Monthly Clay Classes

A 2-session project based class held each month with Instructor, Scott Onsager. First class for creation and second class for glazing. Classes will be added as the season goes on.

We suggest students wear old clothes and tie back hair – clay can be messy! Tools, materials and firing included.

Parent or guardian supervision required for artists 16 & under.
Please arrive 10 min. before class begins. 

$35 General Public
$30 PH Members

UPCOMING CLASSES
February – Ceramic Picture Frame – Tuesday, February 18 & 125, 5:30-7:00 PM (2-session class)

March (Project TBD) – Tuesday, February 18 & 125, 5:30-7:00 PM (2-session class)

Wheel Throwing

Try your hand at pottery making! Wheel throwing is the process of forming clay into shapes on a potter’s wheel. It is a common technique for making ceramic mugs, bowls, and plates.

 You set the schedule for your hour-long session. You decide how many lessons. 

Instructor: Scott Onsager

Try it by yourself for $20, or create with a friend for $30.

1 hour session / (Limit 2 wheels)

Clay & Company

Our Clay & Company class is great for date nights, a night out with friends, family fun, corporate outings, and more. It is also perfect for those who are curious about pottery. You’ll have fun getting your hands dirty and experiencing what it’s like to create with clay. Our Instructor will provide the basic introduction and will be available to help you to create your own unique pieces.

At the end of the class, students will pick out their glaze colors for each pot.  The pieces are then dried, fired, glazed and fired again.  the process is slow so that the pottery you make doesn’t explode in the kiln.  You will be able to pick up your pieces the following week.  These classes can range from 2 to 12 people.  No experience required. For all ages!

1 hour session. We suggest students wear old clothes and tie back hair – clay can be messy! Tools, materials and firing included.

$10 per person:

*No instruction provided. Our Clay Studio Manager, Scott, will provide a basic overview of working with clay, otherwise this is just an opportunity to connect with your creativity and enjoy a clay creating experience!

$15 per person:

*Includes Instruction. Create and finish a full project. Examples include small mugs, bowls or animal figurines

Open Clay Studio

Open Clay Studio is a time for potters to have access to our clay studio, complete with a full-size kiln, pottery wheels, an assortment of tools, and glazes. Use of the studio, glazes and firings are all included in one low monthly fee.

Experience is necessary; instruction is not included in this subscription.

25lb block of clay may be purchased from the Pump House front desk for $30. Participants are not allowed to bring in their own clay for the Open Studio. Parent or guardian supervision required for artists 16 & under.

New studio members must meet with our Studio Manager for an intro to our studio – rules, how to’s, etc. Please call 608-785-1434 to set up a time or stop by on weekdays between 1:00 & 4:00 pm.

1 Month – $25
6 Months – $135
1 Year – $250

Tulips

Tuesday, February 11, 2025, 6:00-8:30 PM

Class typically last 2-2.50 hours
Please arrive 10 min prior for check-in
Instructor: Olivia Bull

All Materials Provided:
– paint brushes
– paint
– 12″x16″ stretched and primed canvas
– first beverage (wine, beer or soda)
– Additional beverages will be available at the cash bar.

At the end of the workshop, you will go home with your completed work.

Please note that tuition is nonrefundable and nontransferable. 

Lake Michigan Birch

Tuesday, March 25, 2025, 6:00-8:30 PM

Class typically last 2-2.50 hours
Please arrive 10 min prior for check-in
Instructor: Olivia Bull

All Materials Provided:
– paint brushes
– paint
– 12″x16″ stretched and primed canvas
– first beverage (wine, beer or soda)
– Additional beverages will be available at the cash bar.

At the end of the workshop, you will go home with your completed work.

Please note that tuition is nonrefundable and nontransferable. 

Private Paint & Pour Parties

Pump House Paint & Pour workshops are La Crosse’s original social painting experience. Attendees enjoy wine, conversation, and music while an artist guides them step-by-step through a painting.

Schedule a private Paint & Pour for your birthday, work party, or simply for a fun night out with your friends. No experience necessary.

Call 608-785-1434 or email olivia@thepumphouse.org to inquire.

Drawing or Painting Lesson

Drawing and Painting Lessons Curated Just for You!

We know you like to create, so we’re providing a welcoming environment  to build your skills and improve your technique. Basic supplies are provided, but feel free to bring any of your own supplies if you wish. Have a special interest in landscape or still life, realistic images or even abstraction? Want to just learn the basics?

We offer 1 hour classes focused on your passions for $25 each. We know you’ll love it when you try it, so we automatically discount $5 off your first lesson!

Available for ages 10+ (ages 10-17 must have parent/guardian supervision)

Instructor: Scott Onsager

Open Art Studio

Open Art Studio provides access on a month-by-month basis for artists to use our studio for drawing, painting or other 2D projects. Participants must have experience; instruction is not included. Artists are required to supply their own materials, but are welcome to store them in the studio. Parent or guardian supervision required for artists 16 & under.

New studio members must meet with our Studio Manager for an intro to our studio – rules, how to’s, etc. Please call 608-785-1434 to set up a time or stop by on weekdays between 1:00 & 4:00 pm.

$20 a Month per person

• Monday – Friday, 9 AM-5 PM
• Tuesdays, 5-7 PM
• Saturdays, 12 PM-4 PM

Please note that the subscription is nonrefundable and nontransferable.

Call to Instructors – Submit a class

Pump House Regional Arts Center is seeking professional artists and arts instructors to submit workshop proposals.  Workshop proposals must be unique and creative, and may include art of any media including visual arts, performing arts, literary arts and more.

About Pump House Classes – Pump House classes engage and connect people of all ages and skill levels through education and meaningful arts experiences. The Pump House facility includes four potential creative workshop spaces: the Kader Gallery, the Dayton Theater, the Art Studio and the Conference Room.

For more information please email olivia@thepumphouse.org.

Proposal Criteria and Requirements

• Proposals must be creative, unique and engaging.
• Instructors must have a professional background as an artist or arts educator, higher education in the arts, or commensurate experience.
• Complete and submit the Workshop Proposal form.