The existence of prehistoric pottery shards paints a clear picture of ancient artisanal practices while highlighting ancestral clumsiness. Leave behind traces of your own civilization with today's Groupon: for $50, you get a private two-hour instructional pottery class for two people at Get Centered Clay Studio in La Mesa (a $100 value).

At Get Centered Clay Studio, instructors teach fledgling clay artisans the basics of slinging, spinning, and molding ceramic works in a fully equipped facility. During each two-hour private instructional class, participants will learn a brief history of clay making, as well as the foundational skills necessary to hand form clay, spin symmetrical pieces on the potter's wheel, or sculpt lifelike busts with their minds. Budding artists can then hone their craft on amorphous clay blobs, becoming familiar with the materials and the wheel. Although students will not create a fully finished piece, they will leave equipped with the know-how to make ceramic water jugs and full-scale concept cars in the future.