Pottery Workshops
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.
6 Weeks - Level 2 Potting with Sarah Barr (September 14 - October 26, 2026 no class Oct 12)
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.
3 Weeks - Level 1 Wheel Throwing with Sarah Zanussi (September 28 - October 19, 2026)
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
6 Weeks - Introduction to Clay Techniques with Lana Jamieson (October 14 - November 25 no Class Nov 11)
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 – November 25 (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
6 Weeks - Beginner/Intermediate Wheel Throwing with Sarah Zanussi (October 26 - November 30, 2026)
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
1 Day Workshop - House Numbers - September 18, 2026 - Sarah Zanussi
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
1 Day Workshop - Make a Mug - October 2nd, 2026 - Sarah Zanussi
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
1 Day Workshop - Pottery Ghost Workshop - October 16th, 2026 - Lana Jamieson
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
1 Day Workshop - Gingerbread Tealight House - November 13th, 2026 - Sarah Zanussi
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
1 Day Workshop - Tree Luminary Centre piece - November 6th, 2026 - Lana Jamieson
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
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 (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.
Our 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.
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.
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.
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.
Cancellation Policy
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 is required at the time of registration to reserve your seat in the workshop or program.
Cancellation & Refund Policy
Our Workshops and Programs are priced based on a minimum number of participants needed to run each class. For this reason, the following cancellation policy applies:
Cancellations received 14 days or more before the first class:
Full refund minus a $20 administration fee per student.
Cancellations received between 7–13 days before the first class:
75% refund minus a $20 administration fee per student.
Cancellations received less than 7 days before the first class:
No refund will be issued.
No refunds are provided after a class or workshop series has begun.
Workshop Cancellation by VISAC
If the gallery or instructor must cancel a workshop for any reason, all collected fees will be fully refunded or, if preferred, transferred to another workshop.