A colorful star with blue, black, and green outlines on a yellow circle background.

POTTERY CLASSES

Discover the joy of working with clay in our fully equipped ceramics studio. Whether you’re drawn to the meditative spin of the potter’s wheel or the sculptural freedom of hand-building, our classes are designed for all skill levels — from absolute beginners to seasoned makers. You’ll learn essential techniques, explore creative surface treatments, and gain confidence as you shape your own unique pieces. Our supportive instructors guide you step-by-step while leaving room for your personal style to shine. Come get your hands dirty, have fun, and create something you’ll be proud to take home!

If you’re interested in becoming a member, check out our Pottery Membership page!


pottery Frequently Asked Questions

  • Nope! Beginner classes are perfect if you’re brand new. We also offer classes for returning and more experienced students. There’s something for everyone!

  • Classes include instruction, clay, your own tool set and towel, the use of studio equipment, glazes, and firings.

  • Class times will vary, but most wheel and handbuilding classes are 2 hours per session. Most classes meet once a week for several weeks. Clean-up starts prior to the end of each session and can take 30 – 45 mins, so it’s good to plan your time accordingly.

  • You will be notified by email when your work is ready for pickup, and it will be held for you for a maximum of 3 weeks after you’ve been notified, unless you’ve arranged otherwise and in advance.

    Multi-week classes: Your finished work should be available for pickup 2 - 4 weeks after your last class.

    Single class & private events: Your finished piece will be available for pickup 3 - 5 weeks after your event.

    NOTE: As with anything made in clay, whether you’re a beginner or have years of experience, there is always a risk of cracking, warping, or other failure, and there is no guarantee in the final result.

  • Adult classes are for older teens and adults. Youth and teen classes are offered separately.

    Due to the nature of the pottery wheel (strength needed and risk of injury), we are unable to offer wheel classes for young kids at this time, but we have weekly handbuilding classes available!

  • Registration is online through our classes page. Spots are limited, so early registration is recommended.

  • Working with clay is a beautiful, hands-on process—but it’s also an unpredictable one. Cracking, warping, or breakage can sometimes happen during drying or firing, even when everything is done carefully and correctly. Clay naturally shifts as it dries and transforms in the kiln, and those changes are part of what makes pottery both an art and a science.

    While we handle every piece with care and follow best practices in our studio, we can’t guarantee results and are not responsible for damage that occurs during the firing process. By participating in studio sessions, you acknowledge that kiln-related issues are an inherent risk of working with clay.

    The good news? Even the most experienced ceramic artists experience the occasional “kiln surprise.” It’s all part of the learning process—and we’re always here to help guide you, troubleshoot, and get you back to creating.

  • Studio access is currently limited to scheduled class times for Beginners, with Intermediate students able to come in one additional 2.5hr block each week for glazing because they are familiar with the TAD’S studio operation and cleaning procedures.

  • Wear comfy clothes that can get messy and closed-toe shoes. Bring an apron if you have one, and an old towel. Short nails are better, especially for working on the wheel.

  • Glazing is taught as part of the class and done during the last class using studio glazes.

    Existing students are able to come in during our open glazing hours.

  • Because classes build week to week, missed sessions usually can’t be made up, and they are not refunded.

  • To keep our kilns safe, only TAD studio clay and glazes may be used.

  • TAD fires work from current students and studio members. At this time we are not firing work made outside our studio, and using outside clay and glazes.

GLAZING HOURS FOR CURRENT STUDENTS:

Mondays: 10am - 6pm

Tuesday - Friday: 10am - 12pm

For any questions please email pottery@the-artdepartment.ca