hands on Workshops
Select the desired studio below, or click here to view workshops in all studios
multi-day intensives
with on-site housing available for students
For thousands of years, potters have turned to the earth beneath their feet to create beautiful, lasting works. In this immersive week-long workshop, artist and wild clay expert Takuro Shibata invites you to dig deep—literally and creatively—into the world of wild clay. You’ll explore how raw, local materials can be transformed into clay bodies, slips, and glazes, all through practical experimentation and collaborative learning.
This workshop is intended for intermediate to advanced participants. Basic hand building skills are required. Electric and gas firings are planned.
Workshop Dates: August 21, 2025 - August 27, 2025
Onsite Housing available beginning Wednesday, August 20. Check out is August 27.
From your instructor Jason McDonald: The Czechs, Swedes, and Germans, among others, have venerable glass making traditions but (in my opinion) the workshops of the Venetian lagoon, particularly those of the 16th century, produced some of the finest blown glass objects the world has ever known. Join me as I introduce the basics of this style of working, as understood from an American studio perspective. In this class we will cover the first steps in blowing thin footed vessels. The class will be a “skills and drills” type course with demos in the morning and a lot of practice in the afternoon. Open to all skill levels.
In Studio Dates: Monday, September 8 - Friday, September 12
Onsite Housing available beginning Sunday, September 7. Check out by Saturday, September 13 at 11am
Private Tours, Workshops, or Demonstrations
Are you interested in a private workshop, tour, or field trip?
Residency & Internship Opportunities
We currently host artists from around the world with focuses on glass & ceramic arts.
More opportunities are always coming soon.
Left to right: Artists Megan Lange, Corey Pemberton, and Therman Statom
Hot Glass Cold Beer
Experience a thrilling hot glass demonstration while enjoying locally crafted beer and wine! Featuring rotating food trucks and live music following the demonstration.
Tickets are $5 - Proceeds benefit Starworks educational programming.
Every second Thursday September-May (3 month break in the Summer)
Starworks Resource Library
The Starworks Resource Library is a compendium of books, magazines, catalogs and DVDs that cover the history and theory of arts and crafts in North Carolina, in the United States, and beyond. These items – gifted to Starworks by our generous supporters – are available to our resident artists, interns, and staff members for use in research and development. Members of the general public are also welcome to peruse our physical collection during School House Gallery operating hours. These books cover a wide array of topics; from woodworking and painting, to glassblowing and ceramics, our Resource Library provides our visiting artists and visitors alike with a unique view into the multifaceted world of arts and crafts.
Volunteer Opportunities
Your donation of time and energy is always greatly appreciated. During special events we have a wide variety of tasks to find the best match for your talents. If your school or job requires volunteer hours, please contact us to see what is available. If you are interested in volunteering at Starworks please contact Mary Holmes at mary@starworksnc.org or sign up below.