Laura is a master potter who graduated Summa Cum Laude from Bowie State University with a degree in Art Education.  She also holds a masters equivalency in Ceramics.  She was nominated in 2011 for career art teacher of the year from Maryland Art Education Association.

Laura got her start in the world of clay soon after graduating high school when she apprenticed in a NYC pottery where she got a solid education learning all aspects of the potters trade.

She maintains her potters studio at her home in Annapolis and sells her work privately. 

Laura Switkes's Classes This Season

  • Instructor Name
    Laura Switkes
    Ages
    16+
    Room Number
    116
    Member Price
    $240
    Non-Member Price
    $265

    Hand-building is an ancient pottery-making technique that involves creating forms without a pottery wheel, using only your hands, fingers, and simple tools. This 6 week class is designed for both the beginner and returning beginner student who would like to explore or strengthen their skills using the slab technique of hand-building. The student will discover how to create the basic clay forms (cups, plates, bowls and platters). To enhance the beauty of the simple slab, different texturing techniques will be introduced. Glazing applications will also explored. A materials fee of $30 cash or check payable to the Maryland Hall Pottery is due on the first day of class. For more information, please contact the instructor Laura Switkes at lswitkes@mac.com.

  • Instructor Name
    Laura Switkes
    Ages
    16+
    Room Number
    116
    Member Price
    $240
    Non-Member Price
    $265

    Before potters had the wheel, they were creating beautiful pots and clay forms using clay, their hands their fingers, and basic hand tools . This 6 week class is designed for the Intermediate to advanced student, who would like to explore a broad variety of hand building techniques. To enhance the beauty of the hand built piece, different texturing techniques will be introduced. Decorative slips and glazing applications will also be explored. A materials fee of $30 cash or check payable to the Maryland Hall Pottery is due on the first day of class. For more information, please contact the instructor Laura Switkes at lswitkes@mac.com.

  • Instructor Name
    Laura Switkes
    Ages
    16+
    Room Number
    116
    Member Price
    $240
    Non-Member Price
    $265

    Hand-building is an ancient pottery-making technique that involves creating forms without a pottery wheel, using only your hands, fingers, and simple tools. This 6 week class is designed for both the beginner and returning beginner student who would like to explore or strengthen their skills using the slab technique of hand-building. The student will discover how to create the basic clay forms (cups, plates, bowls and platters). To enhance the beauty of the simple slab, different texturing techniques will be introduced. Glazing applications will also explored. A materials fee of $30 cash or check payable to the Maryland Hall Pottery is due on the first day of class. For more information, please contact the instructor Laura Switkes at lswitkes@mac.com.

  • Instructor Name
    Laura Switkes
    Ages
    16+
    Room Number
    116
    Member Price
    $240
    Non-Member Price
    $265

    Before potters had the wheel, they were creating beautiful pots and clay forms using clay, their hands their fingers, and basic hand tools . This 6 week class is designed for the Intermediate to advanced student, who would like to explore a broad variety of hand building techniques. To enhance the beauty of the hand built piece, different texturing techniques will be introduced. Decorative slips and glazing applications will also be explored. A materials fee of $30 cash or check payable to the Maryland Hall Pottery is due on the first day of class. For more information, please contact the instructor Laura Switkes at lswitkes@mac.com.no class 7/4/23

Create your own mug in a handbuilding workshop with Laura.

Laura Switkes

Teaching Artist