Pottery Classes in Chicago

Discover pottery classes with top-rated instructors in Chicago

Let's be honest: your apartment could use something more exciting than that "Live Laugh Love" sign you've had hanging in your entrance wall since moving in, so why not make something unique and creative at a Chicago pottery class? These hands-on sessions are led by professional potters with a passion for sharing their craft. Using fundamental techniques like hand-forming, slip casting and wheel throwing, you'll learn to transform a lump of clay into functional art with your own hands. And you don't have to be a creative type to enjoy these classes as they're designed for all artistic levels, plus they're available all over the city, from Bucktown to West Ridge. Book a pottery class in the Windy City today and get to creating!

View the collection of pottery classes in Chicago, IL
When?
Let's be honest: your apartment could use something more exciting than that "Live Laugh Love" sign you've had hanging in your entrance wall since moving in, so why not make something unique and creative at a Chicago pottery class? These hands-on sessions are led by professional potters with a passion for sharing their craft. Using fundamental techniques like hand-forming, slip casting and wheel throwing, you'll learn to transform a lump of clay into functional art with your own hands. And you don't have to be a creative type to enjoy these classes as they're designed for all artistic levels, plus they're available all over the city, from Bucktown to West Ridge. Book a pottery class in the Windy City today and get to creating!

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WHAT CUSTOMERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THESE POTTERY CLASSES IN CHICAGO
08/01/2024
They do a wonderful job of catering to each student's needs with balanced care and attention They tailor the class to allow you to explore and experiment. Would definitely recommend for any level!
01/29/2024
Marco was fantastic and made the experience funny!
12/29/2023
So helpful and funny and kind. Good vibes
12/06/2023
Kendall is fantastic. She taught us the basics in a very digestible way and we had a really enjoyable team bonding experience. We learned so much and had a great and fun time.
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Best Pottery Classes in Chicago

Located along the shores and parks of Lake Michigan, Chicago is a top spot for cultural attractions such as the Art Institute of Chicago, the National Museum of Mexican Art and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Any of these are wonderful ways to get inspired for pottery classes in Chicago. Take those urban aesthetics, sculpture parks and natural settings into the studio to create stunning works of art to display in your home or office.

Pottery classes in Chicago allow you to spend time with family, friends, family or co-workers while learning a new hobby or boosting current skills. Pottery sessions are an excellent idea for everything from date nights and team building experiences to birthday parties and gifts for friends.

Beginners interested in learning the art of pottery, or even experienced pottery enthusiasts, should look no further than these fun art classes. You’ll find a variety of fun and interactive ceramics sessions to inspire creativity.

Chicago bean sculpture at daytime
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What is Pottery?

A vessel that holds something — such as mugs, vases and salad bowls — is considered pottery. By attending pottery classes in Chicago, you’ll learn how to make items like candle holders, pet dishes and hanging planters.

Difference Between Pottery and Ceramics

The terms ceramics and pottery can be confusing. While ceramics is the overall artistic medium, pottery is a category within the medium. Any object made from clay, porcelain, earthenware or stoneware is a ceramic. Pottery refers to a type of functional ceramic that holds something, like a coffee mug or a flower vase. 

Benefits of Attending Pottery Classes in Chicago

  • Relieve stress
  • Learn a new hobby
  • Enhance current pottery skills and artistic techniques
  • Increase happiness by spending time with friends and family
  • Connect with new people
group of people of different ages smiling in pottery classes in Chicago
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The Pottery Making Process

When taking classes, you’ll join an expert artist who will teach you a wide variety of techniques to shape, build and glaze a piece of pottery.

Wheel Throwing

Wheel throwing is when a traditional potter’s wheel is used to spin clay into shapes using your hands. The potter shapes wet clay and forms it as the wheel spins. The wheel can also be used to add decorative accents to pottery pieces. Other pottery techniques include hand building, slab and coil, pinching and slip casting.

Glazing

Glaze is the glossy coating, or paint, used on pottery pieces. This is one of the most fun parts of the pottery process. The glazing process seals the clay, which makes it waterproof and provides a tough exterior.

Firing

Firing happens twice in the pottery creation process. It has two names: bisque firing or glaze firing. Firing is when the pottery is placed in a kiln and allowed to sit at a high temperature. This makes it hard and “sets” the clay. Bisque firing is for eight to 10 hours. Glaze firing is for about 12 hours.

Bisque firing is performed after the clay is shaped for the first time, but before it’s glazed. It has to be completely dry before placing it in the kiln. This process turns the object into a “glasslike” piece called bisqueware. Next, an artist paints, known as glazing, the item. After this process, it’s placed back in the kiln for glaze firing. It’s now ready to go!

painting mugs in pottery classes in Chicago
via Canva

How long does it take to learn pottery?

Pottery is a fun hobby that can be expanded on and used as creative self-expression and stress relief. Practice and patience are two key elements involved in learning to make pottery. You may start with basic techniques like a pinch pot. This is simply a small pot made by forming and then “pinching” the clay to create a small vessel that can fit in the palm of your hand.

How much is a ceramics or pottery class?

Pottery and ceramics classes are available in price ranges from $70 to $100. Pottery classes in Chicago are led by experienced potters and artists. Classes last for about two hours. Learn step-by-step techniques for creating your own unique pieces of pottery to decorate your home or office.

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FAQS ABOUT POTTERY CLASSES IN CHICAGO


How much do pottery classes in Chicago cost?
Most ceramic pottery classes in Chicago run between $75 to $100 per person. The price typically depends on how many people are in your group, which specific class you choose and the studio you go to. Most classes follow a tiered pricing structure, meaning the cost per person can change depending on how many people are in your group and what kind of experience you're looking for. For the exact starting price for each class, check out the booking page and also check what's included before you book.
Who are these pottery classes suitable for?
Ceramic pottery classes are great for anyone looking to have a great time and get their hands dirty (literally). Whether you're trying to find a hobby that doesn't involve scrolling on your phone or someone who's watched "Ghost" one too many times, pottery wheel classes welcome all. These pottery workshops are also perfect for bonding with friends, family or colleagues when you're tired of the same old happy hour routine. And yes, they're suitable for literally everyone — kids who need to burn energy, adults seeking creative outlets, families looking for weekend activities, corporate teams doing mandatory "fun" bonding exercises and even those rare advanced ceramicists looking to refine their skills. Beginners? Absolutely welcome.
What should I expect during a typical class?
Expect a fun, hands-on experience where you’ll learn new skills without the pressure of perfection. You’ll start with a quick intro to the pottery wheel and basic techniques before diving in and getting your hands messy. Most people are beginners, so don’t worry if your first piece is a little wonky — that’s part of the fun! Instructors will guide you through the process, and by the end, you’ll have a handmade piece to take home (or at least a hilarious story). Whether you’re solo or with friends, the best pottery classes are about creativity, good vibes and memorable moments.
What pottery techniques and skills will I master?
In pottery throwing classes and handbuilding pottery classes, you’ll learn all the essential techniques to create with clay, whether you're using a wheel or shaping pieces by hand. It all starts with clay preparation, which is typically followed by exploring wheel throwing basics, where you’ll center, pull and shape clay on the pottery wheel. Or you might try hand-building techniques like coiling, slab building and pinching to craft unique forms. Once you’ve got the basics down, you’ll refine your piece with shaping, trimming and surface decoration, adding details through carving, stamping or sculpting. You’ll also learn about glazing and firing, the final steps that bring your creation to life with color and durability.
What are the benefits of pottery classes?
Pottery lessons are a unique way to relax, bond and tap into your creativity, whether you're with friends, family, a date or coworkers. With step-by-step guidance from expert instructors, you'll pick up new ceramic skills while improving your focus, patience and even your fine motor coordination. Ceramics classes are often held in trendy, artsy spots, making them one of the coolest activities to do in Chi-town. Plus, no experience (or pricey supplies) is needed! Best of all, you’ll leave with a handmade keepsake—perfect as a gift or a fun reminder of your time at the wheel.
See all Frequently Asked Questions

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