I recently did a "play with clay" class with a girlfriend. It was hosted at the Dodge location in an old bus. The bus is cool! FYI- the bus only holds two guests at a time. It's equipped with two wheels, countertops for the clay, and a small sink for washing. The class is described as an "opportunity to try the potter's wheel with one hour of instruction at our Dodge Studio. It includes 2 hours of Instructed Wheel time and we provide clay, aprons, and tools. You can do this as a fun experience or choose to save pots as a memento. ($5 per piece)." For some constructive feedback- the description or confirmation information should include some further details like recommended attire (which might not be super obvious to everyone), that the 2 hours you pay for also include time for you to clean the bus, like everything- the wheel, water vessels, tools, surfaces, etc. Clay can get messy and we were not aware of the clean up rules until the very end! Informing people in advance is not that hard. Just by including a tidbit about how the co-op operates, their water saving efforts, etc, would set everyone up for clear expectations. For the record, I absolutely agree that a co-op is only as functional as the folks who are partaking in it and I am all for being part of a the full process and respecting it. Neither of us had tried wheel throwing before and it's actually a lot to process and apply in a 2 hour period. Wheel throwing requires lot's of time and patience. Our instructor Eva, demonstrated for about an hour and touched on a bunch of different steps before handing over the wheels to us, and hanging for a bit to guide us through our first attempts. We felt an overall vibe of impatience from our instructor. Questions were met with a tone of "I already told you" or "it's posted on the wall." Another suggestion is to consider hanging some visuals at the front of the bus with the steps in the process. That way, when students are left independently, they can reference them as little reminders, because it's not easy to remember them all at once. We also we very unclear as to whether or not we were limited to the two clay pieces we started the class with, which turns out, we could have pulled more clay from the bag. Again, another opportunity for the co-op and instructors to prep their students/customers for a more seamless experience. How about prep 4 balls per person and see if they even use them all? The clay gets reused anyway. Leaving us there to wonder wasn't ideal. It took several weeks to hear back from them for a pick up notice on our items. We each fired/glazed one. I was prepared to not even get my item after so much time passed. There's room for improvement and it all comes down to information and communication. Would I do this class again? Maybe and perhaps try a different instructor. Overall, if you're looking to try something new and clay is on your mind, I think this is fun option. It was $120 for the class, plus $5 per item we fired and glazed, so not bad. read more

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Beautiful creative space for people with skills. I on the other hand was a complete novice and had zero clue how to do any of this. So I signed up for wheel throwing and hand building classes. These classes are very popular and they fill up quickly. 8 week classes where you come in once a week for 2 hours cost 155.00. You will also have to pay for clay and tools. The instructor was very knowledgeable, however, I feel like I could have learned more. Most of the students in my class had previous experience and did not need as much attention. I want to sign up for another class and maybe I will get much better at it. Overall this was a great experience! read more

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Such kind people teaching the class. My boyfriend and I did the Valentine's Day mug lessons and it was such a great date! I would highly recommend! read more

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I took a beginner/intermediate class at the co-op on Wednesday mornings. It was so affordable, and I learned so much! I learned how to build with slabs of clay, how to throw on the wheel, how to make different types of shapes, as well as glazing and finishing a piece. I could see that repeat students were really mastering skills. When you are enrolled in a class you can use the co-op during their open hours, so you can practice throwing on the wheel on your own time. They also offer firing services for your pieces. The co-op also offers trade for volunteer services, which is neat, because you could learn even more in training as a volunteer. I am so glad I took a class at the co-op! read more

I'm really enjoying my time here so far. I have only taken one class, but I've enjoyed it and look forward to continuing. The price is affordable and is a great way to get creative with all the tools at the ready. The course (outdoors which is beautiful this time of year) is $140 for 8 sessions (2hrs long) and includes practice hours which I believe add up to 12 hours. Something that makes it difficult with a typical work schedule is that the practice hours are 12-3 Mondays, Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays so I can only come on the weekend. However, I think it still should be enough time to play. The class itself is probably best if you already have some foundation of ceramics, but you can always ask questions. read more

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Just started a beginner course about a month ago and I love it! The environment is relaxed and everyone is so kind. My instructor, Ariella, is skilled and informative. The studio has everything you need from clay you can purchase there, to tools, to the wheels and kiln. The outdoor class can be rough when the weather is chilly, but the free practice hours are totally worth it. If you have an interest in learning pottery, I highly recommend you take a course at Tucson Clay Co-op! read more

Tucson Clay Co-op - Sitting at the wheel on a nice afternoon! - Art Galleries Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

This was. Fun experience. A friend, my niece and I did the "play with clay" option, 3 hours with an instructor. It was all of our first times and our instructor, Maxine, was so patient, kind, encouraging and informative. She guided us and helped us (me a lot lol) they have 2 locations. We were scheduled at the 23rd st location and got to meet the cat, Alfie (gentle fat thing) This is a great activity for all ages. And they do courses and group activities (they had a group of 20 coming in after us). We each made 3 bowls each. Paid extra to have our pieces fired and glazed. I definitely recommend trying this read more

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I'm currently taking an all-level class with Jaren and am having an excellent time. Our class truly is all levels and the instructor is kind, funny, and helpful. He has done an excellent job of breaking down the steps for each project and method we've used so far. The co-op itself seems to be full of some of Tucson's friendliest people, so that's also a plus. The Clay Co-op offers a wide range of traditional classes, drop-in clay "play time," and children's courses. The pricing is very reasonable and they do require vaccine cards from each participant, so it does feel very safe. You can also purchase pieces that have been made by the instructors and students, so definitely check this place out and help support the local art scene! read more

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I agree with TA. The second location is impossible to find. I spent over an hour looking in the daylight. It's in a bad part of town and doesn't even have a sign outside. The owner, Maxine, didn't return my call until hours later and had an obnoxious, New York attitude. read more

Bad area of town, especially at night (and not well-lit)...parking is a nightmare... owner is super-political and not tolerant of alternative opinions. Space is trashy to the point of being dangerous. Very disorganized and not a well-run business! read more

It was really neat and interesting. The only disclaimer I have is if you do a party or team building class be advised you have to clean up afterwards. Our team did a pottery class on a Friday afternoon. You have to a mentor who helps with the pottery wheel class, centering clay. It's 20$ per member (group of 6) and $5 per item you want to keep which includes a glaze Update. Our teams pots were lost!?!? I paid $20 to fire 2 pots and only got one back. My co worker's pot was also lost. What a bummer ! REFUND read more

This place is enforcing the vaccine passport for people who want to take classes. I will not take a class here like I wanted, I will not buy anything from them, and I sincerely hope they go out of business. read more

I love the Tucson Clay Co-op! I have been taking classes for about 9 months now (maybe longer??, and I'm hooked. I started with the Monday night beginner's class (from 8-10 pm) with Jaren, and have been taking his intermediate class for the past two sessions. He's a talented potter that delivers instruction in a manner that is easy to implement. The Co-op has a variety of ways to participate-parties, membership, classes, work studies, etc. And yes, it's a cooperative, which means everyone cleans up after themselves. You are required to purchase your clay through them, although I don't know why you'd want to purchase it elsewhere. Everything you need to create pottery, from start to finish, is included in the price. I also love the location. It's conveniently located mid-town and is close to The Hop Shop and the other fun, artsy shops at the Metal Arts Village. read more

I've bought clay here and taken advantage of their firing service and am super happy with it! Nothing lost or broken, quick turnaround and very affordable. The owner and her employees are all very nice and helpful as well. read more

I've been coming here for beginner pottery classes on Tuesday evenings. I LOVE IT!!! Our instructor, Catherine is very knowledgeable, patient and an overall great teacher. It is also open to the public Monday & Wednesday Noon to 3pm, Saturday and Sunday Noon to 4 pm when I can squeeze in additional practice sessions. The price for an 8 week class was approximately $105 plus $25 for new clay. This can be paid online at their website. Well worth it. There are several skills to acquire, so many of the participants have enrolled in the beginner class multiple times. Whether you are a repeat beginner or a true beginner, you will be welcomed right in and will have a great time learning how to throw and glaze beautiful pieces. read more

My kids just finished the 8-week homeschool pottery class and loved it! Maxine was a really great and fun instructor. They learned different techniques--from the wheel to making pinch pots, creatures, and little houses. I was so impressed with their creations and they came out delighted after each class. It is a small but accommodating space. Our class had 7 kids, which was just right. The price was very reasonable (worked out to be around $11/class). We'll definitely enroll again! read more

Tucson Clay Co-op - My girls with their houses. - Art Galleries Near Me - Tucson, Arizona

I came here with my coworkers on our team retreat. We had visited Color Me Mine a couple of times and wanted to do something local. The area and the whole property seem seedy. The shop is not well-kept. They have only a small wall unit for AC, so it's very warm and muggy and smells like body odor. There is clay splattered everywhere, and the entire place is very cluttered. There was one dirty towel hanging in the bathroom. Maxine set us up with paint. She was very nice, but her delivery needed work. She told us the prices for the pieces, which seemed fair. She did discount a couple, because they were hand-thrown pieces with some flaws. A lot of the paints were dried out, so I hope my mug comes out okay. The paint was thick and starting to flake as it dried. They have a few sponges for making shapes, but no stencils and some of the brushes were too worn to use. We were instructed to leave our painted pieces on a shelf when we were done and that she would call us in a couple weeks to let us know when they were ready. She gave my boss a date to call back, in case she forgot, and asked a number of times for my boss' contact information, even though she already had it from when we made the appointment. They use a Square reader for transactions, and my boss needed a receipt. Maxine couldn't print one and had no idea how to navigate the system. There was pottery for sale in the front, and some pieces were cool, but they were all very expensive. I learned they teach classes for kids and raise funds to offer art classes to the economically disadvantaged, so props for that (and my reason for 3 stars, otherwise it would be 2). From what Maxine said, it sounded like they got wind of Color Me Mine, saw it as a way to make money, and simply tried to mimic their business model. My coworkers and I enjoyed painting, but I'm interested to see if our pieces turn out, or if we even get them back. read more

This was my first time EVER doing something like this! It was so much fun! We participated in a Saturday class with about 8 other people. The instructor was talkative but very informative. It's really an at your pace type place and class. I thoroughly enjoyed myself and would highly recommend it for couples and families with children. read more

Tucson Clay Co-op is a great organization. It's accessible in so many ways. I always wanted to take ceramic classes but could never afford it or schedule it into my busy week. I saw a flyer for the co-op and decided to give it a chance. After one class I was hooked! Not only is clay fun to play with but the people at the co-op are amazing! I've learned so much from my instructors and fellow artists. Also the range of class hours made scheduling in a class easy. I work a 9 to 5 job so snow bird/retiree hours don't work for me. I highly recommend checking out this great place no matter your age or level of experience. They have classes for kids too. read more

What a wonderful experience! I took a group of 10, 7 and 8 year old children for a Back to School Party. We were warmly greeted and then Maxine gently, but firmly kept them all entertained and educated for 2 hours. They learned what clay was, how to use it, taught how to make masks, using their own ideas and creativity. With a group this size, there are various levels of talent and attention spans... Maxine provided more activities for those who finished more quickly and kept everyone happy and occupied. She then demonstrated the use of the Pottery Wheel, before refreshments and a sad goodbye. The pieces must be fired and glazed, so pick up is approx 2 weeks out. The studio is in a charming older home converted into various work spaces. All of the children were delighted with their experience and I was one happy Grandma. Keeping this on my list of things to do again! read more

You cannot get a better value ceramic class than here. Open studio hours are included which is usually something you'd have to pay for per hour at other places. I love coming here to practice throwing on the wheel even if I don't finish all my projects. It's the process of making art that's fun! Also, it's relaxing and the people are so friendly! They will gladly help you if you have any questions and it's a great learning environment- everyone has their own techniques and experiences to share! read more

signed up for a kids class in August. Paid online. In september the class was canceled due to low attendance--not a problem at all--however we still haven't gotten our promised reimbursement yet, it is almost the end of october. Not nice, sorry, who gets to work with your money for 3 months like that? cannot recommend this place due to poor business ethics. 98$ is not chum change. read more

Did a paint bar with Maxine as a celebration of my birthday and it was lovely! Maxine was really accommodating, helping me arrange the evening for 9 women with just a few days notice. Great experience in a real working pottery studio with pieces made by local artists. read more

This little co-op is pretty cute. They always have beginner classes starting, so you can pop in and pay a nominal fee to learn how to handbuild or use the wheel. Some of the instructors, as I kind of expected, are a little too "easy breezy"...they give you a lot of free reign, when you may need more actual instruction. Sometimes I felt like everyone else knew what they were doing...and were off and running...so I just paid attention to what everyone else was doing and followed the 'fake it till you make it' mantra. I eventually figured things out and felt like I belonged, but I could see how beginners would feel a little lost their first few sessions. Additional free time on the wheel is included with your class price, so you can go on the weekend and practice a little more. I liked that option. In the end, I had a few "elegantly undone" pieces to call my own. Glad I did it and would recommend this place to a friend. Just don't go during monsoon season. They only have a swamp cooler...and none of the windows open. read more

I have been a part of this organization in its various incarnations for the past five years. Our most recent home on Dodge is an excellent facility for anyone interested in working with and/or learning how to work with clay. The Tucson Clay Co-op offers instruction at all levels on the wheel as well as hand building, for adults as well as for children. The Co-op also rents studio space for those more experienced with the medium. So, whether you have never touched clay before and are looking to get your hands dirty, you are a professional potter or sculptor looking for a place to practice your craft, or any level in between, I enthusiastically recommend that you look into Tucson Clay Co-op. read more

Saw an ad for their saturday night clay parties on reddit. I called a few friends together and we couldn't have more thrilled that we went. It was like being in my grandmas pottery again! Everyone was so sweet and charming. 10/10 would recommend! read more