Experience Level: No prior experience required

Saturday March 25 & Sunday March 26, 9am-4pm (2 sessions)

Ages 18+

Join us for a hands-on exploration of Kumiko, a traditional Japanese woodworking technique that uses precision-cut strips of wood to form stunning geometric patterns. Originally featured in Shoji screens and sliding doors, Kumiko is a timeless craft that blends patience, accuracy, and artistry — and it’s a great way to expand your woodworking skill set.

In this workshop, we’ll create the Asa-No-Ha (Hemp Leaf) pattern — one of the most recognizable Kumiko designs. You’ll learn to use hand tools to cut, fit, and assemble each piece into a finished panel that showcases the beauty of fine joinery.

This session is perfect for anyone interested in enhancing their craftsmanship, exploring traditional techniques, or simply enjoying the satisfaction of precise, creative woodworking.

What you’ll gain:

The course will be taught by Wayne Peterson. Wayne has been teaching Kumiko woodworking in the Kansas City area for more than five years. His classes are known for their relaxed, informative atmosphere and his ability to make intricate techniques approachable for all skill levels.

Come enjoy a relaxing and rewarding session with fellow woodworkers — and discover how Kumiko can add artistry and refinement to your future projects.

Guide blocks for use in the class and materials for one panel will be provided.

Materials are included in the cost of tuition, a tools list will be shared closer to the start of class 

Experience Required: Some prior experience recommended

Saturday March 28, 9am-4pm (One Session)

Ages 18+ (Please contact us at dsegerstrom@paramountarts.org if you have a younger student interested in participating) 

Explore the exciting world of carving faces in this one day workshop!

Wood artist Bob Lawrence's demonstrations will concentrate on facial structure and anatomy.

Students will receive personal instruction and help at their level of carving along with demonstrations throughout the day for successful and safe carving.

Beginner with some experience to advanced.

One blank and finishing supplies will be furnished.

Tools List for Carving Class

Please bring:

Sharp carving knife

Basic carving tools

Kevlar glove.

*Tools, thumb guards, and gloves will be available foe sale from the instructor at the time of class.

Experience Level: Beginner, no prior experience needed

Saturday March 28, 10am-3pm (1 session)

Ages 18+ (Please contact us at dsegerstrom@paramountarts.org if you have a younger student interested in participating)

Create eye-catching ornaments for your yard and garden in this extremely popular, one-day workshop for beginners! Choose your colors and designs as you make a beautiful glass piece that will glow in the sunshine to liven up your garden space!

All materials to create one garden stake plus metal stake are included in the cost of tuition

*Please note that the work created in this class will need to be fired in a kiln and collected at another date. The Paramount will send an email when work is ready to be collected!

Experience Level: Some introductory experience recommended, as this class will focus on decorating thrown vessels rather than creating the vessels.

Every Other Wednesday, March 30-April 27, 6-8:30pm (3 sessions total)

Ages 18+ (Please contact us at dsegerstrom@paramountarts.org if you have a younger student interested in participating) 

Enhance your ceramic wares and expand your technical skills in this class dedicated to fun and unique dimensional surface decor! Amanda will help students find success in creating and attaching three dimensional elements to ceramic forms, using processes she developed as both a professional cake decorator and ceramic artist! Join us in this class that is sure to bring your clay work to an exciting new level!

MaterialsPlease bring the following tools to class:

1.) Basic scoring tools

2.) Wide paint brush

3.) Thin paint brush

4.) Modeling tools

5.) Your first 25 pound bag of B Clay is included in the cost of tuition

*Please bring greenware forms to which you'd like to attach decorative elements

Experience Level: No prior experience is required 

Tues March 31, 6-8:30pm (1 session total)

Ages 18+ (Please contact us at dsegerstrom@paramountarts.org if you have a younger student interested in participating)

Make your own porcelain jewelry! This fun workshop asks that you to bring your creative ideas to design jewelry you can wear for years to come.

Choose from six colors of porcelain including white Earring findings for stud or dangle / leather for pendants All Tools and supplies will be provided Demo and Examples of course!

Materials included to create 4 pair of earrings or 2 pair of earrings and 1 pendant.

Experience Level: Beginner, no prior experience needed

Mondays April 6-April 20, 6-8:30pm (3 sessions)

Ages 18+ (Please contact us at dsegerstrom@paramountarts.org if you have a younger student interested in participating)

Create a beautiful copper foil stained glass sun catcher, in this class for the complete beginner, using our design or one of your own!

Students can choose  a pattern and will learn how to safely cut and shape your glass using tools and glass equipment such as the grinder. Once you have your shapes set, you will apply copper foil, and solder!

Kristina will help guide you to success so that you have a piece to proudly display in your space!

All materials to create an (approximate) 8"x 8" piece included in the cost of tuition.

Experience Level: Beginner, no prior experience required

Tuesday April 7, 6-8:30pm (1 sessions) 

Ages 18+ (Please contact us at dsegerstrom@paramountarts.org if you have a younger student interested in participating) 

Discover the unique art of wet felting in this exciting one-day workshop with artist Joe Muehlbauer!

Joe will guide you through the process of preparing your wool for felting, an artform where you use a needle to shape your wool into forms, in this case a small bowl vessel!

The decorative piece that you create is perfect for display and makes a wonderful statement in your space or works well as gift for someone too!

All materials will be provided and tools will be available for use during the class!

*Please note that students will be working with natural wool fibers during class

Experience Level: Beginner, no prior experience needed

Wednesdays April 8-May 6, 6-8:30pm (No Class April 29, Total of 4 sessions)

Ages 18+ (Please contact us at dsegerstrom@paramountarts.org if you have a younger student interested in participating)

Discover the exciting possibilities of working with clay using basic tools, forms, and your hands!

Learn how to safely use the slab roller to slump and drape work, carve clay, how to create texture, explore an introduction to surface design, how to glaze your work, and more! 

Materials list for Paramount Handbuilding Classes

1.) Item(s) for creating texture

2.) Clay: Your first bag of clay is included in the cost of tuition, but depending on the size and number of pieces you create you may need to purchase more. We have a variety to choose from, ranging in price from $12-$25 for a 25 pound bag.