing.

Workshop dates

6 Monday evenings
October 26th – November 30th, 2026
6:00 PM – 8:30 PM

Workshop fee

$300 for VISAC members (or $330 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 6.

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

Design and create a custom ceramic house number plaque that is both functional and decorative. Participants will learn the basics of slab building while personalizing their piece with textures, patterns, and creative details that complement their home’s style. This one day workshop focuses on creating a lasting handmade piece that enhances the entrance to any home.

Give your home a handmade touch by creating your own ceramic house number plaque in this one day pottery workshop. Participants will be guided through the process of designing, cutting, shaping, and decorating their house numbers using handbuilding techniques. A variety of stamps, textures, and decorative elements will be available to help personalize each piece.

No prior pottery experience is required. All clay, tools, glazes, and kiln firings are included. Finished house numbers will be glazed, fired, and available for pickup once completed. This workshop is perfect for beginners, homeowners, and anyone looking to create a unique and functional piece of ceramic art.

Workshop date

Friday, September 18th, 2026
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Workshop fee

$85 per attendee

Minimum 6 students, with a maximum of 12

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

Grab a friend and join Sarah Zanussi of Pisces Pottery for a fun, hands-on night of clay and creativity. In this class, you’ll design and build your very own handmade mug from scratch, exploring playful shapes, unique handles, and creative surface details to make it completely your own.

Whether you go for cozy and classic or bold and a little quirky, this is your chance to make a mug that fits your personality. No experience needed, just come ready to get your hands dirty and have a great time.

Perfect for a night out with friends, this relaxed class is all about creativity, connection, and making something you’ll love using every day.

Workshop dates

Friday, October 2nd, 2026
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Workshop fee

$60 per attendee

Minimum 6 students, with a maximum of 12

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

Get into the Halloween spirit with a fun, hands on ceramic workshop focused on creating your own playful ghost inspired piece. Participants will explore basic hand building techniques while designing a unique ceramic ghost that can become a seasonal decoration for the home.

Create something spooky and fun in this hands on ceramic workshop! Participants will learn simple hand building techniques to sculpt and shape their own ceramic ghost. Whether you make a friendly little ghost, a spooky spirit, or something completely your own, this workshop is all about creativity and enjoying the process.

Pieces will be finished with ceramic glazes and fired in the kiln after the workshop. No previous pottery experience is required, making this a great introduction to working with clay and a fun seasonal activity for all skill levels.

Workshop Date: 

Friday, October 16th, 2026
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Workshop Fees:

$70 ($60 for class + $10 for glazes)

Where: 

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/

If you have any questions, please reach out to info@visacgallery.com

Register here

Create a charming ceramic winter village piece by designing and building your own gingerbread-inspired tealight house. Participants will use handbuilding techniques to shape, decorate, and personalize a festive ceramic house complete with windows, textures, and decorative details. This workshop combines creativity and seasonal charm, resulting in a handmade piece perfect for adding a warm glow to holiday décor. 

Bring a little handmade magic to your holiday season by creating your own ceramic gingerbread tealight house. In this one day pottery workshop, participants will learn handbuilding techniques to construct a decorative clay house inspired by classic gingerbread cottages. Add details such as windows, doors, textures, snow, and other whimsical touches to create a unique piece that can be displayed year after year.
No pottery experience is necessary. Participants will be guided through each step of the process, from building the form to adding decorative elements. All clay, tools, glazes, and kiln firings are included. Finished tealight houses will be glazed and fired after the workshop and available for pickup once completed.

Perfect as a holiday decoration, a thoughtful handmade gift, or a cozy addition to your home décor, this workshop is a fun and festive way to celebrate the season through clay.

Workshop date

Friday, November 13th, 2026
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Workshop fee

$85 per attendee

Minimum 6 students, with a maximum of 12

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

Create a beautiful handmade ceramic centrepiece that brings warmth and seasonal charm to your home. Inspired by winter trees and the cozy glow of the holiday season, participants will build their own decorative tree luminary using clay. 

Bring a little handmade magic to your holiday décor! In this hands on ceramic workshop, participants will create a beautiful Tree Luminary Centrepiece using simple hand building techniques. You’ll shape and decorate your own ceramic tree, adding openings that allow candlelight to shine through and create a warm, glowing effect.
Your finished piece will be glazed and kiln fired after the workshop, ready to become a special part of your seasonal décor for years to come. No previous pottery experience is required, making this a fun and creative workshop for all skill levels.

Workshop Date: 

Friday, November 6th, 2026
6:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Workshop Fees:

$85 ($75 for class + $10 for glazes)

Where: 

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/

If you have any questions, please reach out to info@visacgallery.com

Register here

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 (up to 8 participants)
2. A coil bowl (up to 8 participants)
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 six 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.

Sign up here

Overview
Design and carve your own unique ring in this beginner friendly wax carving workshop with instructor Alexa Heming. Participants will learn the fundamentals of wax carving and jewelry design while transforming a block of carving wax into a wearable piece that reflects their personal style. Alexa will guide you through the process of shaping, refining, and adding details to your ring design using specialized carving tools. This hands on workshop offers a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of art, craft, and jewelry making in a fun and supportive environment.

Learning Outcomes
Students will focus on the creative process of designing and carving their rings, while Alexa professionally handles the technical casting and finishing. After the workshop, your wax model will be cast into metal, polished, and transformed into a finished piece of jewelry ready to wear.

Perfect for beginners and creative makers alike, this workshop offers the chance to create a personal piece of jewelry from start to finish while gaining insight into the jewelry making process.
No experience necessary.

Workshop fee:
$200 + $45/finished piece (Casting & Polishing Fee)

Supply fee:
All supplies and materials are included in the price

Workshop dates:
October 5th, 2026
5:00PM-8:00PM

Minimum 6 students, with a maximum of 8 

Where:
VISAC Gallery – Under the red gallery awning
1501 Cedar Ave, Trail
Lower Level of Selkirk Building

About Alexa Heming, Instructor:
Alexa Heming is a nature-inspired jeweler based in the Kootenays, creating meaningful, one of a kind pieces rooted in the beauty nature. For nearly a decade, she has been making jewellery collections and collaborating closely with clients to bring their visions to life.

If you have any questions, please reach out to info@visacgallery.com

Register Here

Overview
Join local weaver, Jacki Bruce for a beginner friendly introduction to the art of pine needle basket weaving. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn step by step coiling techniques, tips for harvesting and preparing pine needles, and simple design principles to create a basket that is uniquely your own. Enjoy a calm, creative, and meditative experience while working with natural materials and discovering this traditional craft. By the end of the workshop, you’ll leave with a beautiful handmade basket and the skills to continue exploring pine needle weaving at home.

Workshop fee:
$50

Supply fee:
All supplies and materials are included in the price

Workshop dates:
October 10th, 2026
10:00AM-1:00PM

Minimum 6 students, with a maximum of 10

Where:
VISAC Gallery – Under the red gallery awning
1501 Cedar Ave, Trail
Lower Level of Selkirk Building

If you have any questions, please reach out to info@visacgallery.com

Register Here

Overview
Explore the beauty of landscapes through the expressive medium of watercolour. In this one day workshop, participants will learn foundational techniques while creating a finished landscape painting inspired by nature. The class focuses on building confidence with watercolour in a relaxed and supportive environment.

Learning Outcomes
Join us for a creative day of painting as you learn the fundamentals of watercolour landscapes. Through guided instruction, you’ll explore essential techniques including colour mixing, washes, wet on wet and wet on dry applications, layering, and creating depth and atmosphere. The instructor will demonstrate each step while offering individual guidance throughout the day.

Participants will complete a landscape painting to take home while gaining skills and techniques they can continue to practice in future watercolour projects. This workshop is suitable for beginners as well as those looking to refresh or expand their watercolour skills. All supplies are provided unless otherwise noted.

Workshop fee:
$50

Supply fee:
All supplies and materials are included in the price

Workshop dates:
October 17th, 2026
2:00PM-4:00PM

Minimum 6 students, with a maximum of 10

Where:
VISAC Gallery – Under the red gallery awning
1501 Cedar Ave, Trail
Lower Level of Selkirk Building

About Instructor:
Lauren is a self-taught watercolour artist that draws inspiration from the natural beauty that surrounds her home in Christina Lake, BC. She enjoys taking inspiration from nature and combining it with playful experiments of colour and texture.

If you have any questions, please reach out to info@visacgallery.com

Register Here

Overview
Join local weaver Jacki Bruce for a beginner friendly introduction to pine needle weaving as you create a beautiful handmade ornament. Learn the fundamentals of working with pine needles, including harvesting and preparation tips, simple design techniques, and the skills needed to create your own unique piece. Enjoy a relaxing, creative experience while working with natural materials and discovering the meditative nature of this traditional craft. Whether you’re making a keepsake for yourself or a thoughtful handmade gift, you’ll leave with a unique ornament and the confidence to continue exploring pine needle weaving on your own.

Workshop fee:
$50

Supply fee:
All supplies and materials are included in the price

Workshop dates:
November 7th, 2026
10:00AM-1:00PM

Minimum 6 students, with a maximum of 10

Where:
VISAC Gallery – Under the red gallery awning
1501 Cedar Ave, Trail
Lower Level of Selkirk Building

If you have any questions, please reach out to info@visacgallery.com

Register Here

Overview
Join local printmaker Erin Sinclair to create a one of a kind perpetual calendar to use for years to come! This type of calendar can be used annually to remember important birthdays, anniversaries and events. Participants will learn how to lino carve in order to create their images, and will then stamp each month with beautiful artwork. This is a  beginner friendly workshop with lots of flexibility to experiment and make mistakes! Each participant will keep all the stamps they create as well as a complete 12-month perpetual calendar.

Workshop fee:
$50.00 ($35 + $15 for materials)

Workshop dates:
November 21st, 2026
4:00PM – 7:00PM

Minimum 6 students, with a maximum of 12

Where:
VISAC Gallery – Under the red gallery awning
1501 Cedar Ave, Trail
Lower Level of Selkirk Building

If you have any questions, please reach out to info@visacgallery.com

Register Here

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: To Be Determined

To register email: info@visacgallery.com