Los Angeles is home to a thriving art scene, full of creative spaces for aspiring artists and artisans to learn new skills. For those interested in working with clay, there are many excellent pottery classes to choose from. Whether you’re a complete beginner looking to learn the basics of wheel throwing and hand building, or a more advanced potter wanting to refine your skills, Los Angeles has a class perfect for you. In this article we talk about Best Pottery classes in los angeles in 2024.
As you search for the right pottery class, consider the type of instruction offered, the experience level it’s geared towards, if all supplies are provided, and whether pieces will be fired and glazed. With so many amazing options, you’re bound to find one that matches your artistic passions. Here are some of the best pottery classes Los Angeles has to offer:
Wheel Throwing 101 at Clay CA
This beginner wheel throwing class is perfect for anyone who wants to learn how to center and shape clay on a pottery wheel. Step-by-step guidance will take you through the full process from wedging the clay to trimming and finishing your pieces. Expert instructors provide plenty of hands-on help and feedback.
All supplies, including clay, tools, glazes, and firings are covered by studio fees. You get to take home several finished pieces like mugs, bowls, or vases. It’s a complete introduction to making pottery from start to finish.
Ceramics Workshop: Clay Date
For a fun, creative night out, this hand building and wheel throwing class lets you craft pottery under the stars at Blue Barn City Farm. Geared towards beginners, you’ll learn various techniques to create both functional and sculptural pieces to take home.
Taught by working artists, this laid back workshop offers guidance for first-timers or those looking to brush up on the basics. No experience is required, just a desire to work with clay and have fun. All materials are included with admission.
Pottery Classes at Claytivity Studio
With three Los Angeles locations in Burbank, Frogtown, and Sunset, Claytivity caters to both beginner and advanced students. From wheel throwing and hand building to slip casting and mold making, their classes cover a wide range of pottery skills.
Kids classes are also available for budding young ceramic artists. Along with instruction, they provide glazing and kiln firing services so you can pick up finished pieces. Whether you’re looking to learn or expand your existing skills, Claytivity offers an excellent creative experience.
Ceramic Workshops at Sooki Studio
Sooki Studio in Frogtown holds a variety of ceramic workshops perfect for different interests and ability levels. Their beginner-friendly sessions teach fundamentals in a relaxed setting while intermediate classes allow you to refine techniques.
Seasoned ceramic artists guide each small group class. And since they aim to be inclusive, anyone eager to work with clay is welcome, regardless of experience. Embark on a rewarding creative journey as you find community and expand your pottery skills at Sooki Studio.
Pottery Classes at Still Life Ceramics
Conveniently located downtown, Still Life Ceramics teaches wheel throwing and hand building to amateurs and professionals alike. Their experienced instructors cover all the basics in straightforward classes aimed at developing practical pottery techniques.
Beyond classes, they also sell ceramic supplies and provide gallery space for displaying local artists’ works. Still Life aspires to cultivate LA’s community of ceramic makers through education and exhibition opportunities.
Intermediate Wheel Throwing Course
Take your pottery abilities to the next level with this intensive four-week wheel throwing course. Well-suited to those with some prior experience, you’ll expand your knowledge of shapes and forms by creating various vessels and sculptural pieces.
Guidance is provided throughout to improve symmetry, wall thickness, and other advanced techniques. You’ll also apply glazes and have your completed works fired. After completing this class, you’ll feel confident taking on more complex pottery projects.
Ceramics Workshop: Hand Building
For those interested in techniques beyond the pottery wheel, this hand building class teaches how to craft ceramics without a wheel. Guidance is provided as you construct projects like jars, pitchers, and serving platters using methods like coiling, pinching, and slab rolling.
Hand building allows you to create unique asymmetrical and sculptural pieces not possible on a wheel. And since this class uses air-dry clay rather than a kiln, it’s also more accessible for beginners. Discover the creativity that comes from designing pottery by hand.
Slump Mold Casting Course
Reproduce identical ceramic pieces with this introductory slump mold casting class. Learn to craft plaster molds then form clay over them to duplicate smooth shapes like bowls, cups, and vases. It’s an easy way to maintain consistency across multiple pieces.
Over three weeks, you’ll gain experience preparing molds and guiding the clay to capture intricate designs. With open studio access outside class time, you can practice on your own schedule. Add slump mold making to your pottery repertoire.
Sculpture 101 Class
Let your creativity flow in this beginner sculpture class where you’ll learn methods like coil building and slab construction to shape free-standing ceramic pieces. Guidance is provided to teach fundamental techniques which you can then adapt to your own artistic vision.
In addition to instruction, all supplies and glazes are covered by class fees. Bring your imagination and leave with unique creations ready for display. It’s a fun introduction to sculpting with clay.
Visiting Artist Workshop with Jotham Hung
Study under internationally renowned potter Jotham Hung in this intermediate wheel throwing workshop. Explore his unique off-the-hump technique to center large masses of clay and pull elegant forms like vases and jars with flared openings.
You’ll also devote time to creating traditional Eastern-influenced pieces like chawan tea bowls which combine precision and spontaneity. This class will challenge your current skill level while providing inspiration to bring more creativity to the potter’s wheel.
Finding the Right Class
With the growth of artisan culture and specialty workshops, Los Angeles offers many high-quality pottery classes. As you evaluate your options, consider the skill level, areas of focus, available equipment, and whether finished pieces will be glazed and fired.
The classes above highlight some of the diversity found in LA’s ceramic arts education. From formal multi-week workshops to laid-back single-session experiences, there are so many ways to get involved with pottery. With expert guidance and welcoming environments catering to all comfort levels, you’re sure to thrive learning this tactile art form.
Immerse yourself in clay and unlock inner creativity through whichever class calls to you. Pottery provides a gratifying hands-on activity that lets you make functional art for personal use or gifting. No matter where your artistic journey may lead, LA’s pottery scene has a starting point perfect for you. I sincerely hope you find this “Best Pottery classes in los angeles in 2024” article helpful.