The 16 best pottery classes in NYC: including large group classes

New York City is well-known for its rich arts scene, which is made all the more vibrant by the diverse cultures and experienced instructors in the area. With access to high-quality studios, art supply retailers, museums, and galleries, the city is full of inspiration and activities for anyone to learn more about this timeless art form. When selecting a pottery class, you can take a few steps before making your final decision, making the process more seamless and leaving you feeling confident that you’ve made the right decision. By paying attention to the instructor’s reviews and credentials, researching different techniques to see what you gravitate towards, and understanding the time commitment and structure of the class, you’ll be able to find a class that improves your skills and enhances your creativity. 

When deciding which pottery class will work best for you, there are a few critical factors to take into consideration. One of the most important things is to find a class that matches your skill level. If you’re a beginner, there are plenty of suitable classes in New York City, so you can narrow your focus by deciding what techniques you’d like to learn. When it comes to making pottery, there are two main methods: wheel throwing and hand building. Wheel throwing is ideal for working with larger pieces of clay and making more uniform pieces, like a set of mugs or plates, and hand building is better for making unique shapes and adding more personal touches.

Zerimar Clay offers a Ceramics Wheel Throwing Class that is perfect for beginners. In this two-hour program, students will start by receiving a tour of the studio and an introduction to basic terminology and tools. After a brief demonstration, students will have as many opportunities as time allows to create a basic piece on the wheel. If you like something you’ve made, you can have it glazed by a staff member and pick it up later. If hand building is more your speed, the Hand Building Workshop at e.e.ceramics is worth checking out. This program allows participants to create a bowl or a mug as they learn fundamental techniques and enjoy the meditative process of crafting intricate details with clay. 

Budget is understandably an essential factor to be mindful of when enrolling in a pottery class. Prices can vary depending on where the class is held, how long it lasts, and what skills are taught. Generally, a single session costs around $100, while a more extended pottery class that runs for multiple days can cost anywhere from $250 to $500. If you want to take a shorter course before investing in more materials and education, you can check out the Pottery Wheel Basics Class at Ceramics on 10th. This two-hour workshop provides a solid introduction to throwing pieces on the wheel and teaches students more about essential pottery tools and terminology.

For those who are ready to dive into a more comprehensive experience, Ceramics on 10th also offers a 3-week Wheel Throwing Course. In this program, students will learn everything it takes to make a finished ceramic piece from start to finish. The first week focuses on creating basic forms on the wheel, while week two delves into trimming and shaping your work into your desired shape. In the final week, everyone will glaze and decorate their work to get it ready to fire. 

If pottery is a skill you’d like to pursue on a more serious, long-term basis, you’ll also need to consider the supplies and space you’ll need in your home. For those who don’t have room in their home to dedicate to a pottery wheel or a hand-building table, you’ll want to research local businesses that allow hobbyists to rent space or have open studio time for people to work on their pieces. 

You can also check reviews from former students to get a better idea of what to expect in terms of the instructor’s teaching style and average class size; smaller class sizes tend to offer more attention to each student, which is ideal for beginners who may need some extra guidance. These reviews can also help you determine whether the class offers enough hands-on practice or if it’s more lecture and demonstration-based. Some people might prefer watching others before trying a new skill, while others enjoy getting their hands dirty and making mistakes as they learn.

Once you’ve enrolled in a class, there are some additional steps you can take to ensure you’re well-prepared and can make the most of your experience. First, you’ll want to check whether materials are provided for students or if you’ll need to purchase some supplies ahead of time. Most classes will have this information clearly available in the course description, along with a list of supplies if students are responsible for bringing these themselves. You’ll also want to be aware if there is any additional time required to complete your finished ceramic piece. Some classes require students to schedule additional sessions to finish their pieces, while others will have students select a piece they want to be decorated and glazed by a staff member. 

On the day of the class, be sure you’re dressed appropriately for the activity. It’s usually a good idea for long hair to be tied back and to wear clothes that you’re comfortable making a mess in. Closed-toed shoes might also be required, depending on the studio’s rules. If you aren’t sure about what to wear, you can always contact the studio ahead of time to clarify their expectations. Working with clay can also be physically intense, so it’s important to bring water with you to stay hydrated and not wear yourself out too much.

A beginner-friendly pottery class is an excellent choice for several kinds of people:

Kids

A pottery class is a wonderful option for children who enjoy getting messy while exploring their creativity. Children who engage in art can also build confidence and the ability to tolerate challenges. As they watch their abilities improve over time, they learn to be patient with themselves while learning a new skill, which is a valuable trait across all aspects of life. There is a Wheel/Hand Ceramic Day Camp at Choplet Ceramic Studio available for children ages 6-14. This workshop provides 15 hours of hands-on pottery instruction and allows students to explore a variety of ceramics projects, including making mosaics, wheel throwing, sculpting, and glazing.

Coworkers

If your colleagues are looking for a unique team building activity in New York City, a pottery class could be just the thing to shake everyone out of their daily routine and destress from a busy work day. A pottery class is also likely something that not many people have done before, making the shared experience of trying something new a great way to break the ice and promote team bonding. The introductory Pottery Wheel Throwing class at Pottery NYC is a great activity for coworkers. This workshop also includes all materials, making it even more convenient for groups looking for a one-time experience to simply relax and have fun.

Friends

If you and your friends are looking for an activity that will take you outside your comfort zone, a pottery or ceramics class is a fabulous choice. These classes can be used for a birthday party, to celebrate a promotion, or to simply bond and relax with a group of close friends. The Polymer Clay Jewelry class at 92nd Street Y is a fun and unique option for a group of friends looking to try something new. This program provides a relaxing environment that allows participants to mold vibrantly colored clay into jewelry without using a kiln or other expensive tools. 

If you're looking for an art class that can provide a similar experience to a pottery class, a woodworking class is an exciting and unique option. Both of these activities are highly hands-on and provide an outlet for folks to express their creativity and work with their hands to create intricate and one-of-a-kind designs. Both processes are also more time-consuming than other art forms, making them great choices for people who enjoy taking their time and gain satisfaction from working on one project for a long time. When comparing pottery to woodworking, it’s important to note that woodworking can be more physically demanding than pottery, although this can depend on the size of your final piece. There are also more safety considerations to keep in mind when considering a woodworking class since this hobby requires the use of power tools and comes with a higher risk of injury. 

You could also look into some of the floral design classes in New York. Just like in a pottery class, learning to create beautiful flower arrangements is a meditative and creative process that is sure to help reduce stress and provide a therapeutic outlet for anyone in need of a little relaxation. While both disciplines are rooted in essential techniques, students are free to express themselves creatively after they’ve got the basics down. 

However, these artistic endeavors also require some knowledge of very different skills. For instance, floral designers typically pay close attention to color theory. They must also know a great deal about plant care and seasonal flowers if they want to practice their techniques year-round. Pottery is also a more time-consuming hobby; a floral arrangement can take an hour or less (depending on the complexity), while a piece of pottery takes several days to complete due to the time spent firing and drying.

If you’ve got a creative mind and an eye for detail, why not check out a jewelry making class? Both types of classes provide ample opportunities for hands-on learning and using fine motor skills to create intricate pieces of art. These disciplines also have the advantage of producing tangible final products. While creative hobbies like drawing or painting can lead to beautiful visual images, many people appreciate that jewelry and pottery serve a more functional purpose. Both hobbies also require the exciting element of heat; ceramicists use a kiln to fire their products, and jewelers use a soldering torch to create their work.

Considering some of the differences between pottery and jewelry can also help you decide which hobby you might enjoy more. One important distinction is the materials required to participate in these activities effectively. Pottery generally requires more space, especially if you prefer throwing pieces on the wheel rather than hand-building them. Ceramicists also need more space to store and display their work since pieces can range from mugs and bowls to large vases and planters. Making jewelry can require sourcing gemstones, precious metals, and special tools, which can also be a challenge to those just getting started.

Ready to add some new DIY skills to your resume? Sign up for one of these crafting classes in NYC