Explore Vancouver Pottery Classes & Workshops at Community Clay
Discover the best Vancouver pottery classes and workshops at Community Clay, your local hub for Vancouver ceramics. Whether you're a beginner looking to try wheel throwing pottery or an experienced artist refining your craft, our welcoming, fully-equipped studio in Mount Pleasant has the perfect space for you. We offer hand-building, glazing, and specialized pottery courses designed to help you develop your skills at your own pace. Join our vibrant Vancouver ceramics community today!
Please note that our Courses are all mixed level as we have a small class size -8/9 students max- and there are multiple demos throughout each class.
Beginner Class Learn the fundamentals of wheel-throwing in this comprehensive 7-week Vancouver ceramics class. You’ll master essential skills like wedging, centering, throwing, trimming, and glazing. With only seven students per class, you’ll receive personalized instruction focused on efficient, thoughtful, and beautiful pottery-making.
Beginner Plus Shortie Ideal for students who’ve completed at least one 6-8 week session and can confidently throw a 1lb cylinder. Most students take 1-2 Beginner courses before progressing to Beginner Plus.
Intermediate Class Elevate your skills with this advanced Vancouver ceramics course. Previous experience is required (minimum two 6-week Beginner courses), and you must confidently throw a 1lb cylinder. Focus on advanced techniques, efficient processes, and refined designs. Small class sizes ensure individual guidance, so you’ll make significant progress.
Beginner Shortie (4 Weeks) Get a taste for Vancouver pottery with this introductory 4-week course. Perfect for beginners or those looking to explore ceramics before committing to a longer class. It’s also great if you’ve taken the Beginner Course and want more time to practice before advancing to Beginner Plus. This course can be taken up to three times. Glazing may be booked after the Course is included.
Handbuilding Shortie (Beginner to Intermediate) Explore creative handbuilding techniques in this flexible course. Come with specific project ideas or an open mind to experiment. Our instructor will guide you through the process from concept to completion. Re-enroll to work on larger or more intricate projects. Toolkits are required and available for purchase.
Additional Information
Clay and Tools
Clay must be purchased through our studio (no outside clay is permitted). Details will be provided in your Welcome Email, sent a few days before your class begins.
Students must purchase or bring their own toolkits.
Drop-Ins and Membership
After attending two classes in a course, students 18+ may join Drop-In sessions (additional fee.)
A membership is required for Drop-Ins once your course ends. Enrolled students do not need a membership during their session.
To keep our Vancouver pottery studio accessible, firing and glazing are not included in course fees. Glazing may be booked at your convenience when the Course is over.
Firing Fees: Start at $10.
Glazing Workshop: $35 + tax.
Pay for only what you use at the end of your course!
Policies
Make-Up Classes: Use Mindbody to manage your schedule. If you’ll miss a session, remove yourself from the class and book a make-up within your course dates. Make-ups are not guaranteed, but details will be shared before your course begins.
Refunds and Transfers:
Classes are non-refundable.
Notify us at least 30 days before your course starts to request a resell of your spot, if successful you may register at a later date, depending on availability.
You may transfer your spot to a friend at no cost—just email us before the course starts.
Booking and Eligibility
Age Requirement: All courses are for adults 18+.
How to Book: Manage your schedule, make-ups, and Drop-Ins through Mindbody.
We are committed to creating a space rooted in respect, inclusion, and human dignity. Community Clay proudly supports human rights, including BIPOC, queer, trans, and gender-diverse communities. We welcome people of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences.
Discrimination, harassment, hate speech, or behavior that makes others feel unsafe or unwelcome will not be tolerated in the studio. This includes racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, or any form of prejudice or intimidation.
By attending a workshop or entering the studio, guests agree to contribute to a respectful, inclusive environment where everyone may feel comfortable creating and learning together.
Beginner Wheel Throwing Pottery Workshop
Regular price
$95.00
Discover the art of Vancouver ceramics and Vancouver pottery in a hands-on workshop designed for both beginners and experienced creators! Whether you’re navigating a busy schedule or honing specific skills, this 3-hour evening class offers the perfect opportunity to dive into the world of clay.
Workshop Highlights:
Interactive Instruction: Start with instructor-led demonstrations to guide your creative process.
Hands-On Practice: Work with high-quality clay and refine your skills while exploring the tactile experience of shaping and throwing clay.
Finished Creations: Each participant may keep up to two pieces, which will be professionally trimmed, glazed, and fired. Your masterpieces will be ready for pickup approximately 8 weeks later (additional pieces can be kept for an extra cost).
Workshop Details:
Duration: 3 hours; you are welcome to arrive up to 30 minutes prior to the start time listed to get settled and socialize. The door is locked at the start time, so please ensure you arrive at least several minutes before. The last 30 minutes are for clean up; colour selection; final details and goodbyes!
Age: 16+ unless otherwise stated.
Accessibility: Our studio is wheelchair accessible, and we’re happy to accommodate additional needs. Please email us in advance with any requirements to ensure a welcoming and inclusive experience.
Location & Parking: The studio is conveniently located with metered street parking right outside. Please arrive 10–15 minutes early to get settled as late entry is not permitted.
What to Expect: Participants will receive a few pieces of clay to experiment with and will work individually and as a team to clean up the studio during the final 30 minutes. This collaborative effort ensures a tidy and enjoyable space for everyone.
Important Notes:
While we strive to ensure all pieces survive the firing process, the outcome is subject to the whims of the “kiln gods.”
Essential oils may be diffused in the studio, and there may be dogs on the premises. Please notify us in advance if you have allergies or sensitivities.
Health & Safety: By attending this workshop, participants acknowledge and assume all risks associated with the activity. Please review the waiver included with your ticket purchase for full details.
Tickets & Policies:
Tickets are non-refundable. Unfortunately, no partial or full refunds will be provided for late arrivals or missed sessions.
If you can no longer make your date, please email me 15 business days prior to your start date to change your registration.
You may transfer the spot to a friend! Upon arrival, have them check in under your name (we will update our in-studio registration form. The purchaser will be updated for pick up information.)
To register for multiple people add the spots desired to cart, if it reverts to a lesser amount in your cart this is the spaces left in the date.
Join Us for a Unique Evening of Vancouver Ceramics and Pottery! Whether you’re looking to relax, get creative, or try something new, this workshop is the perfect way to explore your artistic side. If you have questions, email us at studio@communityclay.ca. I look forward to welcoming you to the studio!
We are committed to creating a space rooted in respect, inclusion, and human dignity. Community Clay proudly supports human rights, including BIPOC, queer, trans, and gender-diverse communities. We welcome people of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences.
Discrimination, harassment, hate speech, or behavior that makes others feel unsafe or unwelcome will not be tolerated in the studio. This includes racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, or any form of prejudice or intimidation.
By attending a workshop or entering the studio, guests agree to contribute to a respectful, inclusive environment where everyone may feel comfortable creating and learning together.
Date Night Wheel Throwing Pottery Workshop
Regular price
$190.00
Looking for a uniquedate night in Vancouver? Explore the world of Vancouver ceramics and Vancouver pottery with your partner in a hands-on, engaging workshop. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced creator, this 3-hour evening class is the perfect opportunity to bond, get creative, and have fun while shaping clay together.
Date Night Workshop Highlights
Interactive Instruction: Start with expert-led demonstrations to guide your pottery experience.
Hands-On Experience: Work with high-quality clay, learn pottery wheel techniques, and create something special together.
Finished Creations: Each couple may keep up to four pieces (two per person), which will be professionally trimmed, glazed, and fired. Your pieces will be ready for pickup in approximately 8 weeks (additional pieces can be kept for an extra cost).
Workshop Details
One Ticket = Two People: Share the experience with a loved one, friend, or partner.
Duration: 3 hours; you are welcome to arrive up to 30 minutes prior to the start time listed to get settled and socialize. The door is locked at the start time, so please ensure you arrive at least several minutes before. The last 30 minutes are for clean up; colour selection; final details and goodbyes!
Age: 16+ unless otherwise stated.
Accessibility: Our studio is wheelchair accessible, and we’re happy to accommodate additional needs. Please email us in advance with any requirements to ensure a welcoming and inclusive experience.
Location & Parking: The studio is conveniently located at 201 West 6th Ave, Vancouver with metered street parking right outside. Please arrive 10–15 minutes early to get settled as late entry is not permitted.
What to Expect
Enjoy a relaxed, social atmosphere while experimenting with clay on the pottery wheel.
Work individually and as a team during the final 30 minutes to clean up and maintain the studio's welcoming environment.
Important Notes
While we strive to ensure all pieces survive the firing process, the outcome is subject to the whims of the “kiln gods.”
Essential oils may be diffused in the studio, and there may be dogs on the premises. Please notify us in advance of any allergies or sensitivities.
Health & Safety
By attending this workshop, participants acknowledge and assume all risks associated with the activity. Please review the waiver included with your ticket purchase for full details.
Tickets & Policies
One ticket covers two people – perfect for a couple’s night out!
Tickets are non-refundable. No partial or full refunds for late arrivals or missed sessions.
If you can no longer attend, email us at least 15 business days in advance to reschedule.
You may transfer your spot to a friend. Just have them check in under your name upon arrival.
To register multiple couples, add the desired number of spots to your cart. If your cart reverts to a lesser amount, that is the number of remaining spots for that date.
Join Us for a Memorable Date Night in Vancouver!
Whether you're celebrating a special occasion, planning a fun night out, or simply trying something new, our Vancouver pottery date night workshop is a perfect experience for two. Have questions? Email Gabrielle at studio@communityclay.ca – I can’t wait to welcome you!
We are committed to creating a space rooted in respect, inclusion, and human dignity. Community Clay proudly supports human rights, including BIPOC, queer, trans, and gender-diverse communities. We welcome people of all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences.
Discrimination, harassment, hate speech, or behavior that makes others feel unsafe or unwelcome will not be tolerated in the studio. This includes racism, sexism, homophobia, transphobia, ableism, or any form of prejudice or intimidation.
By attending a workshop or entering the studio, guests agree to contribute to a respectful, inclusive environment where everyone may feel comfortable creating and learning together.
Plate Making Pottery Wheel Workshop | Vancouver
Regular price
$60.00
Plates are one of the most deceptively challenging forms in ceramics.
In this workshop, participants will learn efficient techniques for making plates both on the pottery wheel and at the workbench. We will discuss the nuances of this often fraught form in detail, focusing on strategies that help reduce warping while improving consistency and structure.
Participants will practise methods that improve plate throwing, compression, trimming, and handling while gaining a deeper understanding of form and process.
This workshop is designed as a development session, encouraging students to refine their techniques through repetition and observation.
Skill Level
Beginner Plus – Intermediate
Previous wheel experience is required. Participants must be able to:
• Center clay independently • Throw a minimum of 1.5 lbs of clay
What Participants Will Practise
• Efficient plate throwing techniques • Wheel and workbench plate methods • Proper compression to reduce warping • Handling and trimming large flat forms • Understanding structural challenges of plates • Understanding wall thickness by cutting pieces in half
Cutting pieces is encouraged as it allows participants to visually understand structure and improve technique.
Tools
Please bring your own tools, and also bats/wareboards etc., if you intend to keep items.
Clay
If you are a Community Clay member, you may use your own bag of clay purchased through the studio.
This workshop is intended as a skill development session, and participants are encouraged to cut their pieces in half to analyze form.
Studio Environment
Community Clay is a private ceramics studio in Vancouver focused on skill development and thoughtful practice. Workshops are intentionally kept small to allow for individual guidance at the wheel.
Age
16+
Policies
Classes and workshops are non-refundable. If you are no longer able to attend a workshop, you may email us and we may place your spot back up for sale. If the spot is resold, we will refund the cost of the workshop minus a $25 administration fee.
Vases are a timeless ceramic form that balance structure, proportion, and elegance.
In this workshop, participants will learn techniques for creatingwheel-thrown vases with thoughtful proportions and refined forms. We will focus on methods that help potters move beyond basic cylinders to develop graceful shapes that feel balanced and intentional.
Participants will practise techniques that improve vertical throwing, shaping, and wall control while gaining a deeper understanding of how form and proportion influence the final piece.
This workshop is designed as a development session, encouraging students to refine their throwing skills through repetition and observation.
Skill Level
Beginner Plus
Participants must be able to:
Center clay independently
Throw 1–1.5 lbs of clay on the wheel
This workshop is ideal for students who have already taken a beginner pottery class and want to improve their bowl throwing.
What Participants Will Practise
• Throwing taller cylindrical forms as well as other shapes • Shaping elegant vase profiles • Controlling wall thickness while pulling height • Refining rims and necks • Understanding proportion and balance in vertical forms • Understanding wall thickness by cutting pieces in half
Cutting pieces is encouraged as it allows participants to visually understand structure and improve technique.
Clay
If you are a Community Clay member, you may use your own bag of clay purchased through the studio.
Please bring your own tools, and also bats/wareboards etc., if you intend to keep items.
Firing
Firing is not included.
This workshop is intended as a skill development session, and participants are encouraged to cut their pieces in half to analyze form.
Studio Environment
Community Clay is a private ceramics studio in Vancouver focused on skill development and thoughtful practice. Workshops are intentionally kept small to allow for individual guidance at the wheel.
Age
16+
Policies
Classes and workshops are non-refundable. If you are no longer able to attend a workshop, you may email us and we may place your spot back up for sale. If the spot is resold, we will refund the cost of the workshop minus a $25 administration fee.
Throwing Bigger: Scaling Up on the Pottery Wheel | Vancouver Workshop
Regular price
$60.00
Throwing larger ceramic forms requires a different set of techniques and strategies than working with smaller amounts of clay.
In this workshop, participants will explore alternative methods for scaling up wheel-thrown work while maintaining control and structural integrity. Techniques for handling larger quantities of clay will be demonstrated, along with practical approaches that help potters move beyond their usual size limits.
Participants will learn methods such as wedging large amounts of clay, dry centering, composite vessel construction, and the “coin trick.” Demonstrations will be followed by hands-on practice so students may experiment with these techniques themselves.
This workshop is designed as a development session, encouraging students to expand their wheel throwing skills while gaining confidence working with larger forms.
Skill Level
Beginner Plus
Participants must be able to:
Center clay independently
Throw 1–1.5 lbs of clay on the wheel
This workshop is ideal for students who have already taken a beginner pottery class and want to improve their bowl throwing.
What Participants Will Practise
• Wedging larger amounts of clay efficiently • Dry centering techniques for heavy clay • Throwing larger forms with improved control • Building composite vessels from multiple sections • Managing wall thickness in larger forms • Understanding wall thickness by cutting pieces in half
Cutting pieces is encouraged as it allows participants to visually understand structure and improve technique.
Clay
If you are a Community Clay member, you may use your own bag of clay purchased through the studio.
Please bring your own tools, and also bats/wareboards etc., if you intend to keep items.
Firing
Firing is not included.
This workshop is intended as a skill development session, and participants are encouraged to cut their pieces in half to analyze form.
Studio Environment
Community Clay is a private ceramics studio in Vancouver focused on skill development and thoughtful practice. Workshops are intentionally kept small to allow for individual guidance at the wheel.
Age
16+
Policies
Classes and workshops are non-refundable. If you are no longer able to attend a workshop, you may email us and we may place your spot back up for sale. If the spot is resold, we will refund the cost of the workshop minus a $25 administration fee.
Pulling handles can feel intimidating, but with the right techniques it becomes a fluid and rewarding part of the pottery process.
In this workshop, participants will learn several approaches to pulling ceramic handles and attaching them successfully to wheel-thrown forms. We will break down the process step by step, focusing on technique, timing, and proportion so handles feel natural and functional.
Alternative handbuilt handle techniques will also be demonstrated, offering additional options for creating strong and visually balanced handles.
This workshop is designed as a development session, encouraging students to refine their technique through repetition and observation. Focus will be on skillbuilding, rather than completing items.
Skill Level
Participants must be able to:
• Comfortably center clay • Throw a minimum of 1.5 lb of clay with confidence
This workshop is ideal for students who have taken a beginner pottery class and want to expand their wheel throwing skills.
What Participants Will Practise
• Pulling handles from clay • Understanding handle proportion and balance • Refining handle form and ergonomics • Attaching handles to wheel-thrown vessels- please bring trimmed, leather hard forms if you wish to complete mugs in this workshop.
Tools
Please bring your own tools, and also bats/wareboards etc., if you intend to keep items.
Clay & Firing
Members and current students may fire work from this workshop using their studio firing allotment.
Non-members/non-students may: • Pay to have their work fired through the studio, or • Take their pieces home to fire at their own studio.
Studio Environment
Community Clay is a private ceramics studio in Vancouver focused on skill development and thoughtful practice. Workshops are intentionally kept small to allow for individual guidance at the wheel.
Age
16+
Policies
Classes and workshops are non-refundable.
If you are no longer able to attend a workshop, you may email us and we may place your spot back up for sale. If the spot is resold, we will refund the cost of the workshop minus a $25 administration fee.
Ceramic vessels can be more than functional objects- they may also serve as three-dimensional canvases for artwork and expression.
In this workshop, participants will explore decorative surface techniques that allow them to design and embellish their work in unique ways. We will cover methods including underglazes, slip decoration, carving, and inlay, focusing on how surface treatment may enhance both form and visual storytelling.
Participants will practise techniques that help them develop thoughtful decoration while gaining a deeper understanding of how pattern, texture, and imagery interact with ceramic forms.
This workshop is designed as a development session, encouraging students to experiment with surface design and refine their decorative approach.
Skill Level
Participants must have a basic understanding of the materiality of clay- i.e.completed a Wheel or Handbuilding multi-week Course or relevant experience.
What Participants Will Practise
• Slip decoration techniques • Carving into leather-hard clay • Inlay methods for surface design • Developing patterns and visual composition • Understanding how decoration interacts with form
Tools
Please bring leather hard items to decorate and your own tools for inlay. Some tools may be provided.
Clay & Firing
Members and current students may fire work from this workshop using their studio firing allotment.
Non-members/non-students may: • Pay to have their work fired through the studio, or • Take their pieces home to fire at their own studio.
Studio Environment
Community Clay is a private ceramics studio in Vancouver focused on skill development and thoughtful practice. Workshops are intentionally kept small to allow for individual guidance at the wheel.
Age
16+
Policies
Classes and workshops are non-refundable.
If you are no longer able to attend a workshop, you may email us and we may place your spot back up for sale. If the spot is resold, we will refund the cost of the workshop minus a $25 administration fee.
Surface Design with Slip & Stencils: Pottery Workshop | Vancouver
Regular price
$80.00
Ceramic vessels may serve not only as functional objects but also as three-dimensional canvases for artwork and design.
In this workshop, participants will learn how to create custom stencils and overlays to decorate pottery using slip. These techniques allow potters to add layered patterns, imagery, and graphic elements to their ceramic surfaces.
We will explore how stencil design interacts with form, how slip behaves on clay and bisque surfaces, and how to build decorative compositions that enhance both the object and the artwork.
This workshop is designed as a development session, encouraging students to experiment with surface decoration while refining their approach to ceramic design.
Participants should bring their own greenware (leather hard to bone dry) or clean bisqueware to decorate.
If you do not have work prepared, a leather-hard slab will be available so participants may practise the techniques during the workshop.
Skill Level
Beginner Plus
Participants must be able to:
Center clay independently
Throw 1–1.5 lbs of clay on the wheel
This workshop is ideal for students who have already taken a beginner pottery class and want to improve their bowl throwing.
What Participants Will Practise
• Designing and creating custom ceramic stencils • Using overlays and layering techniques • Applying slip decoration through stencils • Developing surface patterns and compositions • Understanding how decoration interacts with three-dimensional form
Tools
Please bring your own tools, and also bats/wareboards etc., if you intend to keep items.
Firing
Firing is not included.
This workshop is intended as a skill development session, and participants are encouraged to cut their pieces in half to analyze form.
Studio Environment
Community Clay is a private ceramics studio in Vancouver focused on skill development and thoughtful practice. Workshops are intentionally kept small to allow for individual guidance at the wheel.
Age
16+
Policies
Classes and workshops are non-refundable. If you are no longer able to attend a workshop, you may email us and we may place your spot back up for sale. If the spot is resold, we will refund the cost of the workshop minus a $25 administration fee.
Join us for a beginner-friendly handbuilding workshop at Community Clay, your local studio for pottery and ceramics in Vancouver. This creative session is perfect for anyone wanting an introduction to clay, a relaxed night out, or a hands-on pottery experience without needing any prior knowledge.
In this workshop, you’ll receive clay to experiment with, learn the basics of handbuilding, and create your own candleholder or 3–4 ceramic ornaments to keep. If you make additional or larger pieces, you’re welcome to keep them for a small additional fee to help cover glazing materials, finishing labour, and kiln space.
Everything is provided — clay, tools, underglazes, glaze, and firing. We’ll take care of all finishing, glazing, and kiln-firing for you.
At the start of class, your instructor will guide you through demos and foundational techniques before you begin working on your own creations. The focus of this workshop is the experience of working with clay, learning how it feels, and exploring your creativity at your own pace.
Your finished pieces will be glazed, fired, and ready for pickup in approximately 8 weeks, once the full firing cycle is complete.
During the final 20 minutes, participants will work together to tidy their stations and help reset the studio — teamwork makes the dream work!
Arrival Information
Our doors open 15 minutes prior to the workshop start time, please arrive no later than 745pm. Please use Google/Apple maps to check traffic — late entry is not permitted.
There is metered street parking available outside the studio.
Accessibility
Community Clay is committed to a welcoming and accessible environment. Our venue is wheelchair accessible, and we’re happy to accommodate additional needs.
If you have disabilities, mobility concerns, allergies, or anything else that would help us prepare for your visit, please email us in advance. We will make every effort to ensure you feel comfortable and supported.
We occasionally have dogs on premises and use diffusers with essential oils. If you have allergies or sensitivities, please notify us prior to class.
Important Notes
This workshop is all ages.
We can not guarantee that pieces will survive the firing process — as always, it’s in the hands of the kiln gods.
By attending, you acknowledge the inherent risks associated with pottery and studio activities. You assume full responsibility for yourself and your belongings while participating. Community Clay may refuse admittance or ask a participant to leave at any time.
Refund / Cancellation Policy
Tickets are non-refundable. Community Clay is under no obligation to refund any portion of the class price if you cannot attend, choose not to attend, or arrive late. If you can not attend, you're welcome to gift your registration to a loved one- when they arrive have them check in under your name.
If you have any questions, please email us at studio@communityclay.ca — we’re always happy to help!
