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Pottery Classes San Francisco

Unleash your creativity with pottery classes in San Francisco! Learn the art of molding clay and discover the joy of creating unique ceramic pieces while gaining new skills and expressing yourself through this therapeutic and rewarding craft.

2 classes have spots left

Afternoon Hand & Wheel

Richmond Art Center @ 2540 Barrett Ave, Richmond, CA

Unleash your creativity in a pottery class where you will explore both hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques. Perfect for intermediate students looking to enhance their skills and create unique projects.

(13) Intermediate 17 and older
$320

8 sessions

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Women in Ceramics Workshop (Hybrid)

Richmond Art Center @ 2540 Barrett Ave, Richmond, CA

Discover the groundbreaking work of women in ceramics in this engaging workshop at the Richmond Art Center. Explore the history and techniques of 20th-century and contemporary ceramicists through virtual lectures and hands-on studio sessions. Enhance your skills and be inspired by the influential women who shaped the field.

(13) Intermediate 18 and older
$200

4 sessions

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Beginning/ Intermediate Wheel

Richmond Art Center @ 2540 Barrett Ave, Richmond, CA

This class covers the fundamentals of throwing on the wheel. It will introduce new students to the process and help intermediate students refine their skills.  Firing/Materials Fee ($35)

(13) Beginner 16 and older
No upcoming schedules
$320

8 sessions

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Evening Hand & Wheel

Richmond Art Center @ 2540 Barrett Ave, Richmond, CA

This class will incorporate both throwing and handbuilding demonstrations. Students can chose how they would like to work. Intermediate students can work on independent projects with the help of the instructor.

(13) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$320

8 sessions

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Intermediate Wheel

Richmond Art Center @ 2540 Barrett Ave, Richmond, CA

Practice and refine your skills on the wheel. This class is designed for intermediate students and will cover techniques for making basic shapes, trimming, decorating and glazing pots. 

(13) Intermediate 16 and older
No upcoming schedules
$320

8 sessions

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Ceramics Seminar: Cups

Richmond Art Center @ 2540 Barrett Ave, Richmond, CA

In this class for continuing students, we will focus on one form the entire session, going in-depth through demos, hands-on work time, and class discussion. We will explore design, form and function. The making process is open to both hand-building and/or throwing. Required supplies for this program: Clay (available for purchase at Art Center)

(13) Intermediate 17 and older
No upcoming schedules
$290

9 sessions

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Handbuilding Functional Forms

Richmond Art Center @ 2540 Barrett Ave, Richmond, CA

This course will cover a variety of handbuilding techniques, including pinching, coil, and slab construction to create functional works. Follow along with demos or work on your own projects. *Fee includes glaze and firing fee Required supplies for this program: Basic ceramics clay tool kit(Metal Rib, Wood Modeling Tool, Needle Tool, Loop Tool, Sponge, Wire Tool) Clay (available for purchase at Art Center) Sketchbook/Notebook

(13) All levels 17 and older
No upcoming schedules
$290

8 sessions

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Handbuilding: Women in Contemporary Ceramics

Richmond Art Center

Learn to approach ceramic hand-building techniques through the lens of art history. Each week we'll learn about a different 20th or 21st Century ceramicist who made innovative, celebrated work in her time. We'll then sketch a favorite piece made by the artist and learn a technique to recreate or re-imagine the artist's original piece. Materials will be discussed during the first class meeting. Notes Experience Level: Intermediate/Advanced Some...

(13) Intermediate 21 and older
No upcoming schedules

Ceramic Pots for Plants

Richmond Art Center @ 2540 Barrett Ave, Richmond, CA

Learn techniques for making your own ceramic planters! Both thrown and handbuilt forms will be demonstrated, and there will be time to construct several of your own vessels. Techniques for decorating planters will also be covered. Some ceramic experience recommended but not required.

(13) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$110
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Glaze Chemistry Intensive

Richmond Art Center @ 2540 Barrett Ave, Richmond, CA

Explore the basics of glaze chemistry! This class will help demystify glazes. We will learn about glaze ingredients, discuss the physics of firing, make test tiles, and each person will find a glaze recipe to make themselves. Results will be shared and discussed.  Basic Pottery Tool Kit Clay available for purchase at Art Center.

(13) Intermediate 18 and older
No upcoming schedules
$240

5 sessions

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Using Underglazes 101

Richmond Art Center

Learn the basics of using underglaze to add color, pattern and detail to your ceramic pieces! Underglaze is an accessible and easy to use material that is safe for home-use and applicable to various firing temperatures. Learn about the many possibilities of underglaze in this info session/demo. Feel free to come with questions. Some ceramic experience recommended. Materials List: Notebook; Materials will be discussed in-depth during the workshop...

(13) All levels 18 and older
No upcoming schedules

Lidded Vessels: Functional to Conceptual

Richmond Art Center @ 2540 Barrett Ave, Richmond, CA

Are you tired of your vessels having lids that are loose, awkward, or don't look good on the form? In this 2-part workshop we will explore a variety of ways of making lids, both thrown and handbuilt. We will work on constructing several lids and will review how other artists create through a slide presentation of their forms -- embracing the intricate, simple, complex and bizarre. Explore and experiment with new ways of making lids!

(13) All levels 16 and older
No upcoming schedules

Ceramics Wheel Throwing

Richmond Art Center

This class covers the fundamentals of throwing on the wheel. It will introduce new students to the process and help intermediate students refine their skills. Please click here for Clay Purchase and Firing Policy.

(13) All levels 21 and older
No upcoming schedules
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Reviews for Pottery Classes in San Francisco

Pottery Classes in San Francisco are rated 4.8 stars based on 13 verified reviews from actual CourseHorse.com purchasers.

  • Ceramic Pots for Plants

    Reviewed by Elliott C. on 8/5/2019
    Fun class with great instruction. I highly recommend it.

Discover the Best Pottery Classes in San Francisco

Pottery is a traditional form of art and craftsmanship that involves creating objects from clay. It encompasses various techniques such as molding, shaping, and firing the clay to produce functional or decorative items. These include everyday objects like bowls, cups, vases, intricate sculptures, and ceramic artworks. Pottery is deeply rooted in human history and culture, serving utilitarian and aesthetic purposes.

Why You Should Learn Pottery in San Francisco

In addition to pottery crafted by indigenous communities, the history of pottery in California can be traced back to mass-produced terra cotta squares for early missions. In the early 20th century, California potters broke free from the dominance of European ceramics, drawing inspiration from the local landscape and diverse cultures. By the 1920s, California rivaled Ohio, the nation's pottery center, in commercial production of pottery for household and decorative use. Although the golden era of California Pottery declined in the late 1950s due to international competition and the rise of plastic household items, its influence on American design and lifestyle remains significant, evident in everyday objects like Fiesta dinnerware and ceramic planters in office buildings.

Learning pottery in San Francisco can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience for several reasons. First, it allows for a creative outlet where you can express your artistic vision and bring unique ideas to life by manipulating clay. Pottery also promotes mindfulness and a sense of calmness as the process requires focus and concentration, providing you with a therapeutic escape from the stresses of everyday life. Additionally, pottery fosters a deep connection to ancient traditions and cultural heritage, as it is an ancient craft that has been practiced for centuries. Lastly, learning pottery can create functional and decorative objects that bring joy and beauty to both you, the creator, and those who appreciate your work.

In-Person Pottery Classes in San Francisco

In-person pottery classes can be found in various spaces, including community centers, art studios, colleges and universities, recreation centers, and private pottery studios. Community and recreation centers typically provide affordable beginner-level classes for many learners. Ateliers and private pottery studios often offer advanced or specialized classes, such as wheel-throwing or hand-building techniques. Colleges and universities incorporate pottery classes, from beginner to advanced, into their art programs. Pottery manufacturers and retailers may also organize classes or workshops to showcase their products and techniques.

Richmond Art Center is in Richmond, California, in the San Francisco Bay Area's East Bay region. As the East Bay’s biggest visual arts center, they deliver exciting arts experiences to people of all ages and backgrounds. They achieve this through hands-on learning, well-equipped studios, roving “Art in the Community” programs, contemporary exhibitions in the center’s galleries, and virtual classes. Richmond Art Center serves thousands of students every year through its classes and programs taught by professional artists.

Women in Ceramics Workshop (Hybrid) at Richmond Art Center is conducted both online and in-person. The class spans five sessions, delving into the artistic contributions of female potters and ceramicists from the 20th and 21st centuries. The initial Zoom session features a lecture and slideshow, highlighting the works of various women ceramic artists. The following four in-person sessions focus on hands-on practice, where you’ll learn and apply the pottery techniques employed by these artists.

Intermediate Wheel, also at Richmond Art Center, is where experienced potters can practice and refine their skills on the wheel. Not suitable for beginners, the class will cover intermediate techniques for making basic shapes, trimming, decorating, and glazing pots.

The Art School of SF Bay in the Richmond district employs educated and accomplished artists. They firmly believe that even complex fine art concepts can be taught to anyone, regardless of age or experience, using simple explanations and exciting teaching methods. Through in-person classes, their approach emphasizes traditional disciplines, techniques, and tools that enable individuals to unlock the true essence of self-expression.

Key Elements of Fine Arts at the Art School of SF Bay is a suitable class for all beginning artists and craftspeople, regardless of medium. If you’re looking to kickstart a new hobby, this course is an ideal choice. It covers all the fundamentals artists use to create freely from imagination or real life. You’ll get familiar with drawing and painting in this class, which will help you when you start designing pottery and working with glazes.

Virtual Pottery Classes 

Online pottery classes and in-person pottery classes have notable distinctions. One difference is that your presence in an in-person class facilitates instant feedback and guidance from the instructor, resulting in a more immersive learning experience. Secondly, attending in-person classes often gives you access to a wider array of tools and equipment, expanding your learning possibilities. Additionally, the social aspect of in-person classes, including interactions with peers and a sense of community, may be challenging in online formats. Nonetheless, online classes provide convenience, allowing you to participate from any location and at your preferred time. In contrast, in-person classes require your physical presence at specific venues and scheduled times.

Food Craft, situated in Manhattan’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood, promotes home-cooking and food made from scratch.Embracing the belief that cooking is a skill accessible to all, they provide engaging food and beverage activities aimed at boosting culinary confidence and building community. In addition, they sometimes host in-person and online classes that can extend your creativity beyond food and into the visual arts. Ceramic Llama Painting at Food Craft is a live online class suitable for all experience levels. Indulge in the delightful experience of painting your own ceramic llama pottery, allowing you to personalize it with your desired colors. Once finished, your ceramic llama can serve as an adorable home for small plants such as succulents.

Located in Manhattan’s SoHo neighborhood, CraftJam is a fun-loving group of instructors teaching various hands-on workshops as well as online classes. Hand Building Basics: Air Dry Clay Trinket is a virtual pottery class for beginners hosted by CraftJam. Get creative in new and different ways by delving into the basics of hand-building using air dry clay. The gist of this class is an introduction to pottery as a mindful artistic endeavor.

Private Group Pottery Classes in San Francisco

If you're interested in scheduling a group pottery class, CourseHorse offers live online classes that can be tailored to your business or organization. This can be an exciting team-building event that promotes engagement and creativity.

To arrange private group pottery classes, reach out to CourseHorse through the provided contact form to explore the available options. By booking group events with CourseHorse, you can enjoy several benefits such as the flexibility to modify the group size if needed and receiving a confirmation email within 24 hours. Best of all, there are no fees associated with booking an event, and CourseHorse supports multiple virtual platforms to facilitate your group's online gathering.

Participating in a group pottery class is an excellent team-building activity due to its accessible and hands-on nature, creating a sense of camaraderie and promoting essential workplace skills. Making pottery together cultivates trust, collaboration, and an appreciation for individual strengths. Additionally, the activity provides a refreshing break from office routines, allowing team members to unwind, reduce stress, and build morale. The relaxed social setting of a pottery class enhances communication and strengthens workplace relationships.

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