I've been going to Merritt Ceramics since 2019. I have worked in multiple shared-space ceramic studios over the years, and Merritt is hands-down the cleanest and most well-organized one I have found. ​The staff is incredibly kind, caring, and knowledgeable. I've taken everything at the studio from multi-week wheel throwing courses and one-on-one tutoring to special workshops with world-renowned artists, and I have been impressed with all of them. I am now a 'Daisy' member, which allows me to drop in and work anytime the studio is open. I have learned that I really enjoy sculpting animals. I love working here surrounded by other people who are just as deep into clay as I am. The space is well-equipped with supplies and tools, and the kiln turnaround time is fast. Come join us! read more

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Great creative community, well established studio, very inclusive. Instructors are solid!

I've done pottery a couple of times with my partner, but our favorite place to create is this neighborhood gem. We recently moved to Oakland, tried a class and shortly after signed up for more because the staff has really made us feel at home. We definitely have become more confident in creating pieces we love! Side note: the bowl a friend gifted us from Merritt has remained beautiful over the past couple of years! Highly recommend for all levels, they really support your creativity. read more

Merritt Ceramics Studio - My favorite bowl from Merritt Ceramics still has a beautiful glaze and has become a staple in my home. - Arts & Entertainment Near Me - Oakland, California

I took a class here earlier this year, but I'm returning to write a review after taking a few more classes in other ceramics studios. The instructor was knowledgeable and patient, but firm in his instructions. He was able to troubleshoot issues that I and other class takers were having with ease. If you want to learn ceramics fundamentals, this is the place to go! read more

Merritt Ceramics came to our office in downtown San Francisco for a team bonding event, and it was an absolute blast! We had about 30 people, and the instructors were incredibly patient and made it so much fun for everyone. The best part was that we all got to make something unique, and Merritt Ceramics took care of everything from lugging the pieces back to Oakland and dropping off our finished pieces. Such a fantastic experience. read more

I went last weekend with my wife, and we had a blast! I love the molds you can use to make plates and vases (it's nice to have bc I'm afraid of using the wheel). This is the perfect spot for a date night or to zone out and feel the earth read more

Merritt Ceramics is awesome! Really liked the vibe and I was impressed by how knowledgeable the staff were. They have really cool classes for all skill levels. I would recommend Merritt to anybody looking to get into ceramics or continue pursuing their love of the craft :) read more

I've taken two 6-week courses and had a few private lessons at Merritt Ceramics, and every single experience has been amazing. I always leave feeling inspired and more confident in my skills. The classes are a great mix of structured and relaxed, and the staff truly cares, not just about the craft, but about the people. Everyone is kind, patient, and supportive, no matter your experience level. I've told so many friends and family about this place, and I'll keep recommending it. It's one of those rare spots that truly feels like a community, and it's clear the people behind it run the business with genuine care and integrity. read more

Merritt Ceramics is a thoughtfully run studio with top-notch instructors, a well-organized space, and a strong sense of community. Classes are designed to support all levels, with clear instruction and plenty of room for creative exploration. read more

Merritt Ceramics is a wonderful, supportive clay community! When I took my first class at Merritt, I was thrilled to find out about their exceptionally generous open studio policy for enrolled students. The studio is AMAZING. Merritt's teachers are top notch. And management is so thoughtful, offering opportunities to support fundraisers through artmaking/donating, funded residencies for artists to develop their craft, work-trade opportunities, and so much more. Working with earth/clay, fire/kilns, and water has been profoundly healing and when I view ceramics as therapy and consider all it takes to run a studio the prices make sense. Treat yourself to a Merritt Ceramics class & be ready to pounce the second enrollment opens because classes fill quickly! read more

The studio is really well set up and the staff are super helpful + knowledgeable! I am a newbie to anything clay and the staff took great care to answer my questions and help troubleshoot our pieces. Definitely recommend! read more

This studio is a scam shop. I purchased a series of classes for $250 for my elderly mother just before the pandemic. My mother has lived in the neighborhood for over 20 years and I grew up here. We saw the shop open and wanted to support. Once covid shut them down they offered my mother a full refund or to wait until classes opened back up. My mom chose to wait for them. She followed up several times to see when they would open and they always said just be patient. Finally she followed up some time later only to be told that they were opened and she missed a notice telling her that she would no longer be able to take classes or get a refund beyond a deadline that they came up with. They literally just made up a reason to keep everyone's money and not make good on the classes. TOTAL SCAM. I hope nobody spends their money here or supports a business that takes advantage of elderly people on fixed incomes. read more

I've been coming here since I took the 6 week class and been buying the day passes. This place is THE BEST. I like that the day passes give me the flexibility to come whenever I feel like it. They have two shelves for day pass work, so you can leave your work here to dry. The staff is also super friendly. Having the store right next door has been so convenient -- I've bought some of my own tools from there. If you're thinking about coming here, just do it!!! The private lesson, group classes, and day passes are great. read more

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Merritt Ceramics is a bright spot to the east bay community. I started my clay journey with Clay by the bay and was lucky enough to build out my shed to be a working studio. Although I don't have a kiln. While looking for outside firing, I found my options were limited but came across Merritt Ceramics. I'm happy to report I've never had an issue having my pieces fired in a communal kiln and their pricing has always been reasonable. The cherry on top was their short-lived supply store, but understand they had to close for the betterment of their business. I miss it! I've also taken classes and highly recommend for anyone who is looking to learn ceramics. read more

*did a private class* Our instructor was Jenneva and she was so fun! I liked how instructive she was and helpful, she made it effortless and she's overall cute vibes. We did a two person private event/ class and were able to successfully throw 3 cups/bowls and it came out super well! I highly recommend jenneva as a teacher. The 6week classes are hard to get into so if you want to try it out once I would suggest to book it this way. They were also super friendly when it came to making a time slot, they gave us a few choices to pick from and we had booked this class three months ago. Whoever I talked to via email was nice and I liked how simple it was to set up! read more

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I loved everything about this experience. The location, the teacher and I'm obsessed with my little green cup. I'm always looking for new hobbies and ceramics is one that's been on my list for a while. Merritt ceramics was my top choice because of its convenient location. It's close to my house & the lake but I didn't have trouble finding parking. The instructor was really helpful and she emphasized how physical ceramics is so we should rest after. I appreciated that insight a lot because I hadn't considered it. They also offer 1 time classes, 6 week courses, and monthly memberships. I'm still trying to figure out which session I'm going to join I can't wait to go back & thanks for the 5 star service read more

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Had a great time with my first time making pottery. The instructor was very understanding and observed each student to make sure they were making good progress. You also get to keep some of the pieces you make. There is not a lot of parking in the area though. read more

I was looking for underglaze for my daughter and having a difficult finding a store in the bay area. I was very happy to see they were open on a sunday and have a very extensive assortment of stock of glazes, clays, and tools. they do not list a phone number so there is no way to call and verify, so I took a chance and drove the 25 miles to the store. I did, however, find out if their website shows the item, it is in stock. At least thats what the CSR told me. Not being familiar with downtown Oakland I had some concerns about where I was going but the location seems to be in a nicer neighborhood and I didn't feel at risk going there. hopefully this helps the next person. read more

Stay away. There are many other studios to go to in the bay area thankfully, and you do not want to get your money and potentially your livelihood entangled with these people. Attendees are lovely, but they have fear in their eyes. Leadership is toxic af. read more

We came here for our team offsite bonding and we LOVED it! Granted some of us were tipsy from the mimosas we had at brunch before coming here, but who says you can't play with clay with a bit of bubbly* in ya?! Anna was our instructor and she was so patient and fun! We were a hot mess (well, some of us) but we were all surprisingly impressed with how all of our work turned out, given most of us were total newbies. We each made 2-3 pieces and really got to learn the tips and tricks. It made me want to come back again and learn more. Anna and Steve were amazing (did I mention Steve also kindly took pictures and videos for us?!) Definitely going to add pottery to my list of things I want to somewhat master someday! *please drink and mold clay responsibly read more

Merritt Ceramics Studio - Arts & Entertainment Near Me - Oakland, California

This class was so much fun to take and I really enjoyed our instructor! Unfortunately, I can remember his name. But he was so patient and enthusiastic! I made three pieces and two turned out great, but one I didn't do so well with. But needless to say. I had a great time and I really liked the welcoming atmosphere! I would definitely recommend coming back here and taking another class. Excellent place and lots of fun! read more

Had a great time learning how to throw. I learned more in one class than I did in a previous 6 week session! Such a bright, chill, fun, easy going environment with the sweetest studio pups lounging about. Highly recommend checking out Merritt Ceramics if you're interested in taking ceramics classes, am now eyeing a 6 week course! read more

Awesome, clean studio. The staff are friendly and helpful, and they've got a rad supply shop next door.

Great class! Made two cups/bowl/things. Great for date night. Instructor was very helpful and funny. Free wine too!

Our group of 10 adults had an incredible time art Merritt celebrating a friend's graduation with a single visit pottery class. Our private instructor was the affable, and talented professional ceramacist and studio co-founder Stephen Ruby. He taught our group of beginners how to use the wheel to create vases, bowls, cups and accidental plates. The studio itself hides amongst shops on a modest street near Lake Merritt, in the past home of an aquarium ship. is a gorgeous, well The Bay Area is lucky to have Ruby and his partner building a place for new artists to be born and already skilled ceramacists to use the space for creating amazing new pieces. I was floored by the talent of "founding members" who quietly shares studio space with us. From what I understand the partners are planning classes at all levels for youth and adults in addition to offering parties and studio memberships. I live an hour away but I'm considering making the weekly commute for an upcoming 6 week beginners pottery course in oh so hot Oakland. read more