Why Ridgewood is NYC's Best-Kept Secret for Ceramics

By Myrtle's Clayhouse | Ridgewood, Queens

Myrtle's Clayhouse sits at 60-21 Myrtle Avenue in Ridgewood, Queens - not the most obvious address for one of New York City's best ceramics studios. That's exactly the point.

Ridgewood: A Neighborhood That Makes Things

Ridgewood has always been a neighborhood for people who make things. Historically home to working-class immigrants, artists, and craftspeople, it's maintained an identity that feels refreshingly real compared to the more heavily gentrified pockets of Brooklyn. The streets are full of independent businesses, longtime residents, and a genuine sense of community - the kind of place where a ceramics studio doesn't just survive, it thrives.

It's also one of the most accessible neighborhoods in New York. Sitting right on the Queens-Brooklyn border, Ridgewood is a short trip from Bushwick, Bed-Stuy, Glendale, Maspeth, and Middle Village - without the prices or crowds you'd find deeper into Brooklyn or Manhattan.

Why Ceramics Has Found a Home Here

Ceramics is, at its core, a community practice. It takes time, patience, shared space, and the kind of environment where people feel comfortable showing up, making mistakes, and trying again. That's exactly the culture Ridgewood fosters.

At Myrtle's Clayhouse, we built our studio with that in mind. As a woman- and immigrant-owned studio at 60-21 Myrtle Avenue, our simple goal from day one has been to create a space where people feel comfortable showing up exactly as they are. No pretension. No gatekeeping. Just clay, community, and creativity.

The result is a studio that feels different from anywhere else in the city - and the members who come here feel it immediately.

What Makes Myrtle's Clayhouse Different

Open Studio Hours That Actually Work for You

Unlike many NYC ceramics studios with limited open studio windows, Myrtle's is open 8am to 10pm daily for members. Whether you're an early riser who wants to throw before work, or a night owl who hits their creative stride after dinner, the studio is there for you.

Our membership program is designed to give you real, flexible access to the studio - not just a handful of hours per week squeezed between scheduled classes.

Classes for Every Level

Whether you've never touched clay in your life or you're an experienced ceramicist looking to develop a specific skill, we have something for you. Our multi-week courses cover Wheel Throwing, Handbuilding, and Hybrid techniques - all taught in a supportive, small-group environment.

Not ready for a full course commitment? Our 2-hour themed workshops are a perfect low-stakes introduction to the craft. Past themes have included fan favorites like Creatures of NY - proof that ceramics doesn't have to take itself too seriously.

A Community That Stays With You

One of the things members tell us most often is that they came for the clay and stayed for the people. Ceramics has a way of bringing together an unexpectedly diverse group - teachers, designers, nurses, engineers, parents, retirees - all working side by side, helping each other trim a bowl or fix a cracked handle.

That's the Ridgewood way. And it's the Myrtle's Clayhouse way.

Ceramics in NYC: Why Location Actually Matters

In a city where commuting even 20 minutes can feel like a barrier, location matters more than people admit when it comes to creative hobbies. Studios in Manhattan and prime Williamsburg carry premium pricing that gets passed on to members and students. Ridgewood offers the same quality of instruction and community - without the overhead markup.

For anyone living in Queens or Eastern Brooklyn, Myrtle's Clayhouse is genuinely the most accessible, best-value ceramics studio in the borough. And for those traveling from further afield, Ridgewood is worth the trip.

Ready to Get Your Hands Dirty?

Whether you're looking to pick up a new skill, find your creative community, or just do something that isn't staring at a screen - ceramics in Ridgewood might be exactly what you've been looking for.

Check out our available classes and workshops, browse our membership options, or take a look at our class calendar to see what's coming up.

And if you want to give the gift of ceramics to someone you love, our gift cards are available any time.

Come see what Ridgewood has been quietly building. We think you'll like it here.

Myrtle's Clayhouse is located at 60-21 Myrtle Avenue, Ridgewood, Queens, NY 11385. Open daily 8am–10pm for members. Follow us on Instagram at @myrtlesclayhouse.