Hands In Clay

I was walking along Magazine Street and saw the flier for their pottery classes. Pottery is something I’ve often been curious about — didn’t know if I’d have an aptitude for it or not, but you don’t know if you don’t try it, right? I signed up for it. It was in the $ 240.00 range. The owner, Martin (very nice guy) explained that the classes were done «one-​room school house style» with different skill levels all working together. The price included a 6 classes, use of the studio and all materials — clay, tools and all. So I signed up.
I was a little nervous about being with people who have been together for awhile but that insecurity was cast aside as soon as I met a very nice, welcoming, helpful, supportive group of people who took in a newbie with no sense of clique. The teacher was one of the nicest people and I liked her a lot. However… she was a much better demonstrator than she was a teacher. She showed me what to do, but I didn’t feel like I was being taught. When my clumsiness got me into a rut she would say «Here, let me do it for you.» Well, that’s not really teaching. Eventually, her answer to my questions became «Go to YouTube and you’ll find lots of videos.» I could have done that and saved the 240 bucks.
When it came time to glaze the pieces I was shown how to do it, but I came away from 6 classes knowing very little to speak of about glazes and nothing at all about underglazing. I felt more like it was «Make Your Own Pottery» thing than a «Learn How To Do This» thing and, trust me, I don’t need a cabinet full of bowls and coffee cups.
The other thing is, there were projects begun toward the end of the 6 week session with not enough time to compleat them. This means having to spend another 240 dollars for another class to finish the projects I’d started in the first session. I think there should a cut off for making new stuff so that they can be fired and glazed and everything all completed at the end of 6 weeks. I felt like it was a deliberate cliff hanger to make me want to come back and spend more money. So, I just abandoned them and I suppose they’ll do with them as they will.
This sounds like a VERY negative review and I don’t mean it to be. Let me say this — if your object is to make pottery (or have potter made that you somewhat had your hands in) this is perfect for you. The people are extremely nice and the environment is positive and welcoming. But if what you want is to actually learn the craft, you’re best going to a community college or adult education class or you’ll be teaching yourself with YouTube videos.

Mostly known for teaching pottery classes (which I have not taken) there is also a storefront that looks more like a gallery where students (and the instructors) can sell their pieces.
Don’t let the atmosphere dissuade you. I stopped in despite the appearance of a high end gallery & discovered more affordable items in the back.
The staff said that the owner wants the gallery appearance because he doesn’t want to be just another pottery shop on Magazine; mission accomplished.

This place is the spinning wheel for the malleable clay that is my brain. Christine’s awesome and will help you, whether you are a first time thrower like myself or someone with a little more background. Classes have about 6 – 8 people in them and you can get as much or as little attention as you want. I just wish we could meet more than once a week!