Creative Classes
Creative Classes at the Reitz Union are non-credit courses designed to offer hands-on learning experiences for students, faculty, and community members. These engaging classes cover a variety of skills and hobbies, including ceramics, crochet, sculpture, pottery, bartending, and dance, providing participants with the opportunity to explore their creativity in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Important information
Sign-up links opened on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 10:00 AM.
Links are live! Be sure to reserve your spot as soon as possible—seats are limited! The links below will allow you to register and complete your payment.
UF Affiliates include current UF Faculty, Staff, and Retirees with a valid Gator 1 ID.
Our ceramics, dance, and crochet classes involve activities that require long periods of sitting, manual dexterity, and physical exertion. Participants are encouraged to engage in these activities at their own pace and comfort level.
For persons with disabilities requiring accommodations, please email requests to reitzunionaccstudio@ufsa.ufl.edu at least 72 hours in advance of your first class.
Class offerings
Monday Classes
Mondays, 1/27/25 – 3/10/25 | 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM | 7 weeks (Limit 8)
Location: Arts & Crafts Center
This seven-session course is an introduction to making a variety of functional ceramic containers such as bowls, mugs, jars and trinket boxes by using pinching, coiling and soft slab handbuilding techniques. You may enhance the pieces by adding small sculptures on them. You will also learn a variety of surface decoration techniques to add texture and stamp designs.
Registration fee:
Student: $65 +optional $37.50 prorated membership (if you would like to use the ACC studio outside of class time)
UF Affiliate: $80 + $62.50 prorated membership - $142.50
Community: $95 + $87.50 prorated membership - $182.50
Mondays, 2/3/25 – 3/24/25 | 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM | 7 weeks (Limit 8) (No Class 3/17)
Location: Arts & Crafts Center
This seven-session course is an introduction to making a variety of functional ceramic containers such as bowls, mugs, jars and trinket boxes by using pinching, coiling and soft slab handbuilding techniques. You may enhance the pieces by adding small sculptures on them. You will also learn a variety of surface decoration techniques to add texture and stamp designs.
Registration fee:
Student: $65 +optional $37.50 prorated membership (if you would like to use the ACC studio outside of class time)
UF Affiliate: $80 + $62.50 prorated membership - $142.50
Community: $95 + $87.50 prorated membership - $182.50
Mondays, 1/27/25 – 3/24/25 | 6 pm – 8 pm | 8 weeks (Limit 8) *No class 3/17
Location: Arts & Crafts Center
This eight-session course is a great introduction to clay. Participants will learn to shape basic forms on a potters’ wheel with the goal of creating functional pieces like mugs and bowls, adding the final touches by trimming and glazing the forms. Beginning methods of surface decoration will also be covered.
Registration fee:
Student: $75 +optional $37.50 prorated membership (if you would like to use the ACC studio outside of class time)
UF Affiliate: $90 + $62.50 prorated membership - $152.50
Community: $105 + $87.50 prorated membership - $192.50
Mondays, 3/31/25 – 4/21/25 | 6 pm – 8 pm | 4 weeks (Limit 8)
Location: Arts & Crafts Center
This member only four-session course is a jar and lids concentration on the throwing wheel. Learn the process of making lids, galleries, and flanges. Methods of surface decoration will also be covered, as well as basic design iteration techniques. This class is for students who know how to throw, trim, and glaze independently, these topics will not be revised or demo'd.
This course will focus more on learning skills and design process, rather than having a complete finished product by the end of course sessions.
Registration fee:
Student: $ 37.50
UF Affiliate: $ 45
Community: $ 52.50
Mondays, 1/27/25 – 3/3/25 | 6 pm – 7:30 pm | 6 weeks (Limit 20)
Location: Reitz Union - Dance Studio B (LL)
In collaboration with the School of Theatre and Dance, this 6-week class at the Reitz Union explores Postmodern and Contemporary dance concepts through floorwork, improvisation, and phrasework. Dancers will investigate these concert dance concepts through movement exercises, creative exploration, and instructional choreography. Building on prior dance experience, this class develops technical skills and artistic exploration centering individual experience and expression at all times.
Registration fee:
Student: $30
UF Affiliate: $40
Community: $50
Tuesday Classes
Tuesdays, 1/28/25 – 3/11/25 | 5 pm – 7 pm | 7 weeks (Limit 8)
Location: Arts & Crafts Center
This seven-session course is an introduction to sculpting animals with clay. Learn how to form animal shapes of your choice incorporating your own style and personality. You will learn how to sculpt realistically but experimentation and conceptual expression is encouraged. We will focus on small scale projects, working within the scale of 12” X 12”.
Registration fee:
Student: $65 +optional $37.50 prorated membership (if you would like to use the ACC studio outside of class time)
UF Affiliate: $80 + $62.50 prorated membership - $142.50
Community: $95 + $87.50 prorated membership - $182.50
Tuesdays, 1/28/25 – 3/4/25 | 5:30 pm – 6:30 pm | 6 weeks (Limit 6)
Location: Reitz Union Admin Suite Conference Room
Discover the art of crochet in this six-session beginner's class! Whether you're new to the craft or looking to refresh your skills, this course will guide you through the basics, from selecting the right materials to mastering essential stitches. By the end, you'll have the confidence to start your own creative projects and a handmade piece to showcase your new skills.
Registration fee:
Student: $40
UF Affiliate: $50
Community: $60
Tuesdays, 1/28/25 – 3/25/25 | 6 pm – 8 pm | 8 weeks (Limit 8) NO CLASS on 3/18
Location: Arts & Crafts Center
This eight-session course is the next step for those learning wheel-throwing. Learn the process of making a teapot and its parts on the wheel, creating forms such as lids and spouts while throwing "off the hump", and finishing the set by trimming and glazing. Methods of surface decoration will also be covered, as well as basic design iteration techniques. This class is for students who are familiar with how to center, trim, and glaze.
Registration fee:
Student: $75 +optional $37.50 prorated membership (if you would like the use the ACC studio outside of class time)
UF Affiliate: $90 + $62.50 prorated membership - $152.50
Community: $105 + $87.50 prorated membership - $192.50
Tuesdays, 4/1/25 – 4/22/25 | 6 pm – 8 pm | 4 weeks (Limit 8)
Location: Arts & Crafts Center
This member-only four-session course is a sets and nested bowls concentration on the throwing wheel. Learn the process of making nested bowls, stacking plates, and sets. Methods of surface decoration will also be covered, as well as basic design iteration techniques. This class is for students who know how to throw, trim, and glaze independently, these topics will not be revised or demoed.
This course will focus more on learning skills and design process, rather than having a complete finished product by the end of course sessions.
Registration fee:
Student: $ 37.50
UF Affiliate: $ 45
Community: $ 52.50
Tuesdays, 1/28/58 – 3/4/25 | 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm | 6 weeks (Limit 50)
Location: Arredondo Cafe
This 6-week course will help you learn the art of bartending for leisure. Become the center of your social circle by mastering the basics of spirits and the creation of craft cocktails. Must be 21+ years of age to participate.
Registration fee:
Student: $25 + $50 Materials Fee paid during first class
UF Affiliate: $40 + $50 Materials Fee paid during first class
Community: $50 + $50 Materials Fee paid during first class
Wednesday Classes
Wednesdays, 1/29/25 – 3/26/25 | 4 pm – 6 pm | 8 weeks (Limit 8) NO CLASS ON 3/19
Location: Arts & Crafts Center
This eight-session course is an introduction to throwing pots on a wheel with the goal of creating functional pieces that you can use and enjoy. Learn the process of centering the clay, creating forms such as bowls and mugs, and finishing the pieces by trimming and glazing. Beginning methods of surface decoration will also be covered, as well as basic hand-building techniques. Finally, a brief overview of ceramics in different cultures will be presented.
Registration fee:
Student: $75 +optional $37.50 prorated membership (if you would like the use the ACC studio outside of class time)
UF Affiliate: $90 + $62.50 prorated membership - $152.50
Community: $105 + $87.50 prorated membership - $192.50
Wednesdays, 1/29/25 – 3/26/25 | 6 pm – 7 pm | 8 weeks (Limit 20) NO CLASS ON 3/19
Location: Reitz Union - Dance Studio B (LL)
Kick up your heels and boot scoot into this 6-week, beginner-level line dancing course. Regardless of your dancing experience, the instructor will guide you through basic steps and help build your confidence on the dance floor. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to learn something new and get active in a friendly, welcoming environment.
Registration fee:
Student: $30
UF Affiliate: $40
Community: $50
Wednesdays, 1/29/25 – 3/26/25 | 7 pm – 8:30 pm | 8 weeks (Limit 20) NO CLASS ON 3/19
Location: Reitz Union - Dance Studio B (LL)
For the more experienced line dancer, join this 6-week course to level up your moves on the dance floor! This course will cover more complex steps, patterns, and turns than beginner classes. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to hone your skills and get active in a friendly, welcoming environment.
Registration fee:
Student: $35
UF Affiliate: $45
Community: $55
Thursday Classes
THURSDAYS, 1/30/25 – 3/6/25 | 6:45 PM – 7:45 PM | 6 weeks (Limit 6)
Location: Reitz Union - Room 2345
Discover the art of crochet in this six-session beginner's class! Whether you're new to the craft or looking to refresh your skills, this course will guide you through the basics, from selecting the right materials to mastering essential stitches. By the end, you'll have the confidence to start your own creative projects and a handmade piece to showcase your new skills.
Registration fee:
Student: $40
UF Affiliate: $50
Community: $60
THURSDAYS, 1/30/25 – 3/6/25 | 5:30 – 6:30 | 6 weeks (Limit 6)
Location: Reitz Union - Room 2345
Take your crochet skills to the next level in this six-session intermediate class! Dive into the world of granny squares as we explore creative patterns, advanced techniques, and methods for joining squares into larger projects. Whether you're expanding your skill set or perfecting your craft, this course will help you refine your stitches, experiment with colors, and work on a unique project to show off your progress. Join us to transform your granny square creations into stunning works of art!
Registration fee:
Student: $40
UF Affiliate: $50
Community: $60
Thursdays, 1/30/25 – 3/27/25 | 3 pm – 5 pm | 8 weeks (Limit 8) NO CLASS oN 3/20
Location: Arts & Crafts Center
This eight-session course is a great introduction to clay. Participants will learn to shape basic forms on a potters’ wheel with the goal of creating functional pieces like mugs and bowls, adding the final touches by trimming and glazing the forms. Beginning methods of surface decoration will also be covered.
Registration fee:
Student: $75 +optional $37.50 prorated membership (if you would like the use the ACC studio outside of class time)
UF Affiliate: $90 + $62.50 prorated membership - $152.50
Community: $105 + $87.50 prorated membership - $192.50
Thursdays, 4/3/25 – 4/24/25 | 3 pm – 5 pm | 4 weeks (Limit 8)
Location: Arts & Crafts Center
This member only four-session course is a hand-building introduction to making bells and whistles. Learn hand-building methods such as pinching, coiling, and soft slab techniques. Methods of surface decoration will also be covered.
Registration fee:
Student: $37.50
UF Affiliate: $45
Community: $52.50
Thursdays, 1/30/25 – 3/27/25 | 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm | 8 weeks (Limit 8) NO CLASS 3/20
Location: Arts & Crafts Center
Beginning Wheel-Throwing, an 8-week class, teaches the fundamentals of working on a potter’s wheel. Students will learn to make functional bowls, cylinders, cups, and plates. Studio Tools, Vocabulary terms, Bisque process, and Glaze techniques will be demonstrated.
Registration fee:
Student: $75 +optional $37.50 prorated membership (if you would like the use the ACC studio outside of class time)
UF Affiliate: $90 + $62.50 prorated membership - $152.50
Community: $105 + $87.50 prorated membership - $192.50
Thursdays, 1/30/25 – 3/6/25 | 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm | 6 weeks (Limit 50)
Location: Arredondo Cafe
This 6-week course will help you learn the art of bartending for leisure. Become the center of your social circle by mastering the basics of spirits and the creation of craft cocktails. Must be 21+ years of age to participate.
Registration fee:
Student: $25 + $50 Materials Fee paid during first class
UF Affiliate: $40 + $50 Materials Fee paid during first class
Community: $50 + $50 Materials Fee paid during first class
Friday Classes
Fridays, 1/31/25 – 2/21/25 | 3 pm – 5 pm | 4 weeks (Limit 8)
Location: Arts & Crafts Center
This member only four-session course is a hand-building introduction to making bells and whistles. Learn hand-building methods such as pinching, coiling, and soft slab techniques. Methods of surface decoration will also be covered.
Registration fee:
Student: $37.50
UF Affiliate: $45
Community: $52.50
Fridays, 3/7/25 -4/4/25 | 3 pm – 5 pm | 4 weeks (Limit 8) NO CLASS ON 3/21
Location: Arts & Crafts Center
This member-only four-session course is a sets and nested bowls concentration on the throwing wheel. Learn the process of making nested bowls, stacking plates, and sets. Methods of surface decoration will also be covered, as well as basic design iteration techniques. This class is for students who know how to throw, trim, and glaze independently, these topics will not be revised or demoed.
This course will focus more on learning skills and design process, rather than having a complete finished product by the end of course sessions.
Registration fee:
Student: $ 37.50
UF Affiliate: $ 45
Community: $ 52.50
Workshops for Arts and Crafts Center Members
TUESDAYS 1/28 & 2/4; 2/11 & 2/18; 2/25 & 3/4; 3/25 & 4/1; 4/8 & 4/15 | 3 PM - 5 PM (Limit 3 Per Session)
Location: Arts & Crafts Center
For those inexperienced in ceramics who would like an Arts & Crafts membership. This 2-session orientation will give a basic understanding and introduction to ceramics and the potter’s wheel as well as a tour through the ACC Studio space.
Registration fee:
Student: $10
UF Affiliate: $20
Community: $30
CONTACT
352-392-2378
ReitzUnionACCStudio@ufsa.ufl.edu
J. Wayne Reitz Union Lower Level (LL)
686 Museum Rd, Gainesville, Florida 32611