I’ve been wanting to take a wheel-throwing pottery class for a while, so I was glad the timing worked out to try it. Making pottery is a challenging and rewarding craft, and the work of local artists always inspires me.
Taking a one-time pottery class would be an excellent way to test if it’s something you want to commit to, and then there are 6-8 week classes to dive into advanced techniques and practice your skills. Plus, there are a lot of studio options in Austin.
Keep reading to learn more about the process and where you can take a class.
Pottery Class Process
It took a long process – several months and visits – to get the final product, but it was a fun time. Here’s how it went with my time at Round Rock Community Clay.
In the wheel throwing class, I learned how to throw the wheel on and shape the vessel. It takes a proper stance, synchronicity, and patience. The instructor gave us some pointers and we spent most of the time creating. For me, I didn’t quite know what shape I was aiming for, but I knew they would probably end up being for plants. In three hours, we could create four vessels.
After drying, the pots were fired in the kiln. Three of my vessels made it. Sometimes they don’t if the bottom or sides are too thin. Two weeks later, I went back to glaze (add the color) them. It’s hard to see what the final color will look like, but the rule of thumb is to do several coats. As you can see in the final results, the spots I tried to add to the green and pink pots didn’t quite show up.
After drying again, they go back into the kiln for a final firing. After a few weeks, I picked up the pots and bought some new plants to go in them!
Pottery Studios in Austin
Wheel-throwing pottery can seem hard at first, but you’ll get the hang of it. You’ll take something home, even if it’s a bit lopsided. So, pottery is great for beginners, and there are many options if you want to make it a long-term hobby.
One-time classes range from $65-100 per person. If you want to further your skills, some studios provide a 6 or 8-week class that ranges from $250-395.
Below are studios in Austin. I’ve included info about one-time classes and studios typically also have multi-week class options. Prices are current as of September 2024.
- 916 Springdale Rd, Bldg 4 Suite 111, Austin, TX 78702
- Adult Drop-In Class for $45
- 5442 Burnet Road, Austin, Texas 78756
- One-time, 90-minute wheel throwing class for $80
- 5809 Burnet Rd, Austin, TX 78756 (at Sunset Canyon Pottery)
- One-time, 90-minute class for $90. Create 2 pieces they will glaze and you can pick them up later.
- 727 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78702
- Two-hour, one-time wheel throwing class for $100
- Have a variety of other clay classes and date night events too
The Contemporary Austin – Laguna Gloria
- 3809 W 35th StAustin, Texas 78703
- Six-session courses for $261 + $40 firing/glaze fee + must purchase own supplies
- 3401 East 4th Street, Austin, TX, 78702
- Studio focused on multi-week courses only
- 4630 Burnet Rd., Austin, TX 78756
- One and half hour wheel-throwing class for $75
- Must book an additional $60 class to glaze or pay $25 for a professional to glaze your work
- 1214 W 6th Street, Suite 100, Austin, TX 78703
- One-time, two-hour intro class is $95
- 100 Lake Hills Dr S, Austin, TX 78733
- Donation-based, suggested $50-75 for the class and $25 for pottery
- Wheel-throwing experience, paint a fired piece, and take home a piece made by two other people
- The outdoor tent does not have air conditioning
- 8711 Burnet Rd Ste F65, Austin, Texas 78757
- Two-hour intro wheel throwing class for $85
- Has other classes like bowl building and mug making
I made my pottery at Round Rock Community Clay, a good option for anyone in North Austin. They have an intro wheel-throwing class for $65, and the price includes all materials and glazing.
If you want to work with clay but not on a wheel, check out ATX Kiln Club for pottery events.
Whether it’s making pottery or some other creative endeavor, everyone needs time to exercise their creativity and work with their hands. Give it a try!
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