Welcome to Myrtle's Clayhouse: Explore Ceramic Studio Membership Benefits and Pottery Classes
- Myrtle
- Nov 13
- 7 min read
Myrtle's Clayhouse is a community-focused ceramics studio in Ridgewood that offers structured pottery classes and flexible studio memberships designed to help makers develop technical skills and sustain creative practice. This article explains what new students can expect from our six-week pottery sessions, how studio membership supports ongoing artistic growth, and the community activities that foster connections among members. Many people start with curiosity about the wheel or hand-building, but need clear expectations about time, tools, and costs before committing; this guide answers those questions concisely.
What Are the Key Benefits of a Myrtle's Clayhouse Studio Membership?
A Myrtle's Clayhouse studio membership gives regular access to professional tools and an uninterrupted workspace, enabling members to move beyond one-off projects and pursue larger, more complex ceramics work. Membership works by supplying time and equipment—daily access, multiple wheels, large-format tools, and shared glazes—that reduce the friction between an idea and a finished piece. The membership includes these key features in practice:
Daily studio access from 9 am to 9 pm, giving members consistent practice windows.
Use of professional equipment, including pottery wheels and a slab roller, to support advanced projects.
Ongoing savings through discounts on workshops, classes, and firing that lower the cost of sustained practice.
Membership Feature | Attribute | Value |
Monthly Price | Rate | $275/month |
First-Month Discount | First 25 members | $75 off first month |
Studio Access | Hours | 9am–9pm daily |
How Does Studio Access Enhance Your Creative Freedom?
Studio access expands creative freedom by removing time constraints and providing a consistent, equipped workspace where projects can evolve across sessions. Members can schedule multi-step work—like wheel-throwing, trimming, and multi-stage glazing—without rushing to finish in a single visit. Access to multiple Clayboss wheels and a large Shimpo slab roller enables experimentation with form and scale that hobby setups cannot support. This steady practice fosters skill retention and gives artists the bandwidth to pursue more ambitious designs and market-ready pieces at member markets.
What Discounts and Perks Do Members Receive?
Members receive a suite of financial and professional perks that make regular practice more affordable and visible. Core member benefits include a 25% discount on workshops and classes, reduced firing rates, and access to teaching seminars that build technical knowledge. Membership also grants a private shelf for ongoing projects and participation opportunities in member markets that help makers showcase and sell work. The membership rate is $275 per month with a $75 discount available on the first month for the first 25 members.
What Can Beginners Expect from Our Pottery Classes at Myrtle's Clayhouse?
Beginner pottery classes at Myrtle's Clayhouse are structured as six-week sessions that introduce foundational techniques, providing students with materials and kiln services to focus on learning. The class model combines demonstration, hands-on practice, and instructor feedback to help learners progress from simple hand-built pieces to basic wheel-thrown forms. Fees are transparent and inclusive: each six-week session is priced at $400, which covers clay, studio tools, glazing materials, and kiln firing.
Here is a concise list of what a typical six-week class covers:
Hand-building Fundamentals: Pinch, coil, and slab techniques for everyday functional pieces.
Wheel Basics: Centering, pulling walls, and forming simple cups and bowls.
Trimming and Finishing: Refining forms and preparing pieces for glaze.
Glaze Application and Firing: Surface finishing techniques plus kiln firing processes.
Which Techniques Are Covered in Beginner Pottery Classes?
Beginner classes teach a balanced mix of hand-building and introductory wheel throwing so students gain versatile studio skills. Hand-building lessons cover pinch, coil, and slab construction with projects like mugs, small bowls, and simple planters. Wheel instruction focuses on centering clay, pulling walls, and creating consistent vessel shapes, giving students the fundamentals to progress to more advanced throwing. Each technique segment includes trimming and basic glazing practice, so learners complete a cycle from raw clay to a finished, fired piece.
How Does Myrtle's Clayhouse Foster a Vibrant Pottery Studio Community?
Myrtle's Clayhouse cultivates a vibrant ceramics community through regular programming that blends skill-building, sales opportunities, and social exchange. Events include recurring workshops, guest artist talks, open-studio nights, and member markets that encourage members to display and sell their work. The studio emphasizes mentorship and visibility by offering teaching seminars and spotlight features that highlight member journeys and encourage community participation. These activities form an ecosystem where learning, making, and local engagement reinforce one another.
A few event types and their practical benefits:
Skill Workshops: Focused sessions like glazing or sculpture that deepen technique and foster collaboration.
Member Markets: Opportunities for makers to sell work and build local audiences.
Open Studio Nights and Talks: Social formats that broaden connections and invite feedback.
What Types of Events and Workshops Bring Members Together?
Events are designed to meet multiple member needs: learning new techniques, selling work, and connecting socially. Workshops target skill upgrades such as advanced glazing or large-format slab construction, while markets create practical sales experience and visibility for makers. Guest artist talks and collaborative projects provide inspiration and multiply teaching perspectives, encouraging members to iterate on ideas sparked by community dialogue. Each event format supports both craft development and stronger neighborhood ties in Ridgewood.
Why Choose Myrtle's Clayhouse for Ceramics Workshops and Studio Access in Ridgewood?
Myrtle's Clayhouse stands out in Ridgewood for its two-level, fully equipped studio and its affiliation with Bushwick Ceramics, which together signal professional resources and community commitment. The studio offers multiple Clayboss pottery wheels, a large Shimpo slab roller, and a wall-mounted extruder—tools that enable both small functional work and larger sculptural or slab-based projects. Members and students also access a broad palette of materials, including multiple clay bodies and over 25 dipping glazes, making exploratory practice straightforward and inspiring. These facility-level advantages, paired with community programming and clear pricing, make the studio a practical choice for both beginners and serious makers.
What Makes Our Ridgewood Studio Unique for Ceramic Artists?
Our Ridgewood location combines professional tools and flexible access that let makers scale projects in ways home setups cannot match. The two-level layout separates work zones to accommodate wheel throwing, large slab work, and glazing without congestion. Multiple clay bodies and an extensive dipping glaze collection reduce logistical barriers to trying new surfaces and forms. This combination of space, tools, and materials encourages experimentation and enables finished work that meets higher functional and aesthetic standards.
How Can Local Residents Join and Benefit from Our Clay Studio Access?
Joining is straightforward for Ridgewood residents who want regular studio time or to continue after classes. Prospective members can sign up through the studio’s booking portal to enroll in six-week classes or to choose a monthly membership. Immediate benefits for new joiners include practice hours, access to professional equipment, material options, and member discounts on workshops and firing. For newcomers, trial classes or guided studio tours offer a low-commitment way to experience facilities before joining as a member.
Step 1: Register for a six-week class or request a studio tour via the website
Step 2: Use the first-month membership discount to ease the initial cost.
Step 3: Connect with our growing ceramics community
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of the beginner pottery classes?
The beginner pottery classes at Myrtle's Clayhouse are structured as six-week sessions. Each session is designed to provide comprehensive instruction in foundational pottery techniques, allowing students to progressively build their skills. Classes typically meet once a week, providing ample time for hands-on practice and instructor feedback. This duration ensures that participants can fully engage with the material and develop their abilities in a supportive environment.
Are there any materials provided for the pottery classes?
Yes, all necessary materials are provided for students enrolled in the beginner pottery classes at Myrtle's Clayhouse. This includes clay, tools, glazing materials, and kiln firing services. The inclusive fee of $400 for the six-week session covers these essentials, allowing students to focus on learning and creating without the need to purchase additional supplies. This approach makes it easier for beginners to dive into pottery without worrying about upfront costs for materials.
Can I participate in community events as a beginner?
Absolutely! Beginners at Myrtle's Clayhouse are encouraged to participate in community events. These events, such as member markets and open studio nights, provide excellent opportunities for new potters to showcase their work, connect with other artists, and gain valuable feedback. Engaging in community activities not only enhances your learning experience but also helps build relationships within the pottery community, fostering a sense of belonging and support.
What should I expect in terms of instructor support during classes?
Instructors at Myrtle's Clayhouse are dedicated to providing personalized support throughout the beginner pottery classes. Expect hands-on guidance, constructive feedback, and tailored instruction that caters to your individual learning pace. Instructors will demonstrate techniques and assist you as you practice, ensuring you grasp the fundamentals of pottery. This supportive environment is designed to help you feel confident and encouraged as you develop your skills.
Is there an opportunity for advanced learning after completing beginner classes?
Yes, after completing the beginner pottery classes, students have the opportunity to continue their learning journey at Myrtle's Clayhouse. Graduates can enroll in advanced workshops that focus on specific techniques or styles, such as sculptural work or advanced glazing. Additionally, membership options offer ongoing access to studio resources, enabling continued practice and exploration of more complex projects. This pathway supports sustained artistic growth and skill development.
What should I bring to my first pottery class?
For your first pottery class at Myrtle's Clayhouse, it's recommended to wear comfortable clothing that you don't mind getting dirty, as clay can be messy. Bring a towel for drying your hands and a notebook if you wish to take notes during the class. All necessary materials, including clay and tools, are provided, so you don't need to bring anything else. Just come ready to learn and have fun!
Are there any age restrictions for pottery classes?
While Myrtle's Clayhouse primarily focuses on adult learners, we welcome teenagers aged 14 and up to join our beginner pottery classes. Younger participants can benefit from the creative and educational aspects of pottery. However, we recommend that minors be accompanied by an adult for supervision and support during the classes to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
What types of pottery can I create during the classes?
During the beginner pottery classes, you will learn to create a variety of functional pieces, including mugs, bowls, and planters. The curriculum covers both hand-building techniques and basic wheel throwing, allowing you to explore different styles and forms. As you progress, you can experiment with glazing and finishing techniques to personalize your creations, making each piece uniquely yours.
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