Diane Pontoriero's Classes

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• A-103 Let’s Throw Some Clay! - Monday Mornings (WI26)

  • Start
    February 02, 2026
  •  
  • End
    March 16, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    6 sessions
  • Location
    North Hills Art Center
  • Spaces left
    0

  Registration deadline January 26

  Ages 16+

  All experience levels welcome in this general pottery class.  We will cover both wheel throwing and handbuilding techniques in the 6 week course.  Experienced students can improve their skills and beginners can learn the basics. Everyone will create some unique pottery pieces.  The last class will focus on glazing. All materials included. 

  Instructor: Diane Pontoriero

  Dates: Mondays 2/2 - 3/16

  (no class 3/9)

  6 sessions

  Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

  Cancellation Policy: Registrations may be cancelled up to seven days before the start of class by contacting the office. Cancellation of this class will result in a $25 cancellation fee, to be deducted from the refund amount.
  

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• A-310 Soft Pastels (WI26)

  • Start
    February 02, 2026
  •  
  • End
    March 09, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    6 sessions
  • Location
    North Hills Art Center
  • Spaces left
    0

  Registration is closed

  Registration deadline: January 26

  Ages 16+

  
  

  Soft pastels are a vibrant and rewarding painting medium! This class will cover using pastels with a variety of different techniques and with a variety of surfac-es. All levels are welcome as we explore the pastel sticks and pan pastels. All materials included. 

  
  

  Instructor: Diane Pontoriero

  
  

  
  

  Dates: Mondays 2/2-3/9 (6 sessions)

  Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

  
  

  Cancellation Policy: Registrations may be cancelled up to seven days before the start of class by contacting the office. Cancellation of this class will result in a $25 cancellation fee, to be deducted from the refund amount.
  

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• A-104 Let’s Throw Some Clay! - Thursdays (WI26)

  • Start
    February 05, 2026
  •  
  • End
    March 19, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    7 sessions
  • Location
    North Hills Art Center
  • Spaces left
    0

  Registration closed

  Ages 16+

  All experience levels welcome in this general pottery class.  We will cover both wheel throwing and handbuilding techniques in the 6 week course.  Experienced students can improve their skills and beginners can learn the basics. Everyone will create some unique pottery pieces.  The last class will focus on glazing. All materials included. 

  Instructor: Diane Pontoriero

  Dates: Thursdays 2/5 - 3/19

  (no class 3/12)

  6 sessions

  Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

  Cancellation Policy: Registrations may be cancelled up to seven days before the start of class by contacting the office. Cancellation of this class will result in a $25 cancellation fee, to be deducted from the refund amount.
  

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• WS-121 Textured Tray (WI26)

  • Start
    February 21, 2026
  •  
  • End
    March 07, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    2 sessions
  • Location
    North Hills Art Center
  • Spaces left
    0

  Registration is closed

  Registration closes: February 14
  Ages 16+

  Using textured rolling pins and mats, you will handbuild a tray. You will be able to use the texturing tools to add dimension to the tray. The trays will be enhanced with stamps, sprig molds, underglazes and glazes. On completion, you will have a unique tray to use or give as a gift. All materials included. 

  
  

  
  

  Instructor: Diane Pontoriero
  
  Dates: Saturdays 2/21 & 3/7

  No Class 2/28

  Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

  Because this class is after office hours, please use the red side door to enter.

  Cancellation Policy: Registrations may be cancelled up to seven days before the start of class by contacting the office. Cancellation of this class will result in a $25 cancellation fee, to be deducted from the refund amount.

  
  

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• WS-119 Decorated Clay Mirror(WI26)

  • Start
    February 22, 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM
  • End
    March 07, 2026
  •  
    12:00 PM
  • Location
    North Hills Art Center
  • Spaces left
    0

  Registration is closed

  Registration closes: February 14
  Ages 16+

  In this workshop you will create a mirror frame out of clay that you will be able to decorate with textures, sprig mold and other hand made pieces. The frames will be glazed in the second class and a mirror will be provided to be glued on when complete. All materials included. 

  
  

  Instructor: Diane Pontoriero
  
  Dates: Saturdays 11/22 & 12/13

  No Class 2/28

  Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

  Because this class is after office hours, please use the red side door to enter.

  Cancellation Policy: Registrations may be cancelled up to seven days before the start of class by contacting the office. Cancellation of this class will result in a $25 cancellation fee, to be deducted from the refund amount.

  
  

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• A-136 Understanding Underglazes (WI26)

  • Start
    March 11, 2026
  •  
  • End
    April 08, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    4 sessions
  • Location
    North Hills Art Center
  • Spaces left
    0

  Registration deadline: March 4

  Ages 16+ 

  There are more ways to add color and texture to your finished pottery pieces beside glazes. Underglazes for instance! In this class we will explore a variety of ways to use underglazes including painting on colored areas, sgraffito, watercolor effects, masking, and majolica. All experience levels welcome as we will be using both hand built and wheel thrown pieces to decorate. All materials included. 

  Instructor: Diane Pontoriero

  Dates: Wednesdays 3/11 - 4/8

  (no class 4/1)

  6 sessions

  Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

  Cancellation Policy: Registrations may be cancelled up to seven days before the start of class by contacting the office. Cancellation of this class will result in a $25 cancellation fee, to be deducted from the refund amount.
  

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• WS-419 Wet Felted Bowls (WI26)

  • When
    March 21, 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
  • Location
    North Hills Art Center
  • Spaces left
    1

  Register

  Registration deadline: March 14
  Ages 16+

  Bowls out of wool? Absolutely! Why not? Using a wet felting method, we will create beautiful, usable bowls and vessels with wool roving. Please note this is both a wet and rather physical workshop using repetitive motion.All materials included.

  Instructor: Diane Pontoriero
  
  Date: Saturday 3/21
  Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
  (1 session)
  
  Because this class is after office hours, please use the red side door to enter.

  Cancellation Policy: Registrations may be cancelled up to seven days before the start of class by contacting the office. Cancellation of this class will result in a $25 cancellation fee, to be deducted from the refund amount.

  
  

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• WS-501 Pysanky (Ukranian Easter Eggs) (WI26)

  • When
    March 21, 2026
  •  
    1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    North Hills Art Center
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  Registration deadline: March 14

  Ages 12+

  In Spring and at Easter, Pysanky are a tradition in Eastern Europe. This batik method of applying layers of beeswax and egg dye to the eggs creates intricate and beautiful designs. You will create up to three eggs and learn about the symbolism in the designs and colors. Hot wax is used in this class. All materials included.

  
  

  Instructor: Diane Pontoriero

  Dates: Saturday 3/21 (1 session) Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Because this class is after office hours, please use the red side door to enter. Cancellation Policy: Registrations may be cancelled up to seven days before the start of class by contacting the office. Cancellation of this class will result in a $25 cancellation fee, to be deducted from the refund amount.

  Show details
• WS-124 Handbuilt Watering Can (SP26)

  • Start
    April 04, 2026
  •  
  • End
    April 18, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    2 sessions
  • Location
    North Hills Art Center
  • Spaces left
    2

  Register

  Registration deadline: March 28

  Ages 18+ 

  Using slabs of clay and templates, you will build a fully functional watering can to keep your plants happy. In our first class, we will build the cans and in the second class, we will be glazing our watering cans. No clay experience needed. All materials included. 

  Instructor: Diane Pontoriero

  
  

  Dates: Saturdays 4/4 and 4/18 (2 sessions)

  No class 4/11
  

  Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

  Because this class is after office hours, please use the red side door to enter.
  

  
  

  Cancellation Policy: Registrations may be cancelled up to seven days before the start of class by contacting the office. Cancellation of this class will result in a $25 cancellation fee, to be deducted from the refund amount.
  

  
  

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• WS-106 Clay Fairy or Gnome House (SP26)

  • Start
    April 04, 2026
  •  
    1:00 PM
  • End
    April 18, 2026
  •  
    3:00 PM
  • Location
    North Hills Art Center
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  Registration deadline: March 28

  Ages 16+

  Where will the garden elves and fairies live? In your hand built enchanted garden, of course! In this 2 week class, you will make a fairy house and all the accessories out of clay.   Pieces will be glazed at the second class. All materials included.

  Instructor: Diane Pontoriero

  
  

  Dates: Saturdays 4/4 & 4/18 (2 sessions)

  No class 4/11

  Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
  
  Because this class is after office hours, please use the red side door to enter.

  Cancellation Policy: Registrations may be cancelled up to seven days before the start of class by contacting the office. Cancellation of this class will result in a $25 cancellation fee, to be deducted from the refund amount.

  
  

  Show details
• WS-521 Fused Glass Suncatcher (SP26)

  • When
    April 09, 2026
  •  
    7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    North Hills Art Center
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  Registration deadline:  April 2

  Ages  16+

  Use the beautiful colors of fused glass to create a unique sun catcher for your window. You will learn how to cut and arrange the glass to make a design.  The suncatcher will be tack fused with a hanger and ready to display. All materials included. 

  Instructor: Diane Pontoriero

  
  

  
  

  Date: Thursday 4/9 (1 session)

  Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

  Because this class is after office hours, please use the red side door to enter.
  

  Cancellation Policy: Registrations may be cancelled up to seven days before the start of class by contacting the office. Cancellation of this class will result in a $25 cancellation fee, to be deducted from the refund amount.

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• A-310 Soft Pastels (SP26)

  • Start
    April 13, 2026
  •  
  • End
    May 18, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    6 sessions
  • Location
    North Hills Art Center
  • Spaces left
    3

  Register

  Registration deadline: April 6

  Ages 16+

  Soft pastels are a vibrant and rewarding painting medium! This class will cover using pastels with a variety of different techniques and with a variety of surfaces.  All levels are welcome as we explore the pastel pencils, sticks and pan pastels. All materials included.

  Instructor: Diane Pontoriero

  
  

  Dates: Mondays, 4/13 - 5/18 (6 sessions)

  Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

  
  

  Cancellation Policy: Registrations may be cancelled up to seven days before the start of class by contacting the office. Cancellation of this class will result in a $25 cancellation fee, to be deducted from the refund amount.
  

  Show details
• A-208 Watercolor Basics (SP26)

  • Start
    April 15, 2026
  •  
  • End
    May 20, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    6 sessions
  • Location
    North Hills Art Center
  • Spaces left
    10

  Register

  Registration deadline: April 8

  Ages 16+

   

  Painting with watercolors is such a fluid and exciting process. We will explore the unique qualities of watercolors and cover a variety of watercolor techniques as we create our paintings. Supplies and the  processes to complete works of art will be reviewed. Students will be able to work along with the instructor, as well as work on individual projects. All skill levels welcome. Materials list below.

   

  Instructor: Diane Pontoriero

   

  Dates: Wednesdays 4/15 - 5/20 (6 sessions)

  Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

  
  

  Materials list:

  
  

  - Tube watercolors with color names

  - Watercolor paper (140 lb. weight)

  - Round and flat watercolor brushes

  - Palette

  - Any other supplies you have

  
  

  Click here to purchase a watercolor kit!

  Cancellation Policy: Registrations may be cancelled up to seven days before the start of class by contacting the office. Cancellation of this class will result in a $25 cancellation fee, to be deducted from the refund amount.

  Show details
• A-414 Batik Painting (SP26)

  • Start
    April 15, 2026
  •  
  • End
    April 29, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    3 sessions
  • Location
    North Hills Art Center
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  Registration deadline:  April 8

  Ages 18+

   

  The hot wax dye process of batik will be used to create unique paintings on cotton. We start by applying wax to save the white areas and continue applying dyes as we paint the picture. The entire painting will be soaked in black dye to create the "batik" look. When the wax is melted off, the painting is complete. All materials included. 

  Instructor: Diane Pontoriero

  Dates: Wednesdays, 4/15 - 4/29 (3 sessions)
  Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

  Cancellation Policy: Registrations may be cancelled up to seven days before the start of class by contacting the office. Cancellation of this class will result in a $25 cancellation fee, to be deducted from the refund amount.

  
  

  Show details
• A-104 Let’s Throw Some Clay! - Thursdays (SP26)

  • Start
    April 16, 2026
  •  
  • End
    May 28, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    6 sessions
  • Location
    North Hills Art Center
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  Registration deadline: April 9

  Ages 16+

  All experience levels welcome in this general pottery class.  We will cover both wheel throwing and handbuilding techniques in the 6 week course.  Experienced students can improve their skills and beginners can learn the basics. Everyone will create some unique pottery pieces.  The last class will focus on glazing. All materials included. 

  Instructor: Diane Pontoriero

  Dates: Thursdays 4/16 - 5/28 (6 sessions)

  No class 5/21

  Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

  
  

  Because this class is after office hours, please use the red side door to enter.
  

  Cancellation Policy: Registrations may be cancelled up to seven days before the start of class by contacting the office. Cancellation of this class will result in a $25 cancellation fee, to be deducted from the refund amount.
  

  Show details
• A-103 Let’s Throw Some Clay! - Monday Mornings (SP26)

  • Start
    April 20, 2026
  •  
  • End
    June 01, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    6 sessions
  • Location
    North Hills Art Center
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  Registration deadline April 13

  Ages 16+

  All experience levels welcome in this general pottery class.  We will cover both wheel throwing and handbuilding techniques in the 6 week course.  Experienced students can improve their skills and beginners can learn the basics. Everyone will create some unique pottery pieces.  The last class will focus on glazing. All materials included. 

  Instructor: Diane Pontoriero

  Dates: Mondays 4/20 - 6/1 (6 sessions)

  (No class 5/25)

  Time: 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

  Cancellation Policy: Registrations may be cancelled up to seven days before the start of class by contacting the office. Cancellation of this class will result in a $25 cancellation fee, to be deducted from the refund amount.
  

  Show details
• WS-123 Kurinuki Pottery (SP26)

  • Start
    May 06, 2026
  •  
  • End
    May 20, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    2 sessions
  • Location
    North Hills Art Center
  • Spaces left
    7

  Register

  Registration deadline: April 29

  Ages 16+

  "Kurinuki" is a Japanese clay carving technique used to create vessels. It means "hollowing out". In this workshop, you will start  blocks of clay and carving them to create a bowl and a vase. We will glaze our pieces in the 2nd class. No clay experience needed. All materials included.

  Instructor: Diane Pontoriero

  
  

  Date: Wednesdays 5/6 & 5/20 (2 sessions)

  No Class 5/13

  Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

  Cancellation Policy: Registrations may be cancelled up to seven days before the start of class by contacting the office. Cancellation of this class will result in a $25 cancellation fee, to be deducted from the refund amount.

  
  

  Show details
• WS-216 Paint Like Bob Ross (SP26)

  • When
    May 09, 2026
  •  
    1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
  • Location
    North Hills Art Center
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  Registration deadline: May 2

  Ages 14+

  In this 2 hour workshop, you will follow along with me to paint in the “alla prima” technique used by Bob Ross. We will be painting the sunset mountain scene with a lake and trees. All materials included.  

  Instructor: Diane Pontoriero

   

  Date: Saturday 5/9 (1 session) 

  Time: 1:00 pm - 3:00 pm

  Because this class is after office hours, please use the red side door to enter.

  Cancellation Policy: Registrations may be cancelled up to seven days before the start of class by contacting the office. Cancellation of this class will result in a $25 cancellation fee, to be deducted from the refund amount.

  
  

  Show details
• SE-102 Printmaking for Kids (SP26)

  • When
    May 16, 2026
  •  
    10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
  • Location
    North Hills Art Center
  • Spaces left
    2

  Register

  Registration deadline: May 9

  Ages 6-10

  
  

  Join us for an enjoyable workshop where we find some unique wats to make prints of your favorite drawings. We will be using Styrofoam sheets and objects to make our prints. All are welcome! All Materials Included. 

   
  Instructors: Diane Pontoriero

  
  

  
  

  Date: Saturday, May 16

  (1 session)

  Time: 10:00 am - 11:30 am

  
  

  This workshop is offered at no cost as part of Allegheny Regional Asset District's RADical Days. The North Hills Art Center is supported in part by the taxpayers of Allegheny County through a public grant from RAD. RAD works here.
  
  
  
  If you register for this free workshop and find you are no longer able to attend, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer the space to other students.

  Because this class is after office hours, please use the red side door to enter.

  
  

  Show details
• SE-103 Printmaking for Tweens & Teens (SP26)

  • When
    May 16, 2026
  •  
    1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
  • Location
    North Hills Art Center
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  Registration deadline: May 9

  Ages 11-15

  
  

  Join us and learn how to use a variety of carving tools on soft cut printing blocks to create unique, on of a kind printed images. We'll explore all the ways to use carving tools and to make textured marks and create contrasting prints.  All are welcome! All Materials Included. 

   
  Instructors: Diane Pontoriero

  
  

  
  

  Date: Saturday, May 16

  (1 session)

  Time: 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm

  
  

  This workshop is offered at no cost as part of Allegheny Regional Asset District's RADical Days. The North Hills Art Center is supported in part by the taxpayers of Allegheny County through a public grant from RAD. RAD works here.
  
  
  
  If you register for this free workshop and find you are no longer able to attend, please let us know as soon as possible so we can offer the space to other students.

  Because this class is after office hours, please use the red side door to enter.

  
  

  Show details
• A-124 Just Raku and Pit Fire (SP26)

  • Start
    May 23, 2026
  •  
  • End
    June 13, 2026
  •  
  • Schedule
    3 sessions
  • Location
    North Hills Art Center
  • Spaces left
    0

  Join waitlist

  Registration deadline: May 16

  Ages 16+ 

  Fire and smoke provide the magic for our Raku and Pit Fired pottery. We will explore the range of Raku techniques and expand the effects of our pit fired pieces through burnishing, chemical additions and saggar firing. All materials included. 

  Instructor: Diane Pontoriero

  
  

  Dates: Saturdays 5/23 - 6/13 (3 sessions)

  No class 6/6
  
  

  Times
  5/23 & 5/30: 1:00 - 3:00 pm
  6/13: 1:00-5:00 pm

  Because this class is after office hours, please use the red side door to enter.
  

  
  

  Cancellation Policy: Registrations may be cancelled up to seven days before the start of class by contacting the office. Cancellation of this class will result in a $25 cancellation fee, to be deducted from the refund amount.
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  Show details
• WS-502 Fused Glass Jewelry (SP26)

  • When
    June 04, 2026
  •  
    7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
  • Location
    North Hills Art Center
  • Spaces left
    4

  Register

  Registration deadline: May 28

  Ages 12+

  
  

  Learn to create stunning fused glass pendants, earrings and pins. Beginner and experienced glass artists can make up to 8 pieces of wearable art. Class includes tips on the use of dichroic glass, layering glass, and using frits and stringers. You can create both full and tack fused pieces! All materials included.

  
  

  Instructor: Diane Pontoriero

  
  

  Date: Thursday 6/4 (1 session)

  Time: 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
  
  Because this class is after office hours, please use the red side door to enter.

  Cancellation Policy: Registrations may be cancelled up to seven days before the start of class by contacting the office. Cancellation of this class will result in a $25 cancellation fee, to be deducted from the refund amount.
  

  Show details