I had a specific project in mind, which was making my own tiles to re-do the fireplace. I discussed this with Mark and Eileen when inquiring about their classes. Mark confessed he wasn't a tile expert, but was willing to work with me. I have to say that Mark is very knowledgeable, got me through the basics. Once through that, we moved on to build on that to produce some very cool tiles. Mark was very interested in my project, which made it even more fun. Apparently he's too good because he gave me the confidence to continue on my own, though he offered to help in the future if I hit some bumps. All in all it's been a fun and informative experience, and I can't say enough about Mark and Eileen! read more

I am getting ready to start my 5th 6-week class session at Throwing Mud and have been enjoying it immensely! Mark and Eileen have always been quick to work with me when unexpected things came up in my schedule so that I didn't miss any classes. Mark has always been kind, and will, with permission, take my hands and guide me to the proper positions when I'm doing things incorrectly. He has also been great at explaining things in multiple ways when I didn't "get it". Pottery can definitely be relaxing, but you've got to learn the basic skills first. Mark is particular about the why and how so that we don't develop bad habits and so that as we move to larger pieces of clay and more complicated projects we have the skills we need to get it done. I agree with Mari's review - Mark doesn't limit students' imaginations. I have seen some amazing and incredibly creative pieces; it's artistically inspiring! Also, their paint your own pottery studio is a lot of fun. I brought my 14 year old son and 15 year old exchange student in one Saturday while I was practicing. They had a blast and weren't ready to leave. read more

I enjoy shopping here. Everything in the front of the store is displayed beautifully. I've not taken a class (yet) but certainly have that on my "to-do" list. read more

I've had a passion and eagerness about pottery for about 5 years now and was very excited about my course at Throwing Mud. After making payment with Marks wife the receptionist I was a little skeptical on how assertive they were with the no refund policy but assured myself it was just company policy. So the first day of class arrives as do I, early. Mark introduced me to the others in the studio but seemed very high strung. He began barking orders at me about getting tools together and knowing where the coat rack was. Apparently when meeting with his wife I was supposed to have a tour to get familiar with the place but with no knowledge of that I was treated as a bother and was told "he would have to talk to his wife about that one".... like I had lied about not being shown the coat rack?... I was paying him.... Anyways... We very quickly and urgently begin going over the procedures for starting class, storing clay and tools, etc.. Everything was fine but he kept repeating that he wouldn't repeat himself and how much it annoyed him to have to repeat himself making me feel initially uncomfortable in the creative space. The two others in the class show up 30 minutes late and he treats them with unbelievable passive aggressive disrespect.. To finish things up this is not a place for creativity it is so tightly wound by Marks control and frustration I didn't even at to enjoy myself a bit. He grabbed one of my projects and began using it as an example and totally destroyed it and then told me I had to finish it. He told the two other students "clearly you're just not getting it were gonna have to move on" and even pulled me aside after class to "apologize" on behalf of the others behavior when clearly his was the only thing causing discomfort. Reluctantly I tried going the following week and to my dismay the other had already dropped the class and it was so Unbearable I made up a lie that I forgot an appointment & had to leave early... Now, I am a very easy going people person but when something like this happens in a business fueled off creativity I just can't let it go unsaid. Myself and the two other students requested a refund (even suggested a pro-rated amount) that was not given.. 300$ down the drain. I DO NOT RECOMMEND THROWING MUD. read more

I've taken several classes at Throwing Mud, as well doing a fair amount of my Christmas shopping there. I've enjoyed both a lot. Mark is terrific teacher and a remarkable pottter with knowledge to share. Recommend highly! read more

Took my ant and younger cousins visiting from another state here today to the paint your own pottery studio. The woman that explained to us how to paint everything was very sweet and welcoming. There is a large room next to the studio with a sink where we were told to wash our hands. When we were finished with our plates we walked back to the room and asked where to put our finished work. One of the TWO girls who was working told us to hand it to this man in the corner of the room and as we were walking towards him I GRACIOUSLY say" here you go" and he SCOWLS back "Eileen!!! Help these people there wandering all over the place and don't know where to put their stuff" Then when I said "one of the girls working here TOLD me to give them to you and he said NOTHING .. I told one of my cousins "I'm so upset right Now" and the woman who was working with us earlier and also checked us out.. Said "sorry if he scared you he's loud" I replied, it's not that .. One of the girls WORKING Here TOLD me to give our plates to him and then he completely screamed at me.. Regardless of the fact that one of the workers actually told me to bring our things to him in the first place.. He should have responded KINDLY especially in this kind of environment!!!!! It's not HARD to be KIND. And THEN the woman says "well I don't know who told you that.." ...... There was only TWO girls working and they were about 15 feet away so if she actually CARED and wanted to find out who she could have done so within a matter of seconds. She did say "I apologize if he scared you. " Never coming here again. Thanks. read more