WAC has a new home!

We’re so grateful for the outpouring of support as we prepare for this big transition. Our community’s enthusiasm reminds us just how special the Willamette Art Center is.

We’re committed to keeping you informed about our upcoming move. You can read all the updates here.

The best way to stay in the loop is to sign up for our emails.

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Become a Member

Support the Willamette Art Center and get more from your time in the studio! For just $30 a year, members receive perks like studio access during certain class times, voting rights in board elections, invitations to special events, and more.

Your membership helps us keep our mission thriving, and keeps you connected to our creative community.

Click here to learn more about becoming a member!

Hours

The Willamette Art Center’s operations are suspended while we build out our new home. Subscribe to our newsletter to keep in the loop.

Please check our calendar for the most up-to-date information.

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Smiles happen every day at WAC

  • We’re back with another Pottery Pointers from WAC! Pulling walls is all about raising your clay evenly and creating a balanced, sturdy form.• Begin with a centered lump of clay and open it to the desired diameter for your piece.• Keep your hands steady and use consistent pressure as you lift the walls, letting the clay flow upward without thinning unevenly.• Support the wall from both the inside and outside with your fingers to maintain even thickness.• Move slowly and rhythmically, adjusting speed and pressure as needed to prevent wobbling or collapsing.When done correctly, pulling walls gives your piece smooth, strong sides and sets the stage for shaping and finishing.
    6 days ago
  • We’re back with another Pottery Pointers from WAC! Trimming is where your piece really comes into its own, refining the form and finishing the foot with care.• Trim at the leather-hard stage when the clay is firm enough to hold its shape but still soft enough to cut cleanly.• Center your piece carefully on the wheel and secure it with clay lugs so it stays steady while you work.• Use sharp tools and a light, steady touch, letting the tool do the work as you reveal smooth walls and a defined foot.• Finish by compressing the edges and smoothing the surface so your piece is ready for drying and firing.Trimming adds the clean lines, balanced foot, and polished finish that take your pottery to the next level.
    1 week ago
  • The Willamette Art Center Board President, Carla Axtman, has a message for our community. Learn the latest about our journey to reopening. Link in profile.
    1 week ago
  • We’re back with another Pottery Pointers from WAC! Ribs aren’t just for smoothing—they’re one of the most versatile tools for changing the texture and finish of your pieces.• Smooth and compress. A metal rib evens out walls, removes excess slip, and strengthens the form.• Shape with control. Flexible ribs (metal or rubber) refine curves and help define clean lines.• Play with texture. Wooden ribs, serrated ribs, or textured ribs can add grooves, ridges, or patterns for extra character.• Experiment inside and out. Ribs aren’t only for exteriors. You can use them inside bowls and mugs to refine or create tactile surprise.From glassy-smooth finishes to rustic grooves, ribs let you decide how your pot feels in the hand.
    2 weeks ago
View on Instagram
We’re back with another Pottery Pointers from WAC! Pulling walls is all about raising your clay evenly and creating a balanced, sturdy form.• Begin with a centered lump of clay and open it to the desired diameter for your piece.• Keep your hands steady and use consistent pressure as you lift the walls, letting the clay flow upward without thinning unevenly.• Support the wall from both the inside and outside with your fingers to maintain even thickness.• Move slowly and rhythmically, adjusting speed and pressure as needed to prevent wobbling or collapsing.When done correctly, pulling walls gives your piece smooth, strong sides and sets the stage for shaping and finishing.
@willametteartcenter
@willametteartcenter
•
Follow
We’re back with another Pottery Pointers from WAC! Pulling walls is all about raising your clay evenly and creating a balanced, sturdy form. • Begin with a centered lump of clay and open it to the desired diameter for your piece. • Keep your hands steady and use consistent pressure as you lift the walls, letting the clay flow upward without thinning unevenly. • Support the wall from both the inside and outside with your fingers to maintain even thickness. • Move slowly and rhythmically, adjusting speed and pressure as needed to prevent wobbling or collapsing. When done correctly, pulling walls gives your piece smooth, strong sides and sets the stage for shaping and finishing.
6 days ago
View on Instagram |
1/4
We’re back with another Pottery Pointers from WAC! Trimming is where your piece really comes into its own, refining the form and finishing the foot with care.• Trim at the leather-hard stage when the clay is firm enough to hold its shape but still soft enough to cut cleanly.• Center your piece carefully on the wheel and secure it with clay lugs so it stays steady while you work.• Use sharp tools and a light, steady touch, letting the tool do the work as you reveal smooth walls and a defined foot.• Finish by compressing the edges and smoothing the surface so your piece is ready for drying and firing.Trimming adds the clean lines, balanced foot, and polished finish that take your pottery to the next level.
@willametteartcenter
@willametteartcenter
•
Follow
We’re back with another Pottery Pointers from WAC! Trimming is where your piece really comes into its own, refining the form and finishing the foot with care. • Trim at the leather-hard stage when the clay is firm enough to hold its shape but still soft enough to cut cleanly. • Center your piece carefully on the wheel and secure it with clay lugs so it stays steady while you work. • Use sharp tools and a light, steady touch, letting the tool do the work as you reveal smooth walls and a defined foot. • Finish by compressing the edges and smoothing the surface so your piece is ready for drying and firing. Trimming adds the clean lines, balanced foot, and polished finish that take your pottery to the next level.
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
2/4
The Willamette Art Center Board President, Carla Axtman, has a message for our community. Learn the latest about our journey to reopening. Link in profile.
@willametteartcenter
@willametteartcenter
•
Follow
The Willamette Art Center Board President, Carla Axtman, has a message for our community. Learn the latest about our journey to reopening. Link in profile.
1 week ago
View on Instagram |
3/4
We’re back with another Pottery Pointers from WAC! Ribs aren’t just for smoothing—they’re one of the most versatile tools for changing the texture and finish of your pieces.• Smooth and compress. A metal rib evens out walls, removes excess slip, and strengthens the form.• Shape with control. Flexible ribs (metal or rubber) refine curves and help define clean lines.• Play with texture. Wooden ribs, serrated ribs, or textured ribs can add grooves, ridges, or patterns for extra character.• Experiment inside and out. Ribs aren’t only for exteriors. You can use them inside bowls and mugs to refine or create tactile surprise.From glassy-smooth finishes to rustic grooves, ribs let you decide how your pot feels in the hand.
@willametteartcenter
@willametteartcenter
•
Follow
We’re back with another Pottery Pointers from WAC! Ribs aren’t just for smoothing—they’re one of the most versatile tools for changing the texture and finish of your pieces. • Smooth and compress. A metal rib evens out walls, removes excess slip, and strengthens the form. • Shape with control. Flexible ribs (metal or rubber) refine curves and help define clean lines. • Play with texture. Wooden ribs, serrated ribs, or textured ribs can add grooves, ridges, or patterns for extra character. • Experiment inside and out. Ribs aren’t only for exteriors. You can use them inside bowls and mugs to refine or create tactile surprise. From glassy-smooth finishes to rustic grooves, ribs let you decide how your pot feels in the hand.
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
4/4

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