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Pop-up Workshop: Paper Clay Abstraction with Gabriel John Poucher

This workshop will explore the unique possibilities of paper clay, with a focus on process-drive sculpture.

This workshop will explore the unique possibilities of paper clay, with a focus on process-drive sculpture. We will cover nontraditional building techniques, using slip as a decorative material, and creating structure through the use of components. The workshop will feature a lecture explaining the unique materials we’ll be using, followed by a multi-part demo and activities. Participants will be provided with materials and are encouraged to investigate playfully, with a focus on process over outcomes.

This workshop coincides with Gabriel’s Solo Exhibition, Burgeon, on view at the Sonoma Community Center from November 7 – 29. Gabriel’s work stems from the intersection of ecology and queer identity, and the parallel frameworks they provide for resisting rigid categories, binary distinctions, and expected outcomes. Burgeon examines the notion that transformation does not require resolution. The work draws inspiration from natural processes of growth and consumption, and the way they blur the boundaries between organism and environment, individual and collective. Constructing clay forms through an extended process of repetition and accumulation, pattern and deviation, Gabriel’s work explores the idea that to be in flux is not to be incomplete.



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.


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.

  • All Levels
  • Welcomes participants from beginning through advanced. Instructor provides a balanced and flexible curriculum suitable for participants with any level of experience.
  • Beginning
  • Participant has little to no experience with this medium and needs or expects guidance at every step during the class. Participant wants to learn about materials, techniques, and vocabulary of the medium.
  • Intermediate
  • Participant is comfortable with the medium and expects both guidance and time to work alone with the medium.
  • Advanced
  • Participant is very confident with all aspects of the medium. Participant is self-motivated; ready to experiment and develop their artistic voice.

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.

Registration Open

Date & Time

Saturday, November 14, 2026 from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm

Location

276 East Napa Street
Sonoma, CA 95476

Category

Experience Level

Experience Level

All-Levels, Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced

Ages

Age(s)

17 and 18-over

Registration Cost:

$65

Materials Fee:

$10


Total Registration Cost:

$75

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