Handbuilding 101
The fundamentals of creating handbuilt, functional objects with clay in this 8 week course. Thoughtfully explore the tried and true techniques of ceramic work!
program overview
Deborah Donahower takes you through the fundamentals of working with clay in hand building in this 8 week course. Designed for all levels (beginners and those more experienced) Deborah thoughtfully explores the tried and true techniques of ceramic work with her students through structured assignments, allowing her students to develop their own creative voice in the process. This course will emphasize building functional forms with creative surface design in mind; focusing on forms with large areas to explore texture, painterly surface techniques, and much more. With your 8 week class registration, students receive the opportunity to purchase a studio pass for ½ off during the duration of their class.
instructor Overview
Deborah Donahower
Deborah Donahower received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from the University of California at Santa Barbara in Studio Art, with an emphasis in Ceramics, Printmaking and Pastels. She has been teaching art to adults and children for 40 years and it is her passion to empower budding artists with the basic foundation skills in art and help them bloom into their own creativity and personal style. Deborah’s teaching style is structured and starts with building a strong foundation around the fundamentals of clay.
Membership Has Its Benefits
All Silver Memberships and above receive 10% off the registration cost for any class purchase over $40.
Materials fees are not discounted.
Membership helps support our programs, events, and financial aid programs.
Become a member today and find community, connection, and creativity.
Class FAQ
We ask that you notify us at least 10 days in advance of a class if you need to cancel your registration. You may cancel by phone or email and we will gladly offer you a refund or credit toward a future class. If you cancel with less than 10 days’ notice, we will not be able to provide refunds, due to our contractual obligations and material purchases for each class.
Sometimes, the Sonoma Community Center has to cancel a class due to low enrollment or unforeseen circumstances, such as a natural disaster or health emergency. If this happens and we do not offer a reschedule date, you will be refunded 100% of your registration fee (minus the payment processing and services fee), or credit towards a future class. If we are able to offer a reschedule date but you are unable to make the new date, we will gladly offer credit towards a future class.
All credits must be used within 1 year.
You can view our full class policies and guidelines here.
The Sonoma Community Center is committed to creating an accessible learning environment. If you require any special considerations(medical, physical, learning) please share them with Sean Baskin, Program Associate, by emailing him at [email protected] so that he can forward them to the relevant Program Director and Instructor.
Late additions to any program, class, or workshop that has already begun will be allowed on a per-case basis depending upon the Program Director & instructors approval. Late additions will have to pay the full registration cost of the class, along with any materials fees, and will not be prorated for the time missed. You may reach out to the program directors directly, or the Program Associate Sean Baskin at [email protected] to request a late addition.
We are always looking for new instructors. You can fill out the form directly here.
Mondays, 8 Weeks
January 25 – March 22, 2027
9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
January 25, 2027 from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
February 15, Presidents Day
Experience Level
All-Levels, Beginning, Intermediate and AdvancedAge(s)
17 and 18-overRegistration Cost:
$230
Materials Fee:
$30
Total Registration Cost:
$260Learn more about Amilia SmartRec and how to prepare for the change here.
