Private Pottery Class

Learn pottery basics at a private class in SF



2 hours Class size 1 to 48

label $109 - $185 ($185 per guest when you book for 1 guest, $148 for 2+ guests, $137 for 4 guests, $120 for 5 guests, $109 for 6+ guests)

Looking for fun things to do in San Francisco? Whether you want to learn pottery one-on-one, with a group of friends, or as a special clay date night idea, SMAart Gallery and Studio have got you covered!

Organize a wheel throwing pottery class that is customized to your skill level and interests. Our private classes are great if you have been looking for unique birthday party ideas or team building activities to bring out your group's creativity in a fun and relaxed studio environment.

Get down to earth, get centered, and throw some mud with us! At this private class, you can get your hands dirty and make some clay-mazing creations!

If you or your group are complete beginners then our master potters will guide you through basic wheel throwing techniques step by step. Anything you want to keep can be trimmed, bisque fired, glazed, and glaze fired and made available for you to pick up at a later date (three to six weeks).

We have two pottery studios, both in San Francisco. Our 24th Street venue can take up to 44 guests, and our Sutter Street venue can take up to 32. When organizing your class, please let us know which location would be best for you.

Please note:

  • A private class is limited to you and your guests only.
  • Pricing structure is based on the number of participants. The more you book, the more you save.

Add-ons available for this class
  • Additional half an hour of class time (per guest) ($10)
  • Have the clean up done for you at the end of the class (per guest) ($11)
  • Additional 1-hour of class time (per guest) ($20)
You can add these when you book (optional).
 
Knowledge required
Beginner-friendly.
 
What you'll get
Everything you need is provided, including up to three pounds of clay and the use of studio tools.
 
What to bring
  • BYO food and drinks.
  • Wear clothes and shoes you don't mind getting dirty and bring your creative spirit!
  • You may wish to bring your own apron and hand towel.
  • Consider trimming your fingernails for the best experience.
Suitable for

This class is great for individuals and couples as well as for a team building activity, birthday or bachelorette party.

This would also be a nice gift for her, gift for mom, anniversary gift, Father's Day gift or birthday gift.


SMAart Gallery and Studio is fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and adheres to COVID-19 government guidelines.

Location

SMAart Gallery & Studio - 3135 24th St, San Francisco, CA 94110

Your teacher
SMAart Gallery and Studio
SMAart Gallery and Studio

4.7 (105)
104k

Steve has been an artist and creator his whole life and working in clay for over 35 years. After working in the high-tech manufacturing industry for more than two decades, he quit his day job and received a BA and MFA. He began teaching ceramics at Bay Area colleges, universities, and community centers. He also managed the ceramic studio at the Richmond Art Center until he opened SMAart Gallery and Studio in 2012. He loves to create and is pleased to share his passion here at SMAart.

Verified reviews

We only show reviews from customers who have paid for and attended this class


Pallavi Kishore Apr 2023


Had an amazing experience - we were trying pottery for the first time, our teacher was very patient with us and explained everything wonderfully He made the class interesting and we loved attending the class! Highly recommend

Kristina Llanes Mar 2023

2 ClassBento workshops attended


Mason was really patient and accommodating. Definitely recommend this class Before coming to class make sure you get there early. It is hard to find parking in the area.

Kavitha Vijayakumaran Jan 2023


Itai was excellent we were all beginners and he did a great in explaining the basics and also helped us in getting our initial piece right totally enjoyed the 2 hours class

Private Pottery Class review by Kavitha Vijayakumaran - San Francisco

Thomas Patterson Dec 2022


What a great experience! The entire team had a great time as we unleashed out creativity. Very few of us had any previous clay experience, the introductory demo was great, and the teachers were very informative and helpful during the class.

Alejandro Garcia Nov 2022


We booked the private pottery wheel course for a large group and the course started off great. Our instructor gave us a quick tutorial on how we should center our clay and had us practice after the tutorial. We were not expecting this to be the only instructions for the 2.5 hr course.

We felt the instructor was just quickly trying to get through the lesson. She walked around twice to see each individuals clay throughout the 2.5hrs and definitely felt like she needed an assistant. Maybe she’s better with 6 or less people. One participant asked about possibly making a plate/bowl and the instructor mentioned to take the 6 week course.

1 hour and 45 minutes into the 2 hour and 30 minute course, the instructor mentioned we should clean up. At this moment more than half of our group got up and started cleaning/washing their workstation. I don’t think we needed 45 minutes to clean up so someone mentioned to the instructor that we paid to be there for 2.5 hrs and she responded saying “feel free to continue, I don’t want to make you feel rushed” but by then roughly 5 of 13 stayed to finish the remaining 45 minutes of the course.

In regards to cleaning, be prepared to clean your workstation and mop the perimeter of the class or pay $11 per person to clean. You would think since she wanted everyone to hurry up and clean she would have given clear instructions on what to do. There is a section to dispose clay and water, rinse compartment that catches the water for the machine, sponges to wipe your area down, flip chairs, dry tables, mop areas. These instructions came after things weren’t done properly.

At the end, you were only able to keep 3 of whatever pieces you made. We paid for all the materials and only 3 pieces could be kept? What about people that only made 1 piece? Could a student use their two other pieces for them? These pieces also will take roughly 6 weeks to be ready as well so keep this in mind in case you think you’ll be taking anything home.

I would not take this course again with this instructor and I think the teaching experience frustrated some students from staying for the full course. For the price, just invest in your own wheel and watch some YouTube videos.

Highlights of the course: timeliness, knowledge.

Andrew Eigel Oct 2022


Ryley was such a great instructor and very patient. He took the time to re-explain the basics when we needed it and was happy to step in to help our projects whenever we asked, he also had a great shirt.

See 13 more reviews   

Chris Rueckert Sep 2022


Anne Marie was very nice and talented. We had a great time and I'd love to take another class with her in the future!

Pottery class review by Chris Rueckert - San Francisco

Susan Jul 2022


The teacher told me the four important steps to build a bowl on the wheel it was perfect instruction

Kathleen Mooney Jul 2022


Coreen was fun, kind, patient and a great teacher with many years of experience!
Thank you!

Amanda Lockwood Jun 2022


She was fantastic in making the class fun fun the kids! We had a great time

Private Pottery Class review by Amanda Lockwood - San Francisco

Sarah Struck May 2022


We LOVED our time here! This was the first time our team has gotten together in over a year and everyone is now asking when we will go to SMAart again. Our teacher Ann Marie was absolutely wonderful, not only in her personality but also her gentle guidance in throwing pottery. Did I mention the space!? It was cool People working on their own projects in the back. The pottery wheels are set-up in a circle making it fun to chat while learning. We can't enough great things other than you gotta try this!

Bethany Longoria Apr 2022


I purchased this class as an anniversary present for my partner, and we have very little experience throwing clay. Ann Marie was a wonderful and patient instructor! We feel much more confident on a pottery wheel now. Ann Marie was very sweet and understanding when we arrived late because of car troubles. Overall a really fun and exciting class. We would come here again!

Murshida Chowdhury Mar 2022


We had a great time, Jess was great showing the techniques. Ayman and I had a great time making pottery.

Claire Perelman Jan 2022


Our group had a fabulous time at our private pottery class! Our instructor, Jason, was super easy to work with and he gave us great tips throughout the class. We were provided with aprons and several balls of clay to work with, and we all had a great time! Definitely recommend.

Kuo-Pin Tseng Dec 2021


Ryley is a great instructor. We have a lot of fun and create our pottery works!

Katrin Svensson Dec 2021


Great class, fun teacher, and a good way to get introduced to pottery. Thanks Will recommend

Janine Hurty Nov 2021


Ann Marie was wonderful. It was a great experience and a great date night for us. Thanks

Dylan Ferber Nov 2021


This was a great experience! We took a few clients out and the 5 of us had a lot of fun learning from Ann Marie on basics on using the pottery wheels and some cool techniques. She was very talented and patient in fixing our mistakes and coaching us along the way. As they tell you to do, I recommend bringing your own aprons - I bought some fun cheap ones on Amazon and single use boot covers too which everyone loved.

Highly recommend this class!

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2023-06-09 15:00:00
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