FAQs

About the Classes

When’s the next session starting?

For upcoming sessions, please refer to our Class Schedule.

So, why do your classes sell out so fast?

Well, the way it works is that our current students all get first crack at any class spaces, as many have been at the studio for years, and we’d hate for them to lose their places. This means that, on open registration day, we only have as many spaces as we have students who are dropping out. Sometimes, we don’t have any students leave a class from session to session, which means that a class can sell out before open registration even begins. Unfortunately, we have not figured out a way to bend time and space in such a way as to be able to make space for everyone who wants it. For reals, we’d do it if we could.

What is the cost of the classes?

The cost of the Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Wheelthrowing, and Handbuilding are $340 each (which includes up to 50 lbs. of clay). The Independent Study session (that does not include clay supplies) costs $200.
Our one day Weekend Workshops are $60 per person for a two hour lesson and includes all tools, materials, etc.

How long are the class sessions? And how long is each individual class in the session?

Sessions last 8 weeks long. The Beginning Wheelthrowing, Handbuilding, as well as the Intermediate and Advanced Wheelthrowing classes, meet from 7—9:30pm. Each class meets on a different night, check the class listings for more info on which classes meet what night. However, the Independent Study class has no structured class time. For students in that class the studio is available for them to work in Monday through Friday 12:30pm—6pm as well as during the regular open studio hours during the weekend.

How do I sign up for a class?

Sign up through this page (click here).  Open registration for the class starts two weeks before the beginning of a new session.

Can I sign up for a class in the middle of a session?

If there is room in the class then yes, you can sign up for the rest of the session, but price, instruction, etc. must be worked out on a case-by-case basis.  Open registration for future classes opens up two weeks before the start of the new session.

Are there any other things I should bring to pottery classes?

You’ll want to wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. Clay can be messy so be sure to wear something easily washable. Some students bring an old towel or apron to protect their clothes from getting wet while throwing, though we also have towels and aprons available at the studio.

Do you have pottery tools available for sale?

Yes, basic tool kits are available for sale at $20 each. The basic kit contains a needle tool, sponge, wire clay cutter, a large loop tool, a small loop tool, and a wood modeling tool, a metal rib and a wooden rib. Students who already have their own tools are welcome to use them in the studio. We also have our Bin Of Abandoned Tools, which are free for anyone to use & adopt, though what is in there on any given day is a coin toss.

Is it really like in the movie “Ghost”?

Um… no, not really; Patrick Swayze will not be rubbing his naked chest on your back to the sounds of the Righteous Brothers. However, if you want to bring a pair of earbuds and pretend he’s there, well… that’s your business.

About the Clay (and more!)

How is clay distributed?

The Beginning, Handbuilding, & Intermediate/Advanced students are allocated up to 50 lbs of clay per 8-week class session. The clay comes in 25lb bags, and as more clay is needed students may simply ask for more during class time. The amounts of clay will be kept track of in the attendance book. The Independent Study students need to buy clay from the studio starting at $2.50 per pound. This price is to cover the cost of the clay, glazes, and firings, so that there are no extra loading or firing charges. If any of the handbuilding and wheelthrowing students need more than 50 lbs during a session they would pay the same price per pound.

Does the studio recycle its own clay?

No, since there is a charge on extra clay students will be taught to recycle their own clay.

What sort of clay is being used?

It’s a grey stoneware body with a medium/light grog—very good for throwing. It’s fired to cone 5, which makes it a midrange stoneware body, a sturdier material than earthenware or terra cotta. Minnesota Clay mixes and de-airs the clay for us, and provides our studio glazes. It fires to a light off white buff color. We also have available a groggier red body from Minnesota Clay, as well as a dark brown and a porcelaneous body from Standard Clay. Those bodies are available at an extra charge.

If I want to can I bring my own clay and glazes for use at the studio?

No. To ensure the safety of everyone, outside material will not be used in the studio.

What kind of glazes will be available?

There are many different glazes for student use. All are suitable for food ware and are dishwasher and microwave safe. Come into the studio and have a look at our amazing Wall O’ Glazes!

What about Underglazes?

Underglazes from Speedball are available at the studio, as well as stains, Mayco’s Stroke & Coat Wonderglaze, Mayco’s Designer Liner, slips, and a wide variety of underglaze decals. Check out our Chroma-Zone!

I’m worried about lead, is it in any of the materials at the studio?

Absolutely not: all of our materials are certified non-toxic and confirm to ASTM D-4236, which make them ideal for classroom or studio settings.

What’s the open studio time during the weekend all about?

The open studio is time outside of class where students may come in and work on their projects. There is a volunteer studio workshop leader who is there to answer any questions you may have, but the open studio time is not a structured class time. Open studio runs from 1—6pm on both Saturday and Sunday.

What sort of kilns do you have?

They are Cone Art brand electric kilns, which are rated to go up to cone 8, although our bisque fire goes to cone 05 and our glaze fires to cone 5.

What the heck are all these “cones” that you keep talking about?

It’s a means of measuring temperature inside the kilns and is used in the ceramics industry.