group experiences & private lessons
Group Craft Experiences
Have a group bonding experience over potter’s wheels. Celebrate a “big” anniversary by making fused glass. Plan an experience for your school class or youth organization to experience the art and science of craft.
The Craft Center welcomes groups who want a communal experience in ceramics, metals or glass, and other craft media. Group studio experiences are priced depending on the size of the group, the cost of materials, and the duration of the studio (1½ hours minimum, one day, multiple days, etc.).
Samples of past studio experiences for groups have included “Learning to Throw on the Potter’s Wheel,” “Fused Glass Ornaments,” “Fold-Forming Metal,” “Garden Ornaments in the Clay Studio,” “Bookmaking,” and more.
Please note for group experiences, we require approximately 4-6 weeks advance notice of your desired booking date. Scheduling options will vary based on material requirements, pre-scheduled programs, rentals, and lessons in the studios, as well as instructor availability.
Sample Group Experiences (with approximate capacity limits):
Minimum and maximum participant counts are subject to change depending on current COVID-19 restrictions. Listed capacities in sample activities below may not be reflective of current limits. Pricing must be quoted based on participant count noted at inquiry. Per person rates may range from approximately $75 to $200 depending on activity, number of participants, materials required, volatility of metals market (when applicable), etc.
CERAMICS - Due to studio and faculty limitations and COVID surge, no new CERAMIC/CLAY activity requests are being accepted at this time.
Learn to Use the Potter's Wheel, 3 hours, Minimum of 6 participants, Maximum of 10.
Use the potter's wheel to throw pots, and bowls, and have fun while learning. You will be taught the basics of throwing, practice on the wheel under the instructor's guidance, and decorate and fire your successful "first works".
All Ceramics Studio Group Experiences require a minimum of four weeks of pre-planning time.
METALS
Sterling Silver Dangle Earrings, 6 hours, Minimum of 6 participants
Design your own sterling silver earrings! You'll learn to use a variety of jewelry making techniques to create your very own pair of free-flowing sterling silver dangle earrings! Finish up by adding an antiqued patina and fabricating your own ear wire!
Stackable Rings, 6 hours, Minimum of 6 participants
Spend an evening with family and friends learning the basics of sizing, measuring, cutting, soldering and forming sterling silver to create your own set of three stackable rings!
Stamped Copper Dangle Earrings, 6 hours, Minimum of 6 participants
Earrings are one of the most popular forms of jewelry. Learn how to create a pair of stamped copper "dangle" earrings with sterling silver ear wires from start to finish using traditional metalsmithing techniques!
GLASS - STAINED GLASS AND FUSING AVAILABLE!
Group experiences
Stained Glass Hearts, 3 hours, Minimum of 4 participants
Spend the afternoon creating beautiful stained glass hearts. What could be more loving than spending time together creating a lasting memory and a beautiful piece of art to have forever.
Fused Glass Pendants, 2 hours, Minimum of 4 participants
Layer pieces of flat glass and heat them in a kiln until they melt together in one piece, a process that is also known as fusing. You will secure your designs in place, then the studio staff will heat your pieces in the kiln overnight. No experience is necessary. Your pieces will be available for pick-up at a later date.
Private Lessons
Occasionally, based on availability of instructors and of studio space, the Worcester Center for Crafts is able to schedule students (2 person maximum) for private lessons. The cost of a private lesson is calculated on the cost of running the equipment of a specific studio for a minimum of 2-3 hours, plus the cost of the instructor and any needed materials.
Private lessons are developed with an emphasis on recurring lessons intended to assist a student who is not able to attend regularly scheduled course programming with developing foundational craft skills over an extended period of time or across several lessons. For example, the Ceramics Department requires a series booking of a minimum of 4 private lessons.
Private lessons are generally not intended for one-time experiences. Please consider registering for one of our community programs open for registration here!
Contact the department head in the area in which you would like private lesson(s) if you have specific questions.
Ceramics: Tom O'Malley, tomalley1@worcester.edu
Glass: Tomo Sakai, tsakai@worcester.edu
Metals: Julian De La Graza, jdelagarza@worcester.edu
As of January 2022, we are not accepting ceramic/clay private lesson requests due to studio and faculty limitations and COVID surge.
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Animal Mask Making
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Self Portrait Printmaking
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Origami (Japanese Paper Folding)
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Sumi Ink Dragon Drawing
Birthday Parties
Host a birthday party that inspires creativity! Book a creative activity (listed below) of your choice plus one hour of party time. We will provide the instructor for one hour of crafting. All craft supplies, tables and chairs are included. Download and print your own invitation card for your guests and bring your own cake, food and other party supplies with you.
Choose Your Activity:
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Groovy Tie-Dye
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Nantucket Shell Painting
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Found-object Stamps
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Monkiri (Japanese Paper Cutting)
Pricing:
$275.00 for 2 hours with up to 10 guests
$15.00 p/ additional guest