SOU’WESTER EVENTS!
Discover what’s happening during your next stay or plan a visit around our free live music, workshops, wellness offerings and more!
$25.00
This class will prepare you to be self-directed in the ceramics studio, making it ideal for anyone considering a studio membership or punch card! We encourage participants to have taken at least one ceramics class in the past to establish a foundation for this course. You’ll build on your existing knowledge and learn the essentials of studio work, including prepping your clay and workspace, using basic tools, handbuilding techniques, different clay body types, and reclaiming clay. The course also covers moisture content, wrapping and storing, glazing, firing cycles, and finishing your work.
$330.00
Whether you’re new to the wheel or have years of experience, this class is designed to elevate your pottery throwing skills. Each session begins with a brief demonstration, followed by hands-on instruction tailored to naturally advance your abilities toward your personal goals. For advanced students, the projects are open-ended, allowing for creative exploration, while beginners will receive one-on-one guidance to successfully craft chosen objects like cups, bowls, planters, and more. We’ll examine wedging, throwing, trimming, altering, and surface treatment in depth to ensure you develop a well-rounded skill set.
$220.00
Whether you’re new to the wheel or have years of experience, this class is designed to elevate your pottery throwing skills. Each session begins with a brief demonstration, followed by hands-on instruction tailored to naturally advance your abilities toward your personal goals. For advanced students, the projects are open-ended, allowing for creative exploration, while beginners will receive one-on-one guidance to successfully craft chosen objects like cups, bowls, planters, and more. We’ll examine wedging, throwing, trimming, altering, and surface treatment in depth to ensure you develop a well-rounded skill set.
$55.00
Our special projects classes are intended to complement and add to your throwing skill set by focusing on a single advanced technique. To get the most out of this class we ask that you feel comfortable centering and pulling up cylinders before enrolling.
In this plate project class we will demonstrate, troubleshoot and guide you through throwing and trimming dinner plates, saucers and platters.
Weekend Clay Plays
Clay Plays are casual, beginner-friendly pottery sessions where you will learn basic ceramic handbuilding skills to create functional or decorative objects. Ages 10+ with an adult or ages 14+. Pieces are glazed, fired and ready for pick up in 3-6 weeks. Shipping is available for our visiting attendees for $15 plus shipping costs.
Please email ilwacoartworks@gmail.com to join a waitlist!
Ilwaco Artworks Community Clay Studio – 109 1st Ave N Ilwaco, WA
SOU’WESTER ARTS WEEK
EMBERS – DARKNESS TO FIRE
Every March, the Sou’wester hosts over 30 artists and collectives for a weeklong residency, culminating in a weekend of performances, installations, and studio tours — free and open to the public. This annual celebration invites the community to engage with the creative process and connect with artists who bring a new light to the evergreen coast.
We hope to explore the power of a slow burn—soft yet potent—to illuminate unseen paths and spark transformation in the darkest heart of winter. Art, as a radiant warmth, will draw us closer and inspire renewal as we tend the flames and push forward together.
Weekend Clay Plays
Clay Plays are casual, beginner-friendly pottery sessions where you will learn basic ceramic handbuilding skills to create functional or decorative objects. Ages 10+ with an adult or ages 14+. Pieces are glazed, fired and ready for pick up in 3-6 weeks. Shipping is available for our visiting attendees for $15 plus shipping costs.
Please email ilwacoartworks@gmail.com to join a waitlist!
Ilwaco Artworks Community Clay Studio – 109 1st Ave N Ilwaco, WA
SOU’WESTER ARTS WEEK 2025
EMBERS – DARKNESS TO FIRE
PUBLIC PORTION
MARCH 14TH – 16TH
- March 14th at Ilwaco Artworks | 109 1st Ave N, Ilwaco, WA
- March 15th at The Sou’wester | 3728 J Place, Seaview, WA
- March 16th at Wave Preschool | 1306 39th Pl, Seaview, WA
Every March, the Sou’wester hosts over 30 artists and collectives for a weeklong residency, culminating in a weekend of performances, installations, and studio tours — free and open to the public. This annual celebration invites the community to engage with the creative process and connect with artists who bring a new light to the evergreen coast.
We hope to explore the power of a slow burn—soft yet potent—to illuminate unseen paths and spark transformation in the darkest heart of winter. Art, as a radiant warmth, will draw us closer and inspire renewal as we tend the flames and push forward together.
$55.00
Our special projects classes are intended to complement and add to your throwing skill set by focusing on a single advanced technique. To get the most out of this class we ask that you feel comfortable centering and pulling up cylinders before enrolling.
In this special project class we will review, discuss and demonstrate a handful of lidded vessel forms. We will spend time on lid fit, lid handles, design, technique and finishing methods.
FREE FAMILY CLAY PLAYS
Learn about an aspect of local ecology through hands-on clay arts projects!
In collaboration with the Willapa National Wildlife Refuge.
at Ilwaco Artworks Community Clay Studio – 109 1st Ave N Ilwaco, WA.
For children Pre-K through 3rd grade & their accompanying adults/siblings.
Thanks to a generous grant from ArtsWA, our Family Clay Plays are offered at no tuition cost! We have a sliding scale registration fee of $0-$25 per person, which includes all materials, glazing, and firing for 1-2 pieces.