When the curiosity for a new passion strikes – it’s best to immerse yourself in the craft in a safe, creative space.
Pottery is exactly that type of craft. It can be challenging to learn without proper instruction and requires materials and equipment that may only be available in studios.
Though this may be the case, it’s still worth a try. And more often than not, ceramicists continue to pursue it once they’ve caught the bug.
Those looking for pottery classes in Seattle are in luck. Just take your pick from the pottery studios in the list below, and you can try your hand at this fun, new hobby.
Barbara Dunshee Pottery
Offerings
- Open group classes
- Private individual classes
- Private 2-person classes
- Private team-building workshops
- Classes provide clay, glazing, and firing
Let’s start off with Barbara Dunshee Pottery – a studio located on the East side of Capitol Hill.
Named after its quirky instructor, this pottery studio is run by Barbara Dunshee, an expert artist who has been crafting ceramics and sculptures for more than 20 years.
At her studio, she teaches small groups to provide ample one-on-one time with her students and ensures that they can fully enjoy the craft and process.
Here you can choose from group classes, private lessons, semi-private lessons, or team building classes.
The group classes usually span nine weeks, guiding students of different levels through wheel throwing and hand-building techniques. Clay, glazes, and firing are included in its package.
One-on-one lessons, on the other hand, are booked per session with materials and firing also included. The 2-hour classes can be individual or, if you’d like a buddy to tag along, by pairs.
As an engaging team-building activity, Barbara Dunshee Pottery also offers private classes for groups of 5 to 13 people.
The price per head will vary on the number of members in the group, and while the lesson takes 2 hours, you can avail of an additional hour for the group for an additional fee.
According to reviews, this pottery studio gives a “fantastic introduction” to the craft. The classes are small, and beginners receive the attention they need to explore their creativity and skills.
For more experienced ceramists, Barabara Dunshee’s expert advice is always something to look forward to.
Check out these reviews and more of the testimonials on its website.
Address: 4036 E Madison St., Seattle, WA 98112
Contact Number: 206-229-3311
Fayezart
Offerings
- Adult pottery classes
- Kids pottery classes
- Pottery camp
- Pottery parties
Fayezart is a humble and cozy pottery studio in Northwest Seattle for kids and kids-at-heart.
While they have pottery classes for adults, their variety of offerings for kids include summer camps and parties, making it the perfect spot for young potters.
Parents looking to sign their kids up for some artsy after-school activities can choose from classes categorized according to different age groups and topics.
There’s the “Clay Exploration” class for 6-10 year-olds which teaches basic techniques such as pinch pots, coil pots, slab, and potters wheel.
For Tweens who can work with a little extra precision and creativity, there’s a class for 12 to 15-year-old students where they create larger and more detailed sculptures.
Another excellent option for kids is the Pottery Camp – three-day workshops where kids can channel their creative energies and play with clay.
During the pottery camps, kids also get to enjoy picnics and outdoor breaks for some fresh air. The last day of the camp even concludes with a pizza party.
On the topic of parties, they also offer a Pottery Party package for five people where you can celebrate and bond through the art of pottery.
But it’s not just the kids who have all the fun.
Fayezart also offers adult pottery classes for groups of five, where students learn wheel-throwing and hand-building methods and skills like glaze mixing, kiln loading, and shelf preparation.
The studio is complete with the essentials like potter wheels, slab rollers, and a spot for hand-building. Tools, decorating supplies, and a variety of glazes and underglazes are also available.
For a monthly sign-up, members are given access to the space, a complimentary bag of clay, and a firing space.
Read more about what students have to say about their experience with Fayezart here.
Address: 1806 NW 70th Street, Seattle, WA 98117
Contact Number: 206-719-4207
Email: fayezart@comcast.net
Pottery Northwest
Offerings
- Pottery classes (For students over 18 years old)
- Studio membership
- Clay at home package
Also in the Northwest of Seattle at the Seattle Center, ceramicists will find Pottery Northwest. This studio is a well-acclaimed and trusted institution for the arts community.
Pottery Northwest has scheduled classes for enthusiasts over 18 years old. These classes typically run for ten weeks, with one three-hour session every week, and are open to under 20 students.
Those joining these classes are provided with a bag of clay, glazes, firing privileges, and access to the studio beyond the classes.
Their classes cover a variety of techniques with different final projects and engaging and specialized topics.
One of their classes, “Towards a Standard: Handmade Objects for the Table,” is a wheel-based workshop, while its “Handbuilding: From Pinch Cup to Historic Vessel” focuses on hand-building methods.
They also offer studio access for independent learners who want to study pottery at their own pace. The open studio hours are dependent on the availability of volunteer studio monitors.
With studio access, you’re also free to use electric wheels, slab roller, extruder, and shop glazes.
You’ll also have a personal cubby for your tools, a locker, and a shelf for your wares. They also allow members to invite one guest each month for some studio time.
Top-quality materials are also available for purchase in the studio. But if you’d prefer buying clay, glazes, and tools beforehand, Blick and Amazon are excellent sources for your pottery needs.
If you’d look like to pursue pottery from the comfort of your home, Pottery Northwest also has a package that allows you to work on your pieces at home and proceed with glazing and firing in the studio.
Hear more what people are saying about this pottery studio here.
Address: 226 1st Ave N, Seattle, WA 98109
Contact Number/s: (206)285-4421 and (206)285-9774
Saltstone Ceramics
Offerings
- Open group classes (For students over 16 years old)
- Private individual classes (For students over 14 years old)
- Private group classes (For students over 14 years old)
- Youth classes
- Studio membership
Saltstone Ceramics is another studio in Seattle that shares its ceramic expertise with students of all skill levels and ages.
It’s an artist hub that also serves as an independent ceramics gallery.
They provide private 2-hour lessons for those looking for more personalized instruction. These private sessions can be individual sessions or group sessions.
You can also choose between one-night classes and eight-week classes.
The one-night class will give you a fun, sneak peek of the craft, while the eight-week course will let you take your practice to the next level and work at a more relaxed pace, working for three hours once a week.
Beginner classes tackle the “Introduction to the Pottery Wheel,” and more extensive workshops focus on a specific technique.
As an artist-owned space, students can expect an eclectic group of instructors that specialize in different skills like hand-building, surface decoration, and other pottery methods.
Youngsters can also mould their creativity into their clay projects with the youth classes that Saltstone Ceramics offers.
Ceramicists looking for a space to indulge in their practice can get a studio membership that allows them access to equipment and discounts on unsold spaces.
Get the low-down on Saltstone Ceramics from its students here.
Address: 2206 N 45th St., Seattle, WA
Contact Number: 206-632-0826
Sean’s Clay Corner
Offerings
- Membership
- Pottery classes (For members only)
- Studio access (For members only)
Sean’s Clay Corner is another artist-owned studio where students are welcomed by its small and dedicated team – Sean, David, and Jane.
This ceramics studio in Fremont focuses on wheel-throwing workshops and provides memberships that will let learners discover their love for pottery and ceramics at their own pace.
The membership allows all-day access to the studio, firing and glazing, and unlimited instructional classes.
As a member, you can sign up for the full range of classes on their class calendar. So instructors can focus and guide each student thoroughly; classes are limited to six students only.
The studio is open daily, and students signed up in scheduled classes are held in the classrooms, while those who just wish to work independently can visit the workroom.
The community tool bin is for all members, but it’s important to note that there are limited tools, and the clay is purchased from the studio.
Some testimonials from its visitors are available here.
Address: 4365 6th ave NW, Seattle, WA
Contact Number: 206-486-7213
Find your safe, creative space
Visiting pottery studios can take your love for the craft to a whole different level.
Not only will you be able to develop your skills through classes and workshops, but you’ll also be able to meet other enthusiasts, collaborate and become a part of a creative community.