I love this place because it's not just a studio, it's a community. The staff and members are talented and love helping each other. I'm often inspired from seeing other's pieces and they are so open to sharing their techniques and even supplies. There's monthly parties that are a ton of fun too.
I've tried the intro class, workshops, 4 week course, private lesson, and membership here. I'll include info about each of these.
The intro class got me hooked. I like how the instructor arranged the attendees so that we get to sit with our party and get pictures of us throughout the process. The instructor demonstrated how to throw pottery and helped us as we followed along. There was definitely hands on help for everyone. After our bowls were formed, we clean up. In a few weeks I got notified the bowl was ready. I called and picked up my bowl. I was happy with how they smoothed all my rough edges and the color is beautiful.
Tip: don't wear rings, bracelets, or watches because you'll take them off to do pottery.
I took the 4 week course next. This is where I learned the whole process from throwing to trimming and glazing. I like the hands on approach from the instructors. Since it was a full class, we got help from 2 to 3 instructors in each class. The items made during the course are prioritized by the studio. They prioritize firing the pieces so they are ready for the next step in each class.
Tip: when you sign up for the course, you get members hours included. It's best you schedule time to attend the members hours because we get assigned to do things and they can't all be done during class alone. Plus it's best to practice! During this course I realized the members hours was different on the website to the paper I was given to the emailed hours and to the actual observed hours. However, this has improved greatly and there's now alignment. I appreciate that when things aren't perfect, they continue to be improved.
Tip: if during the course you feel you are interested in joining as a member, sign up right away! Because there is a waitlist for the memberships.
After being on the waitlist, I got to join as a member! I come into the studio to work at my own pace. I like that I still get guidance from the staff. I can ask them questions and a lot of times, if they see me struggling with something, they'll give me advice. We don't get priority for firing as a member and there isn't a guarantee on when we'd get pieces fired. I've been a member for almost a year, typically my pieces get fired within a few days to a few months from when I turn them in. In general, pieces that are 3 to 4 inches tall get fired more quickly than the tall pieces and the 2 inch pieces.
Tip: label all your supplies. A lot of people use the same tools, so labeling helps prevent mix ups. I try not to leave my tools behind, but I did one time and someone returned it to me bc my name is on it. I also left my purse before and I'm very grateful that the staff kept it safe for me until I got it back.
I took a few workshops as well. These are one time classes that are for a specific focus. I took a workshop to make donuts and to make pipes. These are fun to learn specific things as well as specific techniques. This is how I got my husband hooked on pottery. They have different workshops throughout the year and they are so festive, like Valentines ghost, mothers day purses, and fall pumpkin making.
I took a private lesson, which is hourly one on one time with an instructor. This was extremely beneficial when my skills were on a plateau. It helped me get hands on coaching to overcome my challenges.
Tip: come earlier than the scheduled lesson prepare supplies before the lesson starts. I'll come in earlier to wedge clay and set up my station. Then my whole lesson is dedicated to helping me throw.
Overall I love this studio. When I'm here, I forget my problems. read more