We had such a great experience at Clay Life Art Studio for our 4-year anniversary. My husband and I booked a private wheel-throwing lesson, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable things we've done together. David, the owner, welcomed us into the studio and gave us a tour before we started. He taught us the basics and all the important things to know when working on the wheel. He was incredibly informative, hands-on, patient, and welcoming--and also really funny, which made the whole experience even more relaxed and enjoyable. It was our first time trying wheel throwing and we had so much fun that my husband and I couldn't stop talking about it afterward. We each made two pieces, and for beginners I think we did pretty well lol! We were honestly so excited to come back and pick up our creations. The staff and members were also super friendly. One of the members asked if we were doing a lesson and when we said yes she told us we would have a great time--and she was not wrong. They also offer memberships if you're interested, and the studio has a very welcoming, community-based vibe. If you've ever wanted to try pottery or are looking for a fun and unique date idea, I highly recommend it. read more

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I book an appointment for the private wheeling throwing class via email. David (the instructor) was responsive and made it easy to book the appointment. After checking in and putting our stuff away, David started the class by showing use how everything works and gave us a demonstration of how to make a bowl. Not gonna lie, I got lost while watching him make it. After the demonstration, we got started on working on our own bowl. David is super patient and fun. He made sure we knew what we were by guiding us through each step of the way. He was hopping between me and my friends throughout the whole time. For our second piece, we had the freedom to make whatever we wanted to and he would be there to help us through the way. We got to choose the glaze color for each of our pieces and the final product should be done 3-4 weeks after the class. Can't wait to see the final product. Bathroom: There's 2 bathroom in the studio. The bathroom was clean and had scrubbers in case you wanted to get clay of your nails. Parking: Pretty easy as the studio is located in a little plaza. read more

The Clay Life Art Studio - Our masterpiece! - Art Classes Near Me - San Mateo, California

My boyfriend booked an appointment here for a 1-time wheel throwing class as a surprise for my birthday. He had come a couple months ago with his company and had such a good experience with David that he wanted to come again! We walked in a bit early, so we walked to the cute bakery next door for some baked goods and a little coffee before returning at 11:30. The actual class itself is quite short and we took exactly one hour to complete our two bowls (two items per person!) Our instructor showed us very quickly how to throw the clay, center it, and push in and out to make a bowl or a plate. The rest of the class was pretty independent as our instructor walked away several times, which I think could bother some people if you really want to be guided the entire time; however, I actually enjoy being given the space to become comfortable with the clay on my own. Our instructor came by every so often to check in and guide us to the next step or help fix up oopsies (I accidentally kept making the bottom of mine too thin, but he was so encouraging and swiftly fixed it, while also explaining each step of the way so that I could learn and possibly fix my next bowl, if I messed up on that one too.) As it was my birthday, our instructor gave me the demo piece he created and allowed me to choose the color for it as well! I chose the green for all of my pieces. It's been about 2 weeks since we took the class, so I'm hoping to receive the pieces soon! If I lived in the area, I would absolutely consider signing up for a membership to really get into making pottery! read more

If you haven't been by to meet the "Hairy Potter" you're definitely missing out! David, the owner is an amazing Potter and even a better human. Great teacher, so kind and the vibe here is so chill! So relaxed, and the community is lots of fun... everybody is so nice and supportive. I took a wheel throwing class, and learned enough to start practicing at home. I'm about ready for an intermediate lesson. Can't wait to go back! read more

Clay Life is the best studio i've ever had a membership at. The community is amazing, spacious studio that is well organized, pieces are fire at a reasonable time, and there is an abundant amount of parking. Also the owner reminds me of Dumbledore lol, he is such a nice guy. read more

This was my first time trying pottery, and I had an amazing experience. The instructor was super informative, giving a thorough demonstration first and then helping us work on our own clay. We even got a second piece to practice with, which was a great way to build confidence. The owner was also very nice and knowledgeable. I only wish this place was closer to me -- I'd definitely be coming back all the time! read more

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This is the most wonderful, warm, and encouraging community of artists and makers! It's fun for a 1-time event or date, and it's *magical* to be a member and spend time in the space that David, the owner, has created. I feel so lucky to have found this studio and I hope to be able to remain a member for many years to come. read more

Ordered a class as a birthday gift for my spouse and daughter year ago. They were very excited, class was great, and the items they created were great. When I came to pick up in a couple of weeks, the owner offered me that he would pack everything - I agreed (what could go wrong). When the spouse and the kid unpacked it, it seemed all creatures were deformed and it seemed it had happened in their stove. But my concern is that the owner saw it and didn't offer any solution and just suddenly packed items hiding the issue. Don't trust them and double check what you picking up read more

I initially took an 8 week intro to wheel throwing class with David, and ended up enjoying it so much that I joined the studio as a member. I love spending time at this studio. It's a lovely space with everything you need whether you are throwing on the wheel, hand building, or sculpting, and it's also a great community where everyone is kind and willing to help each other. This studio is also great if you're looking for a thorough introductory class, fun team building event, kids camp, parent & kid workshop, or even private lessons. With the variety of events and classes that the studio offers, you're bound to find a format that fits what you're looking for. If you are interested at all in clay, I'd highly recommend this studio! read more

I've been doing ceramics on and off for a few years now and joined a few different studios in and around the bay area, Clay Life is by far the most fun and welcoming community, from the owner, David, to each and every single member there, everyone is friendly and generous with their advice and sharing their tools and tips. The shop is also very well organized, thanks to Cathy, the manager, which makes the experience even more pleasant! So a big thank you to everyone at Clay Life and I highly recommend you give Clay Life a try if you're interested in learning/working with ceramics. read more

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Had a great experience hosting a birthday party here for 14 teenaged girls. The level of instruction was just right and the staff was so kind and helpful. Our group really enjoyed it; thank you so much for a great introduction to the wonderful world of wheel throwing! read more

This place is amazing! The owner, David, is super knowledgeable and friendly. The classes and memberships are very reasonable and the studio has everything you could possibly want for all types of pottery craft. They offer everything on site including clay, lots of dipping glazes and regular firings. read more

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Finally! A real pottery studio on the mid-peninsula that offers classes and studio time for wheel throwing, hand-building and sculpture. I was super excited to learn that this place was opening and in a very convenient location near home, had classes that match a busy working folks' schedules throughout the day, and it had ample free parking! It's been a while since I stepped into an art studio and it was wonderful to be around folks who were motivated and inspired to learn about clay and also see what experienced folks were doing and making. The owner, David, is welcoming, cracks punny jokes, and gives the place a good vibe. The space is bright, spacious and new, the amenities are in good order, wheels are high quality, and the room has good airflow. I'm taking the beginning pottery wheel class for the first time, and though I have a steep learning curve before I can make the beautiful pieces on display, David and his teaching assistants are very patient and encouraging to show and help you learn the techniques. For folks who have wheels, or sculpt at home, they have memberships to bring their work in to complete, or they have complete membership packages as well. Check them out! read more

Had a blast here! Definitely recommend for a class, party, etc. solid ceramic studio and fun staff.

I can't speak highly enough about this studio. The environment is eclectic and welcoming (no matter what your experience level is!), the classes and teachers are great, and they have tons of high quality equipment. David, the owner, is usually around for guidance and always fun to chat with. read more

The Clay Life Art Studio - Art Classes Near Me - San Mateo, California

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David clearly cares and takes pride in his business. Classes run on time and you'll get plenty of help and guidance.

Amazing studio - clean, friendly, affordable and enjoyable. I decided to join this studio before I even found a place to live. I've made a bunch of pieces already and love this little community! read more

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I absolutely love this studio as it has a very welcoming environment and has everything you need to make pottery. David is an amazing teacher as he is really patient, kind, and great at teaching people who are new to pottery. Overall, I highly recommend this place for anyone interested in ceramics! read more

The Clay Life Art Studio - Art Classes Near Me - San Mateo, California

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I somehow found this place on instagram and told my girlfriends, came here with brunch of ladies and had a great time. I signed up Saturday "parent and me" class. Highly recommended! Finally we have a pottery studio in the Peninsula! Looking forward to coming back for adult class. read more