Pottery Wheel Sessions - 2026 - St. Johns, Nfld

The application period for Soldier On members wishing to participate in the Pottery Wheel sessions 22, 29 August and 2 September 2026 is now open. The application deadline is 30 July 2026.

AIM AND SCOPE OF EVENT: 
We are partnering with CCNL to host a Intro to Wheel Throwing. This beginner-friendly, 3 session class and is the perfect starting point for anyone interested in learning the art of wheel throwing. Students will be guided step by step through the essential techniques needed to begin their wheel throwing journey. Topic covered include:

• Studio safety
• Wedging 
• Centering
• Trimming
• Glazing basics (e.g. dipping, brush glazing)

The focus of this course is practice, practice, practice! While wheel throwing may look effortless, it takes patience, technique, and time to develop. This class provides a supportive environment to build skills and confidence at the wheel.

The number of Soldier On participants is limited to 6.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA: 
Any serving member or veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) from the St. John's and surrounding area who acquired a permanent physical or mental health illness or injury while enrolled as a member of the CAF; whether attributable or not to service.

Selected Serving members will require the approval of their Chain of Command to participate. 


DRAFT SCHEDULE OF EVENTS:
CCNL Clay Studio: Located at 50 Harbour Drive in downtown St. John's 

Sessions will be held on 22, 29 August and 2 September 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Each class will build on the previous. Attendance for all sessions are required.

TRANSPORTATION & MEALS:
Participants are advised that meals and transportation will not be provided by Soldier On for this event. Participants will be required to arrange their own travel to and from the event location, travel and meals are not eligible for reimbursement for this event.

Mental & Physical Requirements:
Applicants must be able to tolerate 3 hours of light paced activity.

Participants should have the ability to use both hands to center, shape, and manipulate clay on a pottery wheel, which requires basic manual dexterity, hand strength, and coordination. The process involves sitting at a pottery wheel for extended periods, using repetitive hand and arm movements, and working with wet clay. Patience and a willingness to learn are important, as wheel throwing can be challenging for first-time participants. No prior pottery experience is required, but participants should be comfortable getting their hands dirty and trying a new skill in a supportive environment.

Applicants will be joined with other ill/injured members and civilians, and therefore should be able to function in a social environment.