REGISTRATION FOR FALL/WINTER SESSION IS OCT 6 AT 10 AM, LEARN MORE
Pottery classes in beautiful downtown Vallejo
Pottery pickup hours
Tues+ Wed, 2-8 PM
Thurs,1-8 PM
Fri, 12-5 PM
Sat, 10-2 PM
Or by appointment
Upcoming Fall/Winter Session Oct/Nov/Dec 2025
Registration starts Monday, Oct 6 at 10 AM!
Scroll down to see all our upcoming 7-class session classes.
Please read session FAQ at bottom page for answers to common questions.
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HANDBUILDING WITH CLAY: ALL LEVELS
CLASS TIME: Tuesdays, 5:30-8:30 PM
DATES: October 21-December 9 | No classes the week of Thanksgiving
INSTRUCTOR: Whitney Smith
FEE: $450, includes up to 25 lbs of clay, glaze, and firings
SKILL LEVEL: All levels, great for beginners and more advanced students looking to build their skills
AGE: 18+
CLASS DESCRIPTION: This course designed to give participants a chance to explore handbuilding techniques through pinching, coiling, and working with slabs. Students will deepen their knowledge about clay properties and character through hands-on demonstrations by an instructor and suggested and self-guided projects. They will learn about the glaze and firing process and have finished work by the end of class. Every class will begin with a hand-building or surface demonstration.
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Students may purchase additional clay if needed.
This class includes unlimited access to open studio hours.
INTERMEDIATE/ADVANCED WHEEL THROWING
CLASS TIME: Wednesdays, 5:30-8:30 PM
DATES: October 22-December 10 | No classes the week of Thanksgiving
INSTRUCTOR: Whitney Smith
FEE: $450 includes 25 lbs clay, glaze and firings (up to 25 lbs)
SKILL LEVEL: Previous handbuilding or wheel throwing experience is required
AGE: 18+
CLASS DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to help you continue to build more advanced skills on the pottery wheel. Emphasis is on refining your technique, throwing bigger pots and more complicated shapes, and working on your trimming skills to create pots that look more polished.
Throughout this course, you will be provided expert demonstrations and personalized attention to help you continue to develop your pottery skills.
Please note enrolling students must know how to confidently center at least 2.5 lbs of clay, raise walls, and create basic cylinders and bowls.
This class includes unlimited access to open studio hours.
HANDBUILDING WITH CLAY: ALL LEVELS
CLASS TIME: Thursdays, 1-4 PM
DATES: October 23-December 11 | No classes the week of Thanksgiving
INSTRUCTOR: Sara Kagan-Real
FEE: $450 includes up to 25 lbs of clay, glaze, and firings
SKILL LEVEL: All levels, great for beginners and more advanced students looking to build their skills
AGE: 18+
CLASS DESCRIPTION: This course is designed to give participants a chance to explore handbuilding techniques through pinching, coiling, and working with slabs. Students will deepen their knowledge about clay properties and character through hands-on demonstrations by an instructor and suggested and self-guided projects. They will learn about the glaze and firing process and have finished work by the end of class. Every class will begin with a hand-building or surface demonstration.
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Students may purchase additional clay if needed.
This class includes unlimited access to open studio hours.
NEXT STEPS: INTERMEDIATE WHEEL THROWING
CLASS TIME: Thursdays, 5:30-8:30
DATES: October 23-December 11 | No classes the week of Thanksgiving
INSTRUCTOR: Sara Kagan-Real
FEE: $450, includes up to 25 lbs of clay, glaze, and firings
SKILL LEVEL: For beginners who can comfortably center clay and pull walls and are ready to try the next level
AGE: 18+
CLASS DESCRIPTION: This course is designed for beginner potters who are comfortable centering clay and raising simple walls—and are ready to take their wheel skills further. We'll build on your foundational techniques to explore shaping more refined forms like cups, bowls, and vases. You'll get hands-on practice with trimming, refining shapes, and developing more control and confidence at the wheel.
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Through demonstrations, individual feedback, and supportive instruction, you’ll deepen your understanding of throwing techniques, tool use, and the overall ceramic process. We’ll also cover glazing and finishing, helping you see your pieces through from wheel to kiln.
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Throughout this course, you will be guided step by step, provided expert demonstrations and personalized attention to help you develop your pottery skills. ​​
This class includes unlimited access to open studio hours.
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FOUNDATONS: INTRO TO WHEEL THROWING
CLASS TIME: Saturdays, 10AM -12:30 PM
DATES: October 25-December 13 | No classes the week of Thanksgiving
INSTRUCTOR: Rahel Negusse
FEE: $425, includes clay, glaze, and firings
SKILL LEVEL: Beginner, we recommend that students take handbuilding before trying a wheel throwing class, but it is not required.
AGE: 18+
CLASS DESCRIPTION: This course is a welcoming introduction to the foundations of wheel throwing. You'll learn key techniques such as wedging clay, centering it on the wheel, and pulling walls to form basic shapes like cylinders. We’ll focus on hand positioning, pressure control, and how to use the essential tools that support the throwing process.
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Because learning the wheel is a skill that takes time to develop, this class prioritizes process over production. It’s normal for beginners to spend several weeks just getting the feel of the wheel—so don’t worry about filling shelves with pots just yet. Our goal is to help you build a strong foundation and enjoy the experience of learning something new with your hands.
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Class includes unlimited access too open studio time and students will be able to stay after instruction ends at 12:30 to keep practicing.​​​​
SESSION FAQ
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Q: What do session classes include?
A: Unless otherwise noted, classes include up to 25 lbs of clay, access to studio glazes and slips, and firing of work. Students also have access to specialized tools and equipment, our library of pottery books and current ceramic-focused magazines.
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Q: What do students need to bring to class?
A: Students will need to purchase their own toolkits which is outlined in the class listing during the registration period. They also need to supply their own apron and hand towel.
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Q: When are open studio hours?
A: Open studio hours vary depending on when classes are occurring. Generally the studio is open for studio time in the early afternoons through evening time.
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Q: I'm a beginner, can I sign up for classes?
A: We love beginners! Unless otherwise noted, all classes can accommodate beginners.​
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Q: If I miss a class during my course, can I have a make-up class?
A: There are no make up classes for people enrolled in courses. Students have access to open studio hours where they can work to catch up with the class.​
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Q: I have to miss a class I enrolled for, can I have a refund or can you reschedule me?
A: Session classes require a 10 day notice for a refund. For all classes with a waitlist, we will refund you up to 24 hours before class if we can fill your spot, but this is not guaranteed. In this case there is a 15% cancellation fee to cover our time.​