Access At CVUHS

Calling all experienced potters! If you have prior wheel experience, feel comfortable creating bowl forms, and would like to volunteer your time at the wheel to create bowls then this is a great opportunity to help those in need through the CVU Empty Bowls Event on April 9th, 2026! Experienced potters are invited to this community wheel turning event at the CVU Pottery Studio on Friday evenings, starting Jan 23rd. Students will create and finish a collection of 15–20 or more bowls, depending on individual proficiency. All completed pieces will be donated to the Empty Bowls Fundraiser*, helping to support local communities combat food insecurity. This is a wonderful opportunity for dedicated studio time, connection with fellow potters, and the chance to use your creativity to uplift our community.*Empty Bowls is a grassroots movement, led by artists and craftspeople, in cities and towns around the world to raise money for food related charities and to bring awareness about food insecurity within local communities. To learn more about Empty Bowls visit https://emptybowls.com/ Layout of classes: 3-4 sessions of wheel throwing 2-3 sessions of trimming 2-3 sessions of glazing *The Empty Bowl Fundraiser Soup Dinner will take place on Thursday, April 9th, 2026 at CVU High School. Tickets will go on sale March 23th! Participate in as many or as few sessions as your schedule allows. All materials and supplies are provided. Thank you for dedicating your time and skill to Empty Bowls 2026! Photos from the Inaugural Empty Bowls 2024 event.

Watercolor Continued (formally named Watercolor for Beginners 2), is for those with some knowledge of watercolor, but want to "brush" up on you skills and and learn new techniques. Foundational skill-building in mixing colors, layering washes, and design composition will be covered during these 10 session (20 hour) in a non-judgmental and welcoming environment led by watercolor artist, Ginny Joyner. Ginny will use guided photos and content for this class. Feel free to use your own photos if you would like more of a challenge. Move at your own pace! All ages and levels welcome! Please bring in your own quality supplies- brushes, paints and paper. Quality materials are important in watercolor! If you need a supply kit, please choose the option, "Including Supply Kit," when registering. "Ginny Joyner is that rare combination -- she is both an excellent artist AND and a skilled teacher. This "I don't have an artistic bone in my body" old lady had an amazing experience and learned to love painting. Ginny creates an atmosphere where all sorts of unexpected growth just happens!" - student "Not only do Ginny's classes help foster a regular practice of creativity, but she's an incredibly gifted teacher. She creates a supportive, inclusive environment that helps folks of all abilities / styles discover their creativity and learn new watercolor techniques. I've taken her classes multiple times and will definitely be back for more!" Ginny Joyner- Fall

If you are just beginning your wheel throwing journey, or if you have some experience, but want to learn more while you work independently, then join us for Mixed Level Wheel Throwing with veteran potter of 20 years, and high school ceramics teacher, Ryan Strobel. During these 12-weeks you will discover the art of pottery wheel throwing in this engaging mixed-level class, perfect for beginners and experienced potters alike. Learn essential techniques, refine your skills, and create unique ceramic pieces under the guidance of an expert instructor in a supportive, creative, and judgement-free environment. Only 10 spots available! Students will have access to stoneware, mid-fire clay, Cone 6. All clay, glazes (brushed and dipped), use of the studio, tools, as well as firing costs are included in the fee. NOTE: Only the provided glazes and clay are allowed in the studio. BONUS: Free access to "Open Studio" on Monday evenings 5pm-8pm starting Feb 16-May 4. No open studio on Feb 23 and April 20. Recommended minimum age: 16+

During these 14 sessions (35 hours!), Ginny will supervise this studio style class and help you master your watercolor techniques! Improve your color palette and brush techniques as you work on more challenging class projects as well as your own projects. Each 2.5 hour session will take place in the visual art space at CVU. This course is designed for artists who have taken watercolor classes previously and are comfortable working independently. Some guided instruction and supervision will be available as you progress throughout this course. This is also great class to connect, gather and learn from other watercolor enthusiasts within our artistic community. Fun will be had, guaranteed! Please bring your own watercolor paint, brushes, and paper to class. "Ginny creates a warm, constructive and friendly atmosphere. Terrific class. I've been taking it for over a dozen years."- Student "Ginny Joyner’s watercolor studio class is fabulous! She introduces new techniques to try, provides assistance to her students, and makes learning a fun process!"- Student

Charlotte Sylvester has been practicing stained glass since 2020 and is looking forward to guiding you through this intricate, interesting and inspiring process from start to finish. During this 5-session course, students will learn the fundamentals of the Copper Foil Technique and leave with a beautifully finished stained glass creation. Choose an entry level ‘cartoon’ or template, and learn the nuances of glass cutting, shaping, grinding, copper foiling and soldering. Students will first create a practice piece and with their newly discovered talent, they will craft a stained glass masterpiece to cherish or gift. Sign up early as there are limited spots available. Courses will be offered both in the fall and spring semesters to help accommodate this popular offering. This class is geared for beginners or intermediate levels, age requirement: 18+. All materials and tools are provided for use during this course. Requirement: Closed-toed shoes and pants. Safety glasses, gloves and mask are provided; please feel free to bring your own. Please note, this class is NOT recommended for those that are pregnant or breastfeeding due to the possible exposure of lead solder. "Charlotte had such genuine enthusiasm for her craft and patience. She provided one on one help to ensure you were comfortable with the process. A good estimation of time, well organized. Love that she had multiple patterns to choose from. I would definitely take another class with her. ZC" "Charlotte Sylvester was an amazing instructor and made taking the class such a pleasure! Would love to take another class from her, maybe a tier 2 stained glass class. CVU Access is a great resource for the community."

This four-session drawing course introduces the fundamental skills and materials needed to build confidence and creativity as a beginning artist. Students will explore the basics of line drawing, value and shading, and how to organize a strong composition, while learning how artists observe and translate what they see onto paper. Each session will focus on a different set of tools and techniques, including graphite, ink, charcoal, and pastel, giving students hands-on experience with a variety of drawing media. Through guided exercises and demonstrations, participants will learn how each medium creates different effects and how to use them intentionally. Every class will include time to practice new skills and complete a finished drawing, resulting in several pieces suitable for a personal drawing portfolio. No prior drawing experience is required—this class is designed to be supportive, exploratory, and encouraging for anyone interested in learning how to draw or strengthening foundational skills. All materials are included in the fee. Min Age: 15+

In this introduction to watercolor painting, this is a 10 session (20 hours) will promise to give you the skills required to enjoy watercolor as your new loved hobby! Learn the foundations of this versatile and creative medium: Design layouts, color palettes, composition, texture, and light will all be covered. Ginny Joyner, a professional watercolor illustrator, leads everyone through exercises designed to explore the many techniques associated with watercolor. No previous art experience required. Open to all ages and levels! Quality materials are important in watercolor and are included in the fee. Kits will be available the first day of class and are yours to keep. "Watercolor for beginners with Ginny was a truly delightful experience. Ginny taught me important watercolor skills and gave me the confidence to keep painting! I would definitely take a class with her again."- EP "I was delighted with my beginner watercolor class. Ginny was so encouraging and supportive. You couldn’t help but learn and improve, no matter your level of ability. I will definitely sign up for more". JG Watercolor- Pears by Ginny Joyner

This hands-on technical course is designed for all levels — whether you’re brand new to welding, looking to sharpen your skills, or simply want access to a fully equipped welding shop. For those with little or no experience, instruction will cover welding of carbon steel using: Oxy-Acetylene torches SMAW (Arc or Stick Welding) GMAW (MIG or Wirefeed Welding) GTAW (TIG Welding) You’ll also be introduced to Oxy-Fuel and Plasma Cutting techniques. Participants will have the opportunity to complete a small personal project during the course. All equipment and consumable materials are included in the registration fee. For those with prior experience, instruction can be tailored to individual goals, including welding of stainless steel and aluminum, or time to work independently on personal projects during open studio hours. All levels are welcome to use the welding shop as an open studio with supervision for personal projects or to receive individualized instruction to build skills and confidence. Requirements & Recommendations: Participants must wear safety-toe leather boots, cotton pants, and long-sleeved cotton shirts (turtlenecks are recommended). Clothing should be free of holes or frays. Students are encouraged to bring their own PPE (safety glasses, ear plugs, welder’s cap). PPE can be purchased locally at Haun Welding Supply or Airgas in Williston, VT—mention you’re taking an ACCESS class for 10% off! (CVU’s shop has loaner PPE available, though fit and condition may vary.) Minimum Age: 16+ "The welding class was terrific, and the instructor Wes was truly passionate about his craft. I went into the session knowing nothing, and walked out five courses later having learned four different welding styles, and I even completed a couple of projects on my own. I'll definitely be continuing this adventure." "Wes was very detailed in his explanation and demonstration of welding techniques. By the second class we were all practicing welding with one on one instruction from Wes. I feel confident enough to tackle a welding job after taking this course."- Brian

Come learn about fused glass and make a pair of coasters while you’re at it. This workshop will include instruction on using hand tools to cut the glass, using a grinder to get the shape you want and how to make crushed glass (frit) to create your design. Micaela will take your finished product after the class and fire them in a glass kiln; they will be available for pick-up at CVU a week later. All materials are included in class fee. No experience required. For students ages 13 and older. Students aged 8-12 are welcome; they should register with an adult who is also registered for the class, and plan to have one dedicated adult for each child attending. This class will meet inside CVU.

This is an open studio style, 10-session workshop, designed for those that have taken the Access Bowl Turning Workshop with Eddie previously OR those that feel comfortable in a woodworking shop and can use a lathe independently. With a small class size, this allows each student to work on their own lathe while Eddie supervises and helps wood bowl turners as needed. Blanks will be available to purchase ($10 each- cash), or BYO wood blanks. Want to buy your own gouge? Contact us for recommendations. Wear closed toed shoes, hat (hair tied back), and bring your own protective eye wear/goggles. No loose clothing or accessories! "Eddie and this class was just the bowl-turning experience I was looking for. I’d had some prior turning instruction and time on the lathe, but with Eddie I was able to work semi-independently, make my own errors, ask for advice and really progress. Hope to be able to continue with the class and to improve from here."- Student Spring 2025- In the Shop!

Learn to knit with multiple colors, also known as colorwork! The Laurelhurst Hat pattern by NW Foraged is a wonderful first project to delve into stranded knitting. Techniques taught in this class: Learn to read a charted pattern Add a new yarn color for stripes Knit with two strands of yarn at the same time! Techniques practiced in class: Casting On and knitting in the round Knitting, purling, and ribbing Stranded Colorwork Reading a chart Decreasing for the crown If you’ve done a bit of knitting before, this class is just the thing to take you through the next steps in your journey! Required Materials: Worsted Weight Yarn- Adult Size Large needs at least 200 yards. You will need two skeins/balls/colors of yarn. One will be the main color for the background, and the second will be the contrasting color for the pattern work. Krista recommends contrasting solid colors for both yarns Berroco Vintage, Berroco Ultra Wool, and Malabrigo Rios are examples of Worsted Weight Yarn from Must Love Yarn. Yarn: Patons of North America: Classic Wool Worsted is an example from Joann’s or Michaels. Needles- You will need two sizes of 16” circular Needles: Size US 6/ 4.0 mm and US 7/ 4.5 mm. The smaller needles are for the ribbing. The larger needles are for the body of the hat. You will need double-pointed needles (DPNs) in size 7 to decrease the crown of the head. Other Tools: Darning Needle, Stitch Marker (or scrap yarn), scissors If you choose to visit Must Love Yarn to purchase any of the supplies needed for class, you can enjoy a 15% discount. Mention at checkout that you are taking a CVU Access class with Krista Atkeson.

If you are just beginning your wheel throwing journey, or if you have some experience, but want to learn more while you work independently, then join us for Mixed Level Wheel Throwing with Jessica LaBonte, owner of Cedar Tree Pottery. During these 12-weeks you will learn new skills, or refine your techniques, and create beautiful ceramics with as much instruction as you need. At the CVU ceramics studio, we offer and welcome a fun and judgement-free collaborative environment for potters of all levels. Only 10 spots available! Students will have access to stoneware, mid-fire clay, Cone 6. All clay, glazes (brushed and dipped), use of the studio, tools, as well as firing costs are included in the fee. NOTE: Only the provided glazes and clay are allowed in the studio. BONUS: Free access to "Open Studio" on Monday evenings 5pm-8pm starting Feb 16-May 4. No open studio on Feb 23 and April 20. Recommended minimum age: High School. "I really loved taking Beginner Ceramics with Jessica. This was my first time taking an Access Class at CVU and it was a wonderful experience and I really enjoyed myself. I am looking forward to taking more Access Classes in the future." CP

Discover the meditative, artistic world of Zentangle® created in 2004 by Maria Thomas and Rick Roberts. It is an easy-to-learn, relaxing, and fun way to create beautiful images by drawing structured patterns (tangles). This class will guide you through the process, from a brief history of Zentangle®, through the 8 basic steps of the method, to creating patterns with combinations of lines, dots, and simple curves. Zentangle® art is non-representational and unplanned so you can focus on each stroke and not on the end result. But the outcome will surprise you! You will have created a beautiful abstract tile. No artistic experience is required. All materials will be provided by the instructor in class and are yours to keep! including an original Zentangle® kit. Ages: 16+

Learn the art of needle felting and create a three-dimensional wool owl sculpture. We'll use a special barbed needle and a foam block to create a wool sculpture without using water. Needles and all necessary felting materials will be provided. No experience necessary. Ages 14 and up. Students aged 12-13 are welcome with an adult caregiver who should also register for the class.