Handbuilding: Gifts and Keepsakes - Beginning to Intermediate

DATEAug 25 - Oct 13, 2026
TIME9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
DAYS OF THE WEEKTUE
LOCATIONCeramics Studio
INSTRUCTOR Dani Sirrine
DURATION8 weeks
FOR AGES16+
PRICE$306.00 | $275.40 Mesa Resident
MEMBER PRICE$275.40 Members | $244.80 Mesa Resident Members
CLASS CODECAF26CERDS086-01

Learn foundational handbuilding techniques while creating meaningful, one-of-a-kind pieces designed to be gifted to someone special. In this class, you'll craft handmade gifts that will become cherished keepsakes or part of your loved ones' daily rituals. Whether you're creating a favorite mug, a personalized jar, a sculptural likeness of a beloved pet, or any other thoughtful form, you'll explore slab, coil, and pinch pot techniques alongside surface decoration and glazing methods. This class celebrates creativity, heartfelt connection, and the joy of making something truly personal. Your unique creations will carry the warmth and intention that only handmade gifts can convey. Clay is available for purchase from the box office and may be picked up the first day of class.

Plan Your Visit - Classes

Mesa Arts Center is located at One East Main Street in Downtown Mesa, at the southeast corner of Main and Center Streets.

Click here for a map and directions

Open Tuesday–Saturday, 12–5 PM

Call 480-644-6500 or email boxoffice@mesaartscenter.com

Ceramics: Clay is available for purchase in the Mesa Arts Center Ceramics Studio the first day of class. Additional class supplies may be required and will be discussed the first day of class, or prior to class in an email from your instructor.

Glass Fusing/Stained Glass/Flame Working/Glass Blowing: All materials will be discussed on the first day of class – unless specifically noted in the class description, students need not pre-purchase supplies. Appropriate clothing required – natural fiber fabrics (cotton, silk, linen, wool), leather closed toe shoes.

Jewelry: Students will receive a syllabus and materials list from the instructor via email prior to the class start date.

Lapidary: Students need not purchase supplies.

Welding/Blacksmithing: First day of class no materials are needed! However, all students are required to bring leather work gloves (the yellow roping kind best), safety glasses and welding helmet. You do not need welding helmet for first class. We will go over helmet, materials and syllabus in first class. Students must also wear all-cotton clothing and all-leather closed toe shoes

Painting/Printmaking/Photo: Instructors will provide students with a list of supplies on the first day of class, or prior to class via email. A limited selection of basic art materials will be available for student use on the first day.

Downtown Mesa parking can be limited during busy events. Parking is $10 and is available in our south lot or in the Sirrine Street Garage (only open for public parking after 5 PM on weekdays, and anytime on the weekends). To secure an accessible parking spot, we strongly recommend arriving at least one hour before showtime.

Click here to view a parking map.

Our mission is to make the art studio classrooms a space for relaxation, enjoyment, discovery and learning. To help aid in that pursuit, the studios department has employed the use of sensory kits available to all students in any class. Upon request to your instructor, a variety of sensory and stress-relieving items will be provided in class.

Additionally, enChroma glasses are available for youth, teens and adults in any of the studio programs. If you struggle with color blindness, consider requesting use of these glasses in your next class!

Have an accessibility need or if you would like to talk through options available at Mesa Arts Center, please contact artstudioclass@mesaartscenter.com.

Learn more about all our accessibility offerings here.

Plan ahead with our interactive virtual campus tour.

View MAC Campus