Class offerings, Punchcards, Memberships and Artist Resident spaces!

scroll down to preview the 2026 class schedule and offerings

The current session runs through June 28th
The next 6 week session runs: July 6th to August 16th
Session 3 classes will be available for registration on July 31st at 12pm!

We offer instruction that ranges from beginner to advanced levels.

For those planning the rest of the year, our class schedule is as follows with class registration opening during the 5th week.

## Mid-Summer
• Dates: July 6 – August 16
• Break Week: August 17 – August 22

## Late Summer / Early Fall
• Dates: August 24 – October 4
• Break Week: October 5 – October 10

## Autumn
• Dates: October 12 – November 22
• Break Week: November 22 – November 28 (Perfect timing for Thanksgiving!)

## The "Winter Sprint"
• Dates: November 30 – January 17, 2027
• Break Weeks: December 20 - December 27

Registration includes:
1. You will have clay choices at checkout - all cone 5-6 clays. We have opted to make this an add-on due to:
—— our more experienced potters can pick and enjoying a variety of clay
—— some classes use a specific clay
—— removal of clay from their registration as they have an abundance
—— prefer to purchase their own clay through us or a reputable shop
2. Firing fees and glaze usage
3. Use of open studio hours to practice and improve your skills.
4. Access to our Mighty Network, which we will help set up on the first day.

The first studio in Tacoma to offer unlimited open studio time with and during class enrollment.

Current open studio hours are as follows:

Open studio use in the handbuilding room is available during all business hours :
Sunday: 12-5pm
Monday: 10-9pm
Tuesday: reserved during the day exclusively for kids classes, 1 adult night class and monthly member open studio.
Wednesday: 10-9pm
Thursday: 10-9pm
Friday: 10-9pm
Saturday: 10-6pm

Open Studio hours for working on the wheel: Please get in touch with us by calling or texting (253) 523-7974), as occasionally we have wheels open during class times. 2 wheels are available for the monthly studio members during all business hours.
Sunday: 1:00-5:00pm
Monday: 10:00am-6:00pm
Tuesday: reserved during the day exclusively for kids classes, 1 adult night class and monthly members’ open studio.
Wednesday: 1:00-6:00pm
Thursday: 10:00am-6:00pm
Friday: 10:00-9:00pm
Saturday: 1:00-6pm
Closed on all major holidays.

Open studio hours are limited during special events.

We recommend that you wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty, bring an apron (limited aprons are available) and a towel.

Sketchbooks and notebooks can be a useful tool for ideas and keeping track of clay and glaze choices. Some students use an app called ClayLab.

Basic tool kits are available for purchase.

Other studio tools are available in our tool library.

Mixed level and Beginner Classes

Are you ready to try your hand at the wheel and dabble in handbuilding?

Join us in learning how to use clay to make functional pottery. Students will be introduced to ways the wheel and handbuilding tools can be used to create functional or abstract pieces, such as cylinders, bowls, or trays. These are forms to build strong foundations in clay. Through demonstrations and hands-on learning, each class will build off the other and gain clay skills and confidence.

While Clay, glazes, firings, and a generous amount of studio time are included in the class price (starting at $425), tool kits are extra, as we know some people already have them. This is a mixed level class for ages 14+. No prior clay experience is necessary as we welcome all levels in clay.

Our 6-week class session starts at $300 + supplies and materials

Beyond Beginner Classes

This class is designed for students who are comfortable with the basics of the potter’s wheel (centering, throwing cylinders, trimming) and want to ease themselves into the next level. We will work on refining your throwing skills while exploring new forms and more complex techniques at your own pace, such as throwing larger amounts of clay, adding handles, texture, color and basic surface design. This session is more independent project-based with requested demos. Gold Luster firings will be discussed and introduced.

This is a blended-level class. ages 14+. Prior experience with the potter’s wheel is highly recommended but not required.

Our 6-week class session starts at $300 + supplies and materials

Handbuilding and Sculpture Classes

  • Saturdays 10:30a-1:00p: HandBuilding and Sculpture for Adults

    Saturdays 10:30a-1:00p, July 11-July 25

    Learn how to make beautiful pots without a pottery wheel as we explore the basics of hand building with coiling, pinching, and slab building to create planters and vases.

    This class is geared towards all skill levels.

    No prior clay experience is necessary; this is a blended level class and is open to ages 14+. Just ensure you wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty.

    registration is closed

Kids Classes

A 4-week class from August 1st to August 22nd.

Students will learn beginning clay hand-building techniques as they explore slabs, coils and glazing to create one-of-a-kind artwork, including figures, cups, and seasonal projects tailored to students' interests.

We will also have a day exploring the pottery wheel as an introduction to other ways we can create masterpieces.

We have found that a 60-90 minute class is perfect for our younger kiddos to finish a project or 2.

Please know that we reserve the right to cancel or shift classes if we do not meet the minimum enrollment of 6. On October 1, 2025, WA State required a 10.3% sales tax for all in-person courses and workshops at checkout.

Special Workshops

  • Raku

    Join us on August 14th from 3-9pm, for a hands-on Raku workshop where clay meets flame. In this workshop, you'll learn the basics of the Raku firing process—from glazing to pulling red-hot pots from the kiln and plunging them into combustibles for stunning effects.

    We will explore unpredictable textures, bold metallic finishes, and smoky crackles that only Raku can deliver. Participants will receive 2-3lbs of clay as soon as they have registered to create and bisque-fire. They may also bring in their own bisque 2-4 medium-sized pieces or the equivalent. You'll have the option to either bisque with us or elsewhere. Clay is available starting June 24th and if bisquing with us, due back by June 29th. On the day of the event, we will glaze our bisqueware and take part in the full firing process outdoors. Those who are experienced in Raku can glaze ahead of time by appointment. Open studio time will be available while the kiln climbs to temperature and pieces are removed.

    Horsehair is available for those who have burnished their pots or used terra-sig. This can be discussed at the time of clay pickup to allow for ample time for prep.

    What’s Included:

    - Glazing session and firing of 2-4 pieces based off 2-3lbs of clay

    - All materials provided (or bring your own bisque of 2-4 medium-sized pieces or the equivalent)

    - Outdoor kiln demo and reduction chamber experience

    Note: This class involves fire and smoke. Please dress appropriately for outdoor firing—natural fibers and closed-toe shoes required. No prior ceramic experience needed, but some familiarity with making and glazing is helpful. Raku pottery is decorative and non-functional for food and liquid.

    Studio members/students: $50

    Outside potters: $70/person

    registration is open

  • Underglaze Transfer Workshop

    Join us on July 25th from 1:00-3:00pm for Underglaze transfers! Play with Pattern, Texture, and Imagery on Clay!

    In this hands-on workshop, we’ll explore different ways to use underglaze transfers to bring pattern, line, and color into your pieces. We’ll cover a few easy techniques using newsprint or rice paper to transfer designs—perfect for both handbuilders and wheel-throwers.

    You’ll get to experiment with:
    - Making your own custom transfers
    - Layering underglaze for different effects
    - Applying transfers to leather-hard or bisque pieces
    - Tips for using them in your own studio practice

    No drawing skills or clay experience needed—just come ready to try things out and get creative. You’ll leave with a few new ideas to bring into your next pieces.

    All levels welcome. All materials provided in the cost of the workshop, including:
    - One leather-hard tray and one leather-hard tile to practice on
    - A small selection of transfers to pick from and play with
    - Paper and underglazes to make your own during class, freehand or tracing

    All will be bisqued and glazed in a clear glaze, ready for pickup in 2-3 weeks.

    $75/person

    registration is open

  • COMING IN THE YEAR 2026

    - Gnomes, slugs and other garden friends!

    - Flowers

    - more RAKU

    - more Lusters

    - Bobble Heads

    - more Transfers

    (I'm not a real button yet)

Other Ways to Clay

  • Hourly punchcard

    Have experience working in clay and want to pay-as-you-go for studio access? Our Hourly members can drop in to use our clay facilities during our designated open studio hours (space is available on a first come, first serve basis).

    Hourly members prepay by purchasing a punch card. We have three pre-paid punch card options available. If you are a more frequent user of our open studio hours, you can purchase a card and get your hours at a discounted rate!

    Open Studio blocks (one punch) are tracked hourly. Punch cards are valid for 6 months after the purchase card date.

    You can use your hours all in one month, or over the course of the 6 month validity.

    We offer a monthly membership for $175/month, allowing full access during business hours. We recommend this option if you do not want to track hours.

    Future capacity may effect availability of memberships and is subject to change.

    Punch Card Options and Pricing (+ tax):
    1. 1-hr at a time for $12/hr
    2. 12-hour card, $120 (equates to $10/hour)
    3. 24-hour card, $192 (equates to $8/hour)

    Clay can be purchased in-house or online. We have 5 types available. Outside clay is allowed if approved by staff. Limited tools are available from the lending library and basic tool kits are available for purchase.

    Firing charges are not included with punch cards.

    Limited shared storage is available for works in progress.

    Limited storage for personal tools/clay is available.

    No instruction is provided with an hourly membership, our studio monitor is always available for basic needs. While we introduce you to the studio, we will measure your understanding of equipment operation and cover cleaning processes. If you are unsure or you unfamiliar with anything at any time, please ask.

    We prefer you have a minimum of 6 weeks of clay instruction before participating in the studio independently.

    Buy Now

  • Member for a week:

    During the week between classes, we offer the option to be a “member for a week”. This is a good option for those who are on the fence about our memberships, using punchcards (which can be on pause), between studios or just want a little clay in their life!

    While you will have access to our studio for the full week (Sunday to Saturday), clay and firings are additional costs.

    This round is:
    - December 14th to December 20th
    - December 21st to Sunday January 4th

    We ask that you be familiar with the equipment, as this is a self-guided opportunity. If you are not familiar with our policies and procedures, including cleaning, you will receive an orientation regarding it.

    Register Here

  • e-Gift Tacoma Clay

    Give the gift of creativity with a Tacoma Clay e-Gift Card. Perfect for artists, hobbyists, or anyone looking to explore the world of pottery and ceramics. Our e-Gift Cards can be used toward classes, workshops, or pottery supplies, allowing your recipient to choose exactly what inspires them. Delivered instantly via email, it’s a convenient and thoughtful gift for any occasion. Purchase today and inspire creativity with Tacoma Clay.

    Description goes here

    Buy Now

  • Schedule Office Hours

    Scheduled office hours are available to anyone wanting some extra time to process projects or get some additional guidance on skills that include centering or raising walls… or making matching bowls…

    $25/hr

    Click to schedule