Frequently Asked Questions

+ The class I wanted is sold out, when will more be available?

We post new classes every 6 weeks- join our mailing list through the link at the bottom of the page for class and studio updates!

+ Which class is right for me?

We have classes for every level of student, whether you have been a potter for years or have never touched clay! Please make sure the class you register for matches your current skill level!

Beginner (Level 1)

New to clay? Our Learn to Throw series is what you've been waiting for! This 3-Week introductory course will teach you all the basics of throwing, trimming, and glazing your own pottery. These classes are perfect for anyone brand new to clay or returning to it after some time away!

Returning (Level 2)

Classes labeled Returning offer an ongoing learning experience for anyone who has already learned the basics and is practicing pottery! Projects vary greatly and are approachable for newer students, as well as more experienced potters.

Intermediate/Advanced (Level 3/4)

These more challenging classes are best suited to experienced potters who can confidently create at least a 6-inch cylinder. Classes may focus on specific subjects or dive deeper into various aspects of pottery!

Handbuilding Classes

Techniques include pinch, coil, slab construction and more. If you love texture and surface decoration, this could be the class for you!

Wheel Classes

When people think of pottery, they are often imagining wheel throwing! Techniques include centering, pulling, and altering wet clay on the wheel in a variety of ways.

Sculpture Classes

Techniques include hand forming, carving, and finishes for sculptural work. Projects may include figures, animals, architecture, and more!

+What is included with my class?

Our 6 and 3 week session classes include the following:

6 hours of Open Studio time and access to the studio during all Open Studio hours

1 bag of clay and a storage cubby

Access to our community tools, materials, and 20+ in-house glazes

Free firing for all work made in the studio

Student discount on select studio services, including firing fees for outside work and additional Open Studio time

+ How do I use Open Studio hours?

Open Studio is one of our favorite aspects of our classes! Available only to currently and previously registered students of Frederick Clay Studio, Open Studio is the time to practice the skills you learned in class, experiment with new techniques, meet the rest of our wonderful studio community and so much more! We highly recommend you take advantage of the 6 hours included with each class session.

**Open Studio Schedule **

Students can access our Open Studio Schedule by clicking here. The calendar is updated regularly, so please check before coming into the studio for potential schedule changes!

Please refrain from coming to the studio outside listed hours. Interruptions to class times will not be permitted.

**Cubby Cards **

Each student will receive a cubby to store materials and a cubby card with their class details. Cubby cards hold your 6 free hours of open studio time, available for use during all listed open studio hours during your class session, and for an additional 3 weeks after the end of your class.

Additional open studio hours are available to currently registered students at a discounted rate!

**Monitors and Studio Expectations **

Open Studio is monitored by an experienced potter who will sign you in and out and is available as a resource to you!

Please be sure to clean up after yourself fully and in a timely manner. It is recommended to allow at least 15-30 minutes for clean up. Open studio ends promptly at the listed time, and staying longer will result in additional charges.

Please read our Policy Guide for more detailed studio expectations!

+ I missed one of my classes- how can I make it up?

You have a couple options for making up missed classes! Students are given an entire 6 week session past the end date of your class to come back and makeup any missed hours.

Option 1 is to drop in to a comparable class with open seats; please check with either Cassidy or the instructor of your class to ensure there is a seat available before arriving!

Option 2 is to makeup your missed hours during open studio! Just let the monitor on duty know you have a class to make up and they will be able to take care of the rest.

If you missed a class from our Learn to Throw series, you will need to wait until the next upcoming Learn to Throw class (3-4 weeks) for a comparable class. Due to the nature of this course, it is highly recommended to try to attend all 3 classes in order if at all possible!