In-person workshops · Portland, OR · Autumn term 2026

Make something you can hold.

Forma is a working studio that runs small, hands-on classes — six on the autumn wall, from wheel-thrown clay to wild flowers. Real tools, aprons on the pegs, and a teacher at your elbow.

Browse the term How classes work

The Forma bench room set for a class — hand tools on timber benches beside a work in progress. — the bench room, mid-class ↖

Term index

Six classes · four crafts · Oct 3 – 18

The wall

Every class this term, pinned up. Pull a card down to read the details — dates, prices, benches — and pin the ones you want to your shortlist.

Hands centering wet clay on a pottery wheel.

Ceramics · Oct 3 · 10:00

Clay & Coffee

Slow down at the pottery wheel. Shape a cup, sip locally roasted coffee, and learn the pleasure of working with clay.

$85 per bench · 12 benches

A paint-flecked palette and brushes mid-session.

Painting · Oct 4 · 14:00

Paint the Afternoon

Find your color palette and turn a blank canvas into a personal landscape. All experience levels welcome.

$75 per bench · 10 benches

Cut stems and greenery laid out on the arranging bench.

Floristry · Oct 10 · 11:00

Wild Stems

Build a loose, seasonal arrangement with flowers from local growers, and take a little wildness home.

$95 per bench · 8 benches

A dark, blistered sourdough loaf resting on a cooling rack.

Baking · Oct 11 · 09:00

Sourdough Sunday

Get to know your starter, fold a living dough, and leave with a warm loaf and a skill for life.

$110 per bench · 6 benches

Hand-built clay pieces drying on the studio bench.

Ceramics · Oct 17 · 13:00

Handbuilt Home

Make a small sculptural vase by hand, exploring texture and shape without a wheel.

$90 per bench · 10 benches

Watercolor washes drying beside jars of brushes.

Painting · Oct 18 · 15:00

Color & Company

A relaxed introduction to expressive watercolor, shared around a big table with good company.

$65 per bench · 14 benches

Plan a visit

Visiting the studio

Forma runs out of a converted print works on Alder Street — one big room, twelve-ish benches, and a wall of well-used tools. Classes stay small on purpose: everyone gets wheel time, bench space and a teacher's full attention.

Where: 214 Alder Works, SE Portland — the door on the courtyard side.
When: Doors open 15 minutes before each class. The kettle is on.
Bring: Nothing but yourself — aprons, tools and materials are waiting on the bench.

Studio hand tools and material offcuts laid out on the workbench. — the tool wall, between classes ↖

Beginners welcome in every class — no experience needed
Never more than 14 benches in the room
Private bench groups for six or more — write to us
Gift a class — we post a bench card to your person