Robert WebbIf you’re looking for a new hobby or you’re just into creating new things with your hands, here’s an idea: why not consider taking a pottery class? We’ve tried it, and boy were we surprised to have created a pretty impressive piece of art.
So, here’s a list of the best pottery classes we found scattered across the city, where we’ve learned that pottery is not only a fun and relaxing activity, but also a great way to express your creativity.
Vancouver’s Best Pottery Classes
If you’re interested in joining pottery classes as a hobby or if you want to learn a new skill, you’d want an organization with top-notch facilities, qualified instructors, and an excellent curriculum to ensure a rewarding learning experience.
We’ve assessed the following pottery classes based on the criteria below:
1. Claymates Ceramics Studio
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Facilities | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Instructor Qualifications | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Availability | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| • Client Capacity | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| • Materials and Tools | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Quality | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| • Curriculum | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| • Feedback | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Averee, the brains behind Claymates, set up this studio ’cause she had a vision: a place where folks could come together and get their hands dirty with pottery. And let us tell ya, it’s one heck of a cool spot.
Outside, you’ll spot a sort of warehouse-type establishment, but inside, you’ll see a neat and minimalist design that creates a calming and inspiring atmosphere. There’s tons of material on display, too.
Despite their small team, we were impressed to see that they hold multi-week classes, workshops, and private lessons to cater to a wide range of skill levels and interests.
One more cool thing to mention is their ‘Clay Dates.’ It’s a neat deal where you can give ceramics a shot without having to lock yourself into a long-term class.
But you know what? We’ve heard from a couple of birdies that what makes taking pottery classes at Claymates so enjoyable is the community, which we were delighted to learn.
Their pretty popular, though, so it can be hard to book a session with them. This is why we advise you to book weeks ahead just to make sure you get the date and time slot you prefer!
Pros
- Multiple class schedules
- Well-equipped studio
Cons
- Can be hard to book due to popularity
Customer Reviews
Beautiful and organized space
“Beautiful, clean and organized space! I couldn’t ask for a better studio-friendly staff, lots of tools to use, great glaze selection, tea to sip on, very spacious. I am so happy I found this place!.”
-Shawna P.
Friendly and helpful
“What an amazing ceramics studio! I love being a member here. The owner and instructors are all so friendly and helpful…”
-Erin L.
2. Mudlab Pottery
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Facilities | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Instructor Qualifications | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Availability | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Client Capacity | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Materials and Tools | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Quality | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| • Curriculum | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Feedback | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
Mudlab Pottery keeps things real tidy, with pottery gadgets all sorted out and materials neatly stacked on shelves. The place rocks a sleek and modern vibe with its classy gray and white theme.
Some may find it intimidating, but it absolutely fueled us to see that the instructors here make sure that each student is individually challenged. We reckon this extra push will definitely nudge a few of us beyond our comfort zones.
We also liked the variety of their classes, as they have pottery classes for beginners, intermediates, and advanced levels. They even have refresher courses for those who took a break and want to make a comeback.
Additionally, Mudlab Pottery also hosts private group parties, corporate events, birthdays, and many more. These programs will help students learn the basics, so there’s really no pressure; it’s all about good fun.
Now, we’ve spoken with a few students here at Mudlab Pottery, and we were pleased to know that most of them emphasize how inclusive and welcoming the environment is at the studio.
So, if you don’t mind a little ruckus, Mudlab Pottery is definitely the way to go. They make pottery fun and light, making them one of the best pottery classes in Vancouver.
Pros
- Wide variety of pottery classes
- Hosts group parties, corporate events, and birthdays
Cons
- Relatively higher rates
Customer Reviews
Lovely, inclusive, welcoming, and relaxed community
“I love this studio and can’t say enough good things about it — best studio in town. Andres & Vin have created a lovely, inclusive, welcoming, and relaxed community here.”
-Jadyn A.
Bright and inviting space
“I couldn’t love mudlab more! The space is so bright and inviting, as well as the owner and teacher Andres being so friendly and welcoming.”
-Niamh O.
3. Studio Fundamentals
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Facilities | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Instructor Qualifications | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Availability | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| • Client Capacity | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| • Materials and Tools | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Quality | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Curriculum | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Feedback | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
This art and community space along Clark Drive is not just a place to make pottery; you can also snag pottery supplies like clay, mason stains, and pottery tools.
Studio Fundamentals’ studio space is quite artsy. The wooden walls are stained with earthy tones of ceramic, which makes students feel more connected to the craft.
They hold multi-weekly pottery classes here that vary by skill level, technique, and project. Although we were a bit sad that they don’t host parties and such.
Despite that, we appreciate that they provide a fairly detailed description of their courses, as we think this is beneficial for prospective students who are looking to see which one fits their skill level best.
But what really makes them stand out is their membership offer of just $195. If you want to dive deeper into this world, becoming a member brings a bunch of perks your way.
You’ll get a whopping 10.5 hours of studio time every week, your own space to share with fellow members, and some sweet discounts on clay and supplies, and more.
Ultimately, we think Studio Fundamentals offers one of the best pottery classes in Vancouver. They provide an encouraging space for people to learn pottery-making.
Pros
- Also sells pottery supplies
- Membership program available
Cons
- Limited student capacity
Customer Reviews
Patient and playful approach
“Aesthetically the cutest/nicest studio I’ve been in, combined with May Ann’s patient but playful approach to wheel throwing makes for a great experience.”
-Michael O.
Wonderful atmosphere to learn
“I took Fundamentals 1 with May Ann and she was amazing! She is such a caring, funny, and genuine person and has created a wonderful atmosphere to learn.”
-Kathy D.
4. Chu Chu
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Facilities | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Instructor Qualifications | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Availability | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| • Client Capacity | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| • Materials and Tools | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Quality | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Curriculum | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Feedback | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Established in 2020, Chu Chu is led by Serena, a multi-disciplinary visual artist. Serene is originally from Toronto, where she completed her degree in mural painting and installation sculpture at York University.
The first thing we noticed (and were impressed by) was the fun and interactive art classes they hold. Pottery classes here are tons of fun, as Serena maintains a small class size, so it’s more personalized and hands-on.
Pottery workshops here have different themes. You can opt for holiday ornaments, botanical, minimalistic tableware, and cherry blossom, among others.
They also offer other art workshops such as painting, knitting, crochet, and many more, which we thought was a great addition.
We’re just a bit bummed that we can’t bring our own pottery materials inside, but hey, they provide all the materials to you as these have been tested thoroughly, and that’s good enough for us.
It’s also a hell of a lot convenient that they’ve got plenty of free street parking in the neighborhood, which we thought was awesome.
In the end, we’re pretty confident in recommending Chu Chu if you’re looking for one of the best pottery classes in Vancouver. Sure, she’s a one-woman team, but she really knows her stuff and provides a personalized experience.
Pros
- Fun and interactive classes
- Variety of themed pottery classes
Cons
- Limited student capacity
Customer Reviews
Clear instructions and beginner-friendly
“Serena is a fantastic instructor! I had never done pottery before, but her instructions were clear and the workshop was very beginner friendly!…”
-Mahfuza S.
Warm and encouraging
“I took a beginner’s pottery class with Serena, and she’s an amazing teacher. Her instructions were clear and easy to follow, and she’s really warm and encouraging…”
-Siona E.
5. Curvy Pots
| Test | Info |
|---|---|
| WEBSITE | https://curvypotshandmade.com/ |
| ADDRESS | Vancouver, BC, Canada |
| SOCIAL MEDIA | |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Contact them here |
| OPERATING HOURS | By appointment basis |
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Facilities | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Instructor Qualifications | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Availability | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| • Client Capacity | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| • Materials and Tools | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Quality | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| • Curriculum | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| • Feedback | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
At Curvy Pots, our experience was fantastic. The instructors were friendly and knowledgeable. They guided us through the pottery-making process with ease. The quality of the materials provided was excellent. Our finished pottery pieces turned out beautifully. The cost of the class was reasonable for the value we received. Overall, our experience with Curvy Pots was enjoyable and fulfilling.
Pros
- Has workshops for specific pottery techniques
- Reasonable pricing
- Seasoned facilitators
Cons
- Busy during peak days so book ahead of time
6. OutForm Ceramics
| Test | Info |
|---|---|
| WEBSITE | https://outformceramics.com/ |
| ADDRESS | 8558 Cornish St, Vancouver, B.C. |
| SOCIAL MEDIA | |
| CONTACT DETAILS | (604)7267688 [email protected] |
| OPERATING HOURS | Open Daily 11am – 6pm |
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Facilities | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Instructor Qualifications | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Availability | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| • Client Capacity | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| • Materials and Tools | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Quality | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Curriculum | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Feedback | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
At OutForm Ceramics, our experience was exceptional. The instructors were patient and skilled, guiding us through each step of the pottery-making process. The efficiency of the classes allowed us to create beautiful pieces in a short amount of time. The quality of the materials provided exceeded our expectations, resulting in professionally finished pottery. The cost of the classes was reasonable for the personalized instruction and access to top-notch equipment. Overall, our experience with OutForm Ceramics was enjoyable and rewarding.
Pros
- Quality pottery workshops
- Affordable pricing
Cons
- No promos at the present
7. Myriad Ceramics
| Test | Info |
|---|---|
| WEBSITE | https://www.myriadceramics.com/ |
| ADDRESS | Vancouver, Canada |
| SOCIAL MEDIA | |
| CONTACT DETAILS | Contact them via their website and social media accounts |
| OPERATING HOURS | By appointment basis |
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Facilities | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Instructor Qualifications | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Availability | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| • Client Capacity | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| • Materials and Tools | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Quality | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| • Curriculum | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| • Feedback | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
Our experience with Myriad Ceramics was delightful. They offered a variety of pottery classes tailored to different skill levels, accommodating both beginners and experienced enthusiasts.
The efficiency of Myriad Ceramics was impressive. They provided clear instructions and hands-on guidance, ensuring that each participant could learn and create at their own pace.
The quality of instruction at Myriad Ceramics was top-notch. The instructors were knowledgeable and passionate about pottery, fostering a supportive and inspiring learning environment.
We found the cost of Myriad Ceramics classes to be reasonable, considering the quality of instruction and materials provided. They offered package deals and discounts for multiple sessions, making it accessible for those on a budget.
The studio at Myriad Ceramics was well-equipped and organized, with ample space for creativity. The atmosphere was welcoming and conducive to learning, making each class enjoyable and productive.
In conclusion, Myriad Ceramics offers an excellent opportunity for anyone interested in learning pottery. With their diverse classes, efficient instruction, quality materials, and reasonable pricing, we highly recommend them to anyone looking to explore their creativity through ceramics.
Pros
- Quality pottery workshops
- Affordable pricing
Cons
- No promos at the present
8. Café au Clay Pottery Studio
| CRITERIA | RATING |
| Facilities | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| Instructor Qualifications | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Availability | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Client Capacity | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Materials and Tools | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| Quality | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
| • Curriculum | ★★★★★ 5/5 |
| • Feedback | ★★★★☆ 4/5 |
Café au Clay Pottery Studio was built on friendship. Michelle and Peter, long-time friends and owners, decided to establish a pottery studio for those who are looking to learn the craft.
Once you step inside their studio, staying on task is a given. It’s set up like a classroom, with all of us potters sitting face-to-face and a chalkboard right up front.
Classes here range from beginner’s wheel to more complex hand-building techniques. The studio also holds workshops for specific pottery techniques such as glazing, mug-making, and other advanced pottery skills.
We also liked that they hold classes daily, so you can expect to find a slot within the week you decide to sign up. But if you don’t want to wait for a slot to open up, we suggest you sign up for a membership.
We’re also diggin’ the perks for members over at Café au Clay Pottery Studio—24/7 studio access, free use of all the tools, storage shelves for your stuff, and a bunch more goodies.
Overall, we think Café au Clay Pottery Studio deserved a spot on our list as they provide a conducive environment for learning pottery and they hold daily classes to accommodate different skill levels and schedules.
Pros
- Has workshops for specific pottery techniques
- Members get 24/7 studio access
Cons
- Space could be bigger
Customer Reviews
Impeccable and cozy studio
“The place was impeccable and very cozy. They have on display many products made there, so it gives you an idea of what you can do…”
-Mariana E.
Welcoming space
“We had the best experience at Cafe Au Clay. Their team is very friendly and the space itself is very welcoming. Highly recommend!”
-Arshpreet B.
