Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Creative Arts & Design | University of West Florida
Skip to main content

Creative Arts & Design

Explore your creativity with personal enrichment classes in Creative Arts & Design. From pottery and photography to hands-on makerspace experiences, discover new skills, experiment with different mediums and bring your ideas to life.


Wheel Throwing: Ceramics Workshop

Dates: March 13 - April 24, 2027

This six-week adult ceramics class introduces the fundamentals of wheel throwing, guiding you through the complete ceramic process from raw clay to finished glazed work. Over six Saturdays, you will learn essential techniques including centering clay on the wheel, throwing basic forms, refining shapes and preparing pieces for firing.

You will also gain experience with kiln firing and glazing, developing an understanding of how form, surface and finish work together in functional ceramics. Designed for beginners and those looking to refresh their skills, the course emphasizes hands-on practice, material awareness and the rhythm of working at the wheel.

Schedule: Saturdays,
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Location: UWF Pensacola Campus, Building 82
Tuition: $275

Register for the Wheel Throwing Workshop


Raku Pottery Workshop: The Art of Smoke and Fire

Dates: February 6–27, 2027

This workshop introduces you to the art of raku firing, a rustic and historic process that creates unique, unpredictable and beautifully imperfect results. No prior experience is required, though it's equally rewarding for those with a background in working with clay. Participants will design, hand-build and glaze their own piece before starting the Raku firing process. 

The raku firing process produces a wide range of surfaces, from shiny metallic to intricate crackle patterns. Every piece is one-of-a-kind. The beauty of this art form lies in its imperfections and the surprises and variations that make each creation truly unique.

Schedule: Saturdays,
2:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: UWF Pensacola Campus, Building 82
Tuition: $215

Register for the Raku Pottery Workshop


Dark Room Photography

Dates: February 6–27, 2027

Learn the theory and practice of black-and-white photography as an art form, from mastering the technical side of the camera to exploring its potential as a creative tool. You'll build core photographic techniques and a sharper aesthetic eye while working with cyanotype printing, photograms, pinhole and traditional cameras and black-and-white film. Step into the traditional darkroom to expose and develop your own film, make prints with enlargers and work with real photographic chemistry.

Designed for recreational beginners or experienced photographers looking to refresh their skills, this course is all about hands-on practice and experimentation. Bring your curiosity and leave with a portfolio of prints made entirely by hand.

Schedule: Saturdays,
10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Location: UWF Pensacola Campus, Building 82
Tuition: $225

Register for Dark Room Photography


RISO Zines!

Dates: February 9 - March 16, 2027

Learn the fundamentals of Risograph printing by creating your own small-edition zine. Discover how the Risograph works, preparing artwork for print and combining separate color layers to create bold, vibrant images. Get hands-on with color separation, spot-color printing, registration, layering, overprinting, page sequencing, folding, binding and editioning. Experiment with photography, illustration, typography, and collage while exploring how the quirks of the Risograph shape a publication's visual language.

Perfect for beginners and anyone curious about independent publishing, printmaking or graphic design. You'll leave with a small edition of your own original Risograph-printed zine.

Schedule: Tuesdays,
5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.
Location: UWF Pensacola Campus, Building 82
Tuition: $150

Register for RISO Zines!


3D Printing: Design your Own 3D Objects One-Day Workshop

Ready to bring your ideas to life? In this hands-on, four-hour workshop, you'll go from being a complete beginner to creating your very own 3D-printed design. You'll get oriented in the SEA Makerspace, learn the basics of 3D design using Tinkercad and walk through the full printing process using software to prepare files. By the end of the session, you'll queue and start your own print job and learn how to finish it like a pro. Whether you're curious about 3D printing or ready to dive into a new creative skill, this workshop gives you everything you need to get started with confidence.

Date: November 14, 2026
Time: 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Location: Downtown Pensacola, Museum of Commerce
Tuition: $65

3D Printing Workshop Registration


Markerspace Studio

Dates: TBA

This course introduces participants to key makerspace tools: 3D printers, laser engravers, CNC mills and sewing machines. Through hands-on projects, students will develop practical skills and learn to design, prototype and fabricate objects in a collaborative, creative environment. No prior experience is necessary. Upon completion of this course, participants will be eligible to enroll in Open Studio sessions for individual projects, where they can use the tools available in the makerspace. The course includes an online component and requires reviewing safety and other content prior to and between sessions. 

Schedule: TBA
Location: Downtown Pensacola, Museum of Commerce
Tuition: TBA

Learn More About Makerspace


Markerspace Studio Open Hours

Makerspace Studio Open Hours offer monthly access to a wide range of equipment, including 3D printers, laser engravers, CNC mills and sewing machines. Participants can use the space during designated days and times to work on their own hands-on projects. Materials are not provided, so individuals will need to bring their own supplies. Sign-up is flexible, allowing you to register only for the months you plan to use the space.

Open Hours are currently available exclusively to individuals who have completed the Makerspace Studio class, as well as UWF alumni who previously completed introductory Makerspace training as students.

Monthly Sign Up
Tuition: $40 for months that the Makerspace is only open for two weeks; $75 for months the Makerspace is fully open.
Location: Downtown Pensacola, Museum of Commerce

Learn More about Makerspace Studio