Introduction to the Pottery Wheel at Al Dhaid Art Centre

About Introduction to the Pottery Wheel

If you have ever watched a potter at the wheel and wondered whether you could do it too, this free beginner session from Sharjah Art Foundation is the perfect place to find out. Introduction to the Pottery Wheel takes place at Al Dhaid Art Centre in the Sharjah town of Al Dhaid, as part of the foundation’s autumn learning programme.

It is a hands-on, two-hour class, and all materials are provided, so all you need to bring is your curiosity and a willingness to get your hands a little muddy.

What to expect

According to Sharjah Art Foundation, participants will:

• Learn how to prepare clay for the wheel
• Practise centring the clay, the key first step in wheel throwing
• Throw basic forms on the wheel
• Learn about the glazing and firing process

Centring is famously the trickiest part for beginners, so it is lovely to have it taught step by step. By the end of the session you should have a real feel for how the wheel works and how simple shapes come to life.

The session is offered in both English and Arabic, which makes it welcoming for a wide range of participants. The same session is also listed for Thursday 12 November, at the same time, if the first date does not suit you.

Who it is for

The workshop is open to participants aged 15 and over and is designed for beginners. It would suit teenagers with an interest in art, adults looking for a calming new hobby, and anyone in the northern and central parts of Sharjah who would love to try ceramics close to home. It is also a nice excuse to visit Al Dhaid if you usually stay closer to the coast.

How to attend

The session is free, but registration is required through Sharjah Art Foundation’s online registration form for its Al Dhaid Art Centre autumn programme. You can find the link on the official event page, which is linked from this listing. For questions, the centre can be contacted at Aldhaidcentre@sharjahart.org or on 06 883 3420.

Good to know

• Ages 15 and over.
• Taught in English and Arabic.
• Free, with materials provided.
• A repeat session is listed for 12 November, 11:00am to 1:00pm.
• As a tip, wear clothes you do not mind getting clay on, and tie back long hair.
• As a general tip, keep nails short and remove rings before you start, as they can mark the clay.
• Al Dhaid is inland from Sharjah city, so allow enough driving time.