3 of the Best Places to Take a Pottery Class in Rochester, NY
Article Update, March 2024:
We’ve updated this article with even more places to take pottery classes in Rochester, NY! Keep reading, and don’t be afraid reach out if you have questions!
If you’re here, we are guessing you're looking for the best place to take a pottery class in Rochester, NY.
Learning pottery can be a fun, rewarding experience, but first you have to find a place with the right options, and culture fit for you.
To help you make a decision, we’ve created a list of 3+ great places to take a pottery class in the area that are “accessible, fun, and unique”. Also, in the second part of this article, learn more about our club, and how we can help you enjoy the art of making, throwing, and sculpting clay in a whole new way.
Best Pottery Class Options
1. Wheel and Slab Pottery Club
Yes, our very own pottery club is proud to offer pottery classes of varying skill levels. Located in the City of Rochester, our facility has 2 studios equipped with wheels, and everything you need to learn about working with clay.
What sets us apart? Our beginner and intermediate courses were custom built to create an enjoyable, engaging experience for all who attend. We’ve worked very hard to make sure each class is interesting, the demos are helpful, and the atmosphere is just right.
Complete with custom presentations, handouts, and demonstrations our courses are both thorough, and fun. Visit our online class listing to see what courses are being offered and register online today!
2. Turk Hill Craft School
Located in Fairport, NY, the Turk Hill Craft School is a community pottery studio located in the old Crosman Corporation building on the Erie Canal. Just a short drive outside of the city, this studio has helped, hosted, and worked with many local ceramic artists over the years. These artists include Peter Pincus, Adam Spector, Brooke Millechia, and Deborah Benedetto.
Owned and operated by Carol Bell, the school has multiple class options for potters of all skill levels. If you value flexibility, the morning, daytime, and evening class options make it a great place to start learning. Visit turkhillcrafts.com to learn more.
3. Flower City Arts Center
Located in the City or Rochester, NY, the Flower City Arts Center is a multidisciplinary, community arts center. The pottery program features morning and evening classes, and options for potters of all skill levels.
Syllabus focused, students are highly encouraged to move on and through each class type. Learning simpler forms and techniques to start and more complex forms and techniques as they go. Also this studio is the home to a natural gas kiln, which means cone 10 firings and glazes are available. Visit flowercityarts.org to learn more.
4. Studio Sales Pottery
Located just south of the City of Rochester, in Avon, NY is Studio Sales Pottery. Owned and operated by Mike Carroll, Studio Sales is a clay supply shop, pottery gallery, and teaching studio all in one.
While this studio features fewer recurring class options, it’s pay as you go studio visit options means it's easy to get started learning and working within the studio. With an onsite clay supply business, you’ll have access to multiple glaze options, and clay bodies. And you’ll find a real Noborigama wood kiln, available to experience as a part of special workshops and learning experiences.
Learn more at studiosalespottery.com
Looking for self-guided learning option?
Pictured, the founding members of the Wheel & Slab Pottery Club, in Rochester, NY
We recognize that classes, syllabuses, and teachers aren’t for everyone. Sometimes we want to work at our own speed, focus on specific techniques, and simply enjoy the process of making art in a low stress environment.
Members of Wheel & Slab enjoy:
A dedicated, weekly club night
Unlimited access to studio clay
Unlimited firings in our electric kiln
And a facilitator, who’ll help you get the most out of the studio
With our unique studio model, you can focus on creating with clay, and making friends. If a school or class environment isn’t what you are looking for, take a look at our membership options, and learn more about how our pottery club could work for you.
