Workshops + Teaching
One of the greatest rewards of teaching is bringing people together through clay, where curiosity, creativity, and the shared experience of making create lasting connections. Every workshop is an opportunity for shared discovery. While I bring decades of experience as a maker and educator, I continue to be inspired by the curiosity, insights, and creative approaches of those I teach.
Drawing from my studio practice in porcelain, I share the techniques, processes, and ways of thinking that shape my work. Workshops explore wheel throwing, altering forms, and the use of hump and slump molds to create handbuilt vessels, along with approaches to surface development using colored slips, applied porcelain, slip trailing, and carving. We also consider how glazing and firing—from cone 6 oxidation to atmospheric salt and reduction firings—contribute to the character of each piece.
Alongside technical demonstrations, I encourage observation, experimentation, and the subtle decisions that transform a well-made pot into a distinctive piece of work. Above all, I strive to create a workshop environment that is both challenging and supportive, where participants leave with new skills, renewed confidence, and a deeper understanding of their own creative voice.
Upcoming Workshops
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The Art of the Pour: Form, Function, and Gesture in Porcelain
Asheville Clay: Asheville, NC
October 10–11, 2026
Explore Leah’s approach to creating expressive, well-balanced forms, focusing on functional sauceboats and related vessels.
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Throwing & Altering
John C. Campbell Folk School: Brasstown, NC
October 25–31, 2026
Discover techniques for combining throwing and altering components in your work as well as how to use hump and slump molds. Experiment with various approaches to shaping both the form and surface of freshly thrown vessels.
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Beyond the Wheel: Expanding Form and Surface
St. John Pottery: St. John, U.S. Virgin Islands
January 24–31, 2027
Learn techniques for throwing and altering pottery, and combine thrown and hand-built elements, as well as using hump and slump molds for those interested in hand-building.
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Porcelain in Process: Wheel, Altering & Fire
The Bascom: Highlands, NC
May 17–21, 2027
Join Leah Leitson and Susan Filley to explore the expressive possibilities of porcelain through wheel throwing, altering, and surface development. Learn approaches to shaping, refining, and transforming vessels while experimenting with decorative techniques and the unique qualities of porcelain.
Contact Frank Vickery for more information: fvickery@thebascom.org
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Fluid Form: Exploring Porcelain
La Meridiana International School of Ceramics: Certaldo FI, Italy
August 8–21, 2027
A two week immersive program in Italy to develop technical skills and strengthen creative thinking. Students will work with the wheel, learn decorative techniques and become familiar with the basics of glazing and firing.
Testimonials
“I noticed Leah’s attention to detail in her beautiful pieces as well as in her students. She made everyone feel important.”
“I still can’t get over the volume of material that Leah covered in the workshop and I will be digesting the info for some time to come.”
“One of the best workshops I’ve attended…Leah is a great presenter and teacher.”