The Colley Senior Complex is kicking off the New Year with a new program that is akin to riding a bicycle.

Janice Prescott, a self-proclaimed “inner potter,” will teach an introduction to throwing pottery on the wheel. She, laughingly, said that those who take the class will begin on training wheels but will soon be doing wheelies.

Throwing pots is like riding a bicycle, once you get the hang of it, you can take off and go, Prescott said.

“Most people don’t get good immediately, but, then again, some do,” Prescott said. “But, usually, before you can make a pot like you want, you’ll have to throw about 25 pots.”

And, those who take the pottery throwing class will have that opportunity.

The classes are limited to three members but members are not confined to work only during class time. They can come in before or after class and throw one pot after another.

“The more pots you throw, the better the pots,” Prescott said.

Although, Prescott said she is not a professional potter, she was throwing pots for 10 years in New York City before moving to Troy in September.

Her resume is rather impressive. Having thrown pots at the Chelsea Ceramic Guild and Greenwich House Pottery and other New York pottery places, Prescott is more than qualified to teach people the ins-and-outs of pottery.

The pottery throwing classes will be at 4 p.m. on Tuesdays and 9:30 a.m. on Wednesdays at the Colley Senior Complex. The classes are limited to three members. However, additional classes could be offered.

There is a $10 monthly charge for the class to cover expenses. Class members have the option of taking their pots home, selling them or making pots for others.

“That’s why we charge the fee for materials,” said Catherine Jordan, Colley Senior Complex director. “We are fortunate to have someone with Janice’s talent and experience teach the pottery throwing class for us. We are always excited to be able to offer new programs for our seniors.”

Jordan said that those who are interested in the coil and slab methods of pottery making are invited to join the slab-happy potters at 1 p.m. on Wednesdays and at 10 a.m. on Thursdays.

“This is an informal class and the members learn from each other and by doing,” Jordan said.

For more information about the pottery classes and other programs at the Colley Senior Complex, call 334-808-8500 or visit the Complex on Elm Street in Troy.