Special Offer
Friday Nights with Joe Say
Description
Handbuilding with the Amazing Joe Say
Term 3 | Starts Friday 25 July 2025
8-week course | Fridays, 6:30pm – 9:30pm
Tutor: Joe Say
Location: Clay Talk Ceramic Studio, Montsalvat
Class Size: Limited to 10 students
🔹 Course Overview
This 8-week handbuilding course with Joe Say is ideal for both beginners and intermediate makers ready to deepen their connection with clay. You’ll explore the possibilities of handbuilt ceramics — from classical forms like bowls and vases to bold, sculptural expressions.
With Joe’s expert guidance, you’ll refine your techniques and build confidence in the studio through a full immersion in the pottery process: shaping, trimming, glazing, and firing your work.
🧠 What You’ll Learn
Core and advanced handbuilding techniques
Building and refining forms such as tall cylinders, vessels, and sculptural pieces
How to develop a personal and intuitive approach to clay
Insight into material behaviour and glaze application
✅ What’s Included
FREE 10kg of Stoneware Clay
FREE Glaze Firing for up to 10kg (additional fees apply for extra weight)
FREE Use of Studio Glazes & Underglazes
Access to our spacious, light-filled ceramic studio at Montsalvat
💬 Is This Course Right for Me?
Yes! Whether you’re just starting out or returning to clay with more experience, this course offers something for everyone. Joe’s teaching embraces individuality and exploration, allowing you to grow your skills at your own pace.
👨🏫 About Your Tutor – Joe Say (@joe.the.maker)
Joe (He/They) is a self-taught ceramicist whose passion for clay began during the 2020 lockdowns. Unconstrained by formal doctrine, Joe has forged a unique path — combining material curiosity with a scientific mindset to push the boundaries of ceramic practice.
Their classes are warm, exploratory, and deeply personal. Joe believes in empowering students to find their own voice in clay, balancing technical skill with creative freedom. Collaboration and community are at the heart of Joe’s teaching — making every class a space of shared growth and inspiration.
🌿 Why Choose Montsalvat Arts Education (formerly Clay Talk)?
Small class sizes for individualised attention
A beautifully designed studio set in historic Montsalvat
A community-focused environment with expert tutors and passionate makers
A space where creativity, play, and skill-building meet
Don’t miss this chance to learn from one of Melbourne’s most engaging emerging ceramic artists. Places are limited — book now!
TERMS & CONDITIONS
To secure your place in a class, course or workshop we require full payment at the time of booking.
Bookings are only accepted through our online portal at www.
Payment of class, course or workshop fees can only be made through our online portal at www.
ACCESS
Clay Talk studio is located on the grounds of Montsalvat. For this reason, there are security measures in place to prevent trespassing and maintain your safety. Upon booking you will receive an Information Kit which has instructions on how to access Clay Talk studio. Please read this before coming to class.
REFUNDS / ABSENCE / TRANSFERS/ CANCELLATION
- We do not offer refunds if you change your mind after you have made the booking. Please be sure you are able to commit to the class, course or workshop dates and times prior to booking.
- Transfers are done upon email request and subject to available spaces only. Failure to transfer successfully will mean receiving a credit note or being transferred to a later term of the same class.
- If you are unable to attend a class, please contact us at claytalk@montsalvat.com.au on the day of your class. In exceptional circumstances, we can make alternative arrangements to compensate for lost class time.
- Retrospective requests (a request for a make-up from last term for example) for class make-ups are not accepted. We request you make contact via email or phone to Clay Talk as soon as you can’t make class so that we can make alternative arrangements for you.
- Clay Talk reserves the right to cancel a class due to unforeseen circumstances such as insufficient enrolments or illness or for maintenance works. You will be notified prior to the class if cancellation of the class is deemed necessary, or if there will be another date scheduled, or if a pro-rata refund will be provided.
ILLNESS
If classes and workshops are cancelled due to illness of a tutor, and the inability to find a suitable replacement, Clay Talk will endeavour to provide rescheduled dates for classes and workshops.
In the event that students cannot attend the rescheduled classes, students must email claytalk@montsalvat.com.au as soon as possible prior to the commencement of the rescheduled class or workshop.
If a student is unable to attend the rescheduled classes or workshop Clay Talk may, at its absolute discretion, provide either a credit note, or a pro-rata refund (minus an administration fee of 10%).
GIFT VOUCHERS
Gift vouchers are only available through our online portal www. Gift vouchers can be purchased for a minimum of $20 and are valid for 3 years from purchase.
Gift vouchers can only be used for booking classes, courses and/or workshops at Clay Talk through our online portal. Gift vouchers can be applied at check out when booking a class, course or workshop.
FIRING OF WORK
Most workshops and classes include firing and glazing of a specific number of pieces. Check the workshop listing description on our online platform.
We take extreme care with your work however accidents do happen, and we are unable to guarantee fully that your work will be successfully fired. Clay Talk takes no responsibility for failure or breakage of work.
Term classes:
Firing of 2.5kg of finished work per student is included in the term class fee.
Students can make and fire more work over this limit however additional charges apply.
Students must label each of their pieces with their Makers Mark (your Makers Mark is made up of the initials of your first, middle & last name and your class code e.g. John Adam Smith = JAS). No Makers Mark could mean losing your pieces.
If a kiln shelf is badly damaged from your work due to materials brought to Clay Talk from elsewhere, you will be charged for the cost of replacing that shelf.
Incorrect glazing or wrong clay body type in the wrong firing type will incur a penalty fee for damages.
- If your work damages the interior walls, burners or elements of the kiln, you will be required to pay for the damage to be determined by the Clay Talk Studio Manager.
COLLECTION OF WORK
- Firing, glazing and packaging of your work takes approximately 2-4 weeks after your class/workshop.
- You will be notified by a written or digital notification, an email, or the Clay Talk Newsletter when your work is ready for collection.
- Clay Taster & Kids School Holiday programme students have 30 days to collect their pieces from the time they received notification of their pieces to be collected before uncollected works are repurposed elsewhere.
- Non-returning term student work must be collected on the last Friday before term classes begin.
- Non-returning term students must talk with their teachers to understand the process of collecting their work and clearing student shelf items on the last day of their class.
- Uncollected works, bisqued pieces, items on student shelf including tools and clay - unless the student notifies staff at Clay Talk that they wish to make alternative arrangements to collect their work - will not be guaranteed safe keeping or storage and will be re-purposed.
- EMAIL / SMS NOTIFICATIONS
- Clay Talk takes no responsibility for students not reading or checking their messages, emails or checking their spam/junk mail regarding work collection.
What you will learn
- Technical skills around a pottery practice such as centring, throwing, trimming and glazing.
- Problem solve issues and roadblocks in to get your skills to the next level.
- Develop ideas and understanding of ceramic materials and process.
What you will get
- 10kg of clay to start you off.
- Use of pottery wheels and studio tools & equipment.
- Take your throwing skills and vessel making to new heights!
What to bring
- Towel and Apron.
- Clay took kit (available for purchase at checkout or from any art supply store).
What to wear
Casual / older clothes and covered or closed-in shoes - clay can get messy!
Appropriate for
Anyone with some basic fundamentals in pottery basics wanting to learn ceramics and develop their techniques further.
Nestled within Montsalvat—Australia’s oldest continuously active artists' community—our studios offer a diverse range of creative outlets. Clay Talk is one of several studios, providing ceramics classes in wheel throwing and hand building for all levels, alongside specialised programs led by established artists.
In addition to ceramics, we also offer classes in drawing, painting, and mosaic, with an expanded repertoire of educational offerings planned for 2025. This dynamic environment supports learners across various disciplines, all within the inspiring setting of Montsalvat, where art is created, taught, exhibited, and experienced.
Your Teacher
Joe (He/They) is a self-taught potter whose journey with clay began during the 2020 lockdowns. In the absence of formal training, they embraced the freedom to explore the medium on their own terms, learning to create with a pottery wheel. Without the constraints of traditional doctrines, Joe has developed a personal approach to the craft, delving deeply into the material’s properties and experimenting with its possibilities. Their background in science further enriches their work, enabling them to push the boundaries of ceramic techniques while drawing from established knowledge.
Joe’s teaching philosophy centers on guiding students to discover their unique connection to clay, fostering a sense of ownership and creativity in their work. They emphasize a balance between technical mastery and open-ended exploration, encouraging students to express their individual stories and voices through their craft.
Collaboration plays a significant role in Joe’s practice. They view it as an opportunity to reflect the relationships and connections that shape their life, while also combating the isolating nature of being an artist. For Joe, collaboration is a means of fostering a deeper sense of community and engagement.
Follow Joe on Instagram @joe.the.maker
Montsalvat Arts Education has an average rating of 4.9 for their other classes.
See other reviewsCancellations & Refunds
If the organiser cancels the class:
You are entitled to a transfer or credit note.
If you can't attend the class:
You’re welcome to send someone in your place.
OR
You may cancel anytime before class starts and claim a full refund or transfer or credit note.
We recommend the refund upgrade option upon checkout in case you’re not able to attend the class. Learn more about refund upgrade option.
Terms & Conditions
TERMS & CONDITIONS
To secure your place in a class, course or workshop we require full payment at the time of booking.
Bookings are only accepted through our online portal at www.claytalk.weteachme.com/.
Payment of class, course or workshop fees can only be made through our online portal at www.claytalk.weteachme.com/.
ACCESS TO CLAY TALK & OTHER ART CLASSES
Clay Talk studio is the centre for organising all art courses located on the grounds of Montsalvat. For this reason there are security measures in place to prevent trespassing and maintain your safety. Upon booking you should receive an Information Kit which has instructions on how to access Clay Talk studio or other art studio spaces that pertains to your class.
REFUNDS / ABSENCE / TRANSFERS
- We DO NOT automatically offer refunds or transfers if you change your mind after you have made the booking.
- Our first option will always be to offer a credit note.
- Please be sure you are able to commit to the class, course or workshop dates and times prior to booking.
- If your circumstances have changed BEFORE the class or term starts and cannot commit, we will offer you a refund MINUS the 8% transfer fees incurred to process this of total cost you paid.
- We might be able to offer alternative arrangements if you cannot attend class by contacting us at claytalk@montsalvat.com.au to check if you are eligible within 5 working days of missing your class . Retrospective requests will not be accepted. Studio Access times are NOT make-up classes.
- Clay Talk reserves the right to cancel a class due to unforeseen circumstances such as insufficient enrolments. You will be notified prior to the class if cancellation of the class is deemed necessary and a pro-rata refund will be provided.
ILLNESS
In the event that students cannot attend the classes, students must email claytalk@montsalvat.com.au as soon as possible prior to the commencement of the rescheduled class or workshop. If a student is unable to attend the rescheduled classes or workshop Clay Talk may, at its absolute discretion, provide either a credit note or a pro-rata refund (minus an administration fee of 8%).
GIFT VOUCHERS
Gift vouchers are only available through our online portal www.claytalk.weteachme.com/. Gift vouchers can be purchased for a minimum of $20 and are valid for 3 years from purchase. Gift vouchers can be only be used for booking classes, courses and/or workshops at Clay Talk through our online portal. Gift vouchers can be applied at check out when booking a class, course or workshop. Purchased Gift Vouchers through Clay Talk, Montsalvat and We Teach Me cannot be exchanged for cash in return and can only be used to the value of the courses and experiences on offer for the benefit of your artistic pursuit and happiness.
FIRING OF WORK AT CLAY TALK ONLY
Most workshops include firing and glazing of a specific number of pieces. Check the workshop listing description on our online platform. Students participating in one-off workshops must label their pieces with the name associated with their booking/ticket.
We take extreme care with your work but accidents do happen and we are unable to guarantee that your work will be successfully fired. Clay Talk takes no responsibility for failure or breakage of work.
Ceramic term classes specific to CLAY TALK:
- Firing of 3kg of finished work per student is included in the term class fee for most clases.
- Students can make and fire more work over this limit however additional charges apply.
- Students must label each of their pieces with their Makers Mark (your Makers Mark is made up of the initials of your first, middle & last name and your class code e.g. John Adam Smith = JAS). No Makers Mark will mean your work will not be fired.
If a kiln shelf is badly damaged from your work due to incorrect glaze type or clay body, you will be charged for the cost of replacing that shelf.
- If your work damages the interior of the kiln, you will be required to pay a fine based on the severity of the damage to be determined by the Clay Talk Studio Coordinator.
COLLECTION OF WORK
- Firing, glazing and packaging of your work takes approximately 2-4 weeks after your class/workshop.
- You will be notified by email when your work is ready for collection.
- Student work must be collected within 1 month of being notified. Students will be notified by email to the email address provided upon booking. If fired work, leftover clay and/or tools are not collected within this time it will be disposed of or donated to Clay Talk Fundraising.