These 5 SoCal Pottery Studios Offer Inclusive, Creative Classes to the Community

Head to These Pottery Studios for Your Next Weekend Activity

Ready to get fired up over a new hobby? The slow craft of pottery is a perfect pastime for a few hours of escape from the digital world. Whether you’re sitting at the wheel or building by hand, this centuries-old craft is sure to keep you focused and in touch with the present moment. Roll up your sleeves and try your hand at the potter’s wheel! Pottery Studios Near Me

Clay + Craft

Credit: Emma Sabo

Nicole Novena, founder of Clay + Craft, loves sharing her craft: “[Clay] is the earth, and the fact that you can take dirt and make it into something functional and pretty is rad.” Along with single and multi-week wheel classes, you can also shop the beautiful array of modern ceramics available for sale. The collection includes thoughtfully designed drinkware, carafes, mugs, bowls and more. Novena, who opened the studio just a few months before the pandemic, says the appreciation for handmade goods fuels the mission behind Clay + Craft. Stop in for self-care, whether you’re spending solo time on the wheel or joining a group lesson.

Location: Encinitas, CA

Pottery Studios Near Me

Throw Clay LA

Credit: Throw Clay LA/Zolay

Whether you’re making dishware or planters, you’re sure to enjoy the process at Throw Clay LA. Founded by potter John Prescott, the studio offers both one-time and six-week pottery classes for either hand-building or wheel-throwing options. “It’s more than teaching the technique; I want to be sure you have a good time,” says Prescott. “Whether or not you have two pieces that look centered after your first class, or one of them didn’t work out, that’s okay.” Beginners are welcome! The instructors at Throw Clay will lead you through the process, so you’ll come out with a piece you’ll be proud of.

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Pot LA

Credit: Sina Araghi

Credit: Drew Views

Credit: Sina Araghi

“Pot is the first community pottery studio in the country designed for and by people of color,” says Mandy Kolahi, founder of Pot. “We first opened in response to the lack of diversity in pottery, and over the past few years, we’ve seen the pottery industry change a lot.” Since 2017, Pot has empowered those traditionally marginalized through pottery classes and workshops. “We are a beginners-oriented studio because a lot of us don’t grow up with the arts,” says Kolahi. Pot recently launched the Potluck Initiative, a nonprofit providing scholarships, free workshops, artist residencies and professional development to Black and Brown individuals.

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Pottery Studios Near Me

ARTime Barro

Credit: ARTime Barro

Owned and operated by a mom-and-daughter duo, ARTime Barro fosters a sense of warmth and community for creatives. If you’re a beginner, you’ll start by learning the basics involving centering clay on the wheel. Co-founder Nicole Moreno says, “We wanted to bring art, specifically pottery, to our community because it’s a little more universal to all ages and all kinds of people.” As an artistic haven, ARTime Barro offers a place for beginners and advanced artists alike to unleash their creativity and wind down at the potter’s wheel. Drop in for a one-time lesson or join a four-week hand-building and throwing class.

Locations: Costa Mesa and Laguna Beach, CA

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Old Town Artisan Studios

Credit: Old Town Artisan Studios

In its 16,000-square-foot space, Old Town Artisan Studios offers classes in clay, sculpture, painting and more for adults and children. The nonprofit also goes one step further—it brings the arts to local schools too. “We feel that art has a huge healing element to it,” says Executive Director Thomas Burns. “You see kids light up and smile when our instructors walk in the door.” Through its community outreach program called Mobile Mission, Old Town Artisan Studios brings the craft of clay to kids right where they’re at. Last year, the program hosted over 26,000 art experiences in the Coachella Valley!

Location: La Quinta, CA