| meet our instructors
“I started throwing pottery twenty six years ago by means of a community college class. Now I have my own studio and am fulfilling my hobby at my home. With the help of my wife, we do local festivals, special orders and consignments close to home.
I make mostly functional pottery that is dishwasher and microwave safe.
After all these years, I still enjoy making (and using) durable dinnerware, and I look forward to sharing the joy of making with my students.” - Aaron Blackwelder
Amanda Gullatt is a ceramic artist from Elkin, North Carolina, whose work blends the beauty of nature with the whimsy of imagination. With over 13 years of experience and a B.A. in Studio Art with an emphasis in Ceramics from Appalachian State University, Amanda creates sculptural pieces that are as vivid and textured as they are unique—some inspired by ocean life and its delicate balance, others drawn from the realms of fantasy and fairytales. Her love of color, intricate surface textures, and one-of-a-kind glazes gives each work a personality of its own.
Inspired by the harmony and detail found in the natural world, Amanda finds purpose in creating art that celebrates connection and creativity. Her daughter is a constant source of motivation, fueling her desire to foster imagination and curiosity in future generations. In addition to creating, she is passionate about teaching students of all ages, sharing both her skills and her joy for the process. Whether in her studio or the classroom, her goal is simple: to make beautiful work that inspires and connects.
| course overview
Wheel (8 weeks): Registration Now Open for class beginning September 8th. This class is perfect for beginner students who want to focus on building their wheel skills. Beginner students will learn fundamentals like wedging, centering, opening, pulling, and trimming, as well as learn how to troubleshoot common problems. You will progress from basic cylinders to more involved forms like tumblers, mugs, bowls, vases, and taller vessels. This course will also cover glazing. Taught by instructor Aaron Blackwelder this class will be held at Traphill Studios 10220 Traphill Rd. Traphill, NC 28685.
Hand-building (8 weeks): Registration Now Open for class beginning on September 23rd. In this introductory clay class, you’ll learn the core hand-building techniques—pinch, coil, and slab—along with clay fundamentals like wedging, slipping and scoring, and using tools for texture. Each project builds skills while balancing functional and sculptural elements. This class is for new hand-building students and continuing wheel students of all levels who want to expand their hand-building skills. Taught by instructor Amanda Gullatt this class will be held at Traphill Studios 10220 Traphill Rd. Traphill, NC 28685.
Pinch Pots – Start with this versatile technique to create bowls, cups, or sculptural bases.
Coil Vases – Explore form and structure using coils to build everything from vessels to decorative additions.
Slab Mugs – Learn template-making, slab construction, and handle pulling for functional sets.
Wall Pockets – Combine utility and artistry with sculptural pieces designed to hold flowers.
Platters & Dishes – Use templates and shaping techniques to create serving pieces.
Birdhouses – Tackle more complex forms using multiple stiff slabs for large-scale structures.
Open Studio: FREE and available ONLY for students currently enrolled in our semesters. Students will work independently.
| testimonial
“The Foothills Arts Center clay program was an incredible experience from start to finish. As a complete beginner, I appreciated the clear, step-by-step tutorials and the supportive environment. Having real-time feedback made a huge difference in my progress and confidence.
Throughout the course, we explored the full process of pottery making—from wedging clay and throwing on the wheel to experimenting with glazing techniques and learning to use an electric kiln. By the end, I was able to create functional, visually appealing pots that I was proud to take home.
I’m excited to keep learning and growing as a ceramic artist at FAC. It’s a welcoming, inspiring place to discover new skills and creative expression.”
-Hilary Masterson
| student information & policies
The next (8-week) Wheel semester will be held Mondays & Wednesdays 6-8:30 pm beginning Monday, September 8th and going through October 29th with instructor Aaron Blackwelder.
The next (8-week) Hand-building semester will be held Tuesdays & Thursdays 6-8:30 pm beginning on Tuesday, September 23rd and going through November 13th.
Traphill Studios 10220 Traphill Rd. Traphill, NC 28685
Each class is limited to six (5) students.
Registration Fee: $50
The registration fee is taken out of the overall tuition cost. If registration is open, placement is likely but not guaranteed. Any student not placed will be added to the programs wait list in the order of the earliest registration. Given this, registration may not open to the general public every semester. Placement is generally confirmed within three (3) business days of registration.
Tuition: The semester is billed in your choice of one (1) payment of $440 (10% discount) or two (2) payment installments of $242
By enrolling students agree to 1) Follow all classroom safety protocols. 2) Accept all responsibility for personal injury or loss/damage to personal property. 3) Accept our billing and late payment policies that can be read HERE.