Do I need ceramics experience to join?
Not at all. We welcome beginners, returning potters, and experienced ceramic artists alike.
If you’re brand new to clay, we recommend starting with a 6 week classbeforejoining as a member so you can get comfortable with the studio and get to know all of our equipment.
What kinds of classes do you offer?
We offer:
6-week classes in wheel throwing and handbuilding
One-time workshops
Special events + seasonal workshops
Private classes (inquire here)
Our classes are designed to be approachable, creative, and technique-focused, with plenty of room to experiment.
What should I wear to class?
Wear comfortable clothes that you don’t mind getting messy. Clay washes out easily, and we have a variety of aprons for students and members to use. Closed-toe shoes are recommended.
Do you provide tools?
Yes! We have communal tools available for classes and members to use.
Members are welcome to bring personal tools if they have favorites, we always suggest putting your name on your tools just in case they get let out in the studio, they can find their way back to you!
Membership
Who is membership for?
Membership is best for ceramicists who want regular studio access and can work independently.
If you’re newer to clay, we do recommend taking a 6 week class first before joining.
How much does membership cost?
Monthly Membership: $240 month
Membership is billed monthly on the day you choose to sign up. You can start the same day you pay for membership.
What’s included with membership?
Membership includes:
Studio access during open hours: Haight Street HoursNorth Beach Hours
Personal shelf/storage space
Use of wheels + handbuilding tables
Access to communal tools
Access to studio glazes
Kiln firing
Clay is not included with membership but can be purchased here
Member pricing on workshops/events
A creative, welcoming clay community!
Is there a waitlist for membership?
Memberships are currently open!
Can I pause or cancel my membership?
Yes! We ask for 7 days notice before your next billing cycle. Email us at unclepaulsceramics@gmail.com to cancel or pause your membership
Clay + Firing
Do I need to buy clay from the studio?
Yes, studio clay must be purchased through us. We have several different clay bodies!
Can I request new clay bodies from the studio?
Yes! We love clay, and love experimenting with different clays! Have an idea, send us an email unclepaulsceramics@gmail.com
How much does clay cost?
Clay pricing available here. The cost of clay includes glazing and firing fees.
Is firing included?
Yes, firing is included in the cost of your clay.
Do you provide glazes?
Yes! We have a standard set of about 12 bucket/dip glazes in various colors that we replace regularly, and various different pints of paint on glazes that we cycle through. Underglazes are also available.
Can I bring my own glazes?
Yes, we do ask that you let us know, and please make sure they are midfire glazes! We ask that you do a test firing, with lots of space at the bottom of your piece so we can see if/how the glaze moves and ask that you put it on the glaze shield with a cookie under your piece.
What kind of glazes do you use?
We use midfire glazes, cone 5/6.
How long does firing take?
Our kilns run 1-2 times a week. Firing schedule is dependent on the community! As shelves fill up with work, kilns will fill up with work. Keep in mind, larger pieces move through the firing process a little bit slower, as well as heavy/thick pieces. Ceramics takes time, thank you for your patience!
Can I leave work at the studio?
Yes.
Members have their own personal shelf space. As well as shared wet shelves in the studio.
Six week class students may store active work during their session and pick up finished pieces during pickup hours.
Class pieces in greenware stage left on public shelves will be recycled before the next 6 week session. All pieces should be left on greenware shelves before the end of 6 week classes. All greenware will be fired at the end of the session and students have 1 week to come back to finish glazing pieces. Pieces left in the studio for 2 months may be donated or recycled.
For North Beach your door code will expire 1 week after your class ends
Studio Policies
What are studio hours?
Can I bring a friend?
Yes, members can bring a friend with a guest pass, guest passes for students and members can be purchased here. Members are limited to 2 guests at a time and are responsible for trimming and glazing their guests' pieces.
Want to bring more friends? We have member pricing available for small groups, send us an email at unclepaulsceramics@gmail.com.
Is the studio family-friendly?
Children 6-12 are welcome with a parent. Ages 16+ are welcome to take classes and workshop, and as members after taking a 6 week class. Reach out with specific questions: unclepaulsceramics@gmail.com
Is food or drink allowed?
Covered drinks are welcome.
Please keep food away from clay workspaces and glaze areas.
We have refrigerators at both locations that are available for members to use, please keep track of your food and remember we’re a community space! Leave the fridge as well as all spaces better than you found them.
Picking Up Finished Work
When can I pick up my pieces?
How long will you hold finished work?
We hold finished work for 2 months.
After that, pieces may be donated to make room for new work.
Workshops
What are your workshops like?
Workshops are one-time clay experiences designed to be fun, creative, and approachable for all skill levels.
Whether you’re trying clay for the first time or just want a hands-on creative outing, workshops are a great way to spend time in the studio and make something unique.
How long are workshops?
Most workshops are 2.5 hours.
That gives you time for demos, making, and finishing your piece without feeling rushed.
Do I need experience for workshops?
No experience needed.
Our instructors will guide you through the project step by step, and all materials are provided.
What’s included in workshops?
Workshops include:
Clay + materials
Use of studio tools
Instruction + demonstrations
Studio glazing by our team
Kiln firing
You make it. We’ll handle the finishing touches.
Do I glaze my own work at a workshop?
No. Our studio techs glaze and fire workshop pieces for you after the event. If you’re handbuilding, we have underglazes available to add color to your pieces.
When will my workshop pieces be ready?
Workshop pieces are typically ready for pickup in 3+ weeks.
Clay needs time to dry, be fired, glazed, and fired again, so turnaround can vary depending on kiln schedules.
We’ll let you know when your work is ready! We’ll send an email to the address provided when you registered for the workshop.
Can I sign up with friends or book a private workshop?
Yes! Workshops are great for friends, celebrations, team outings, and private groups.
Reach out for private workshop inquiries: unclepaulsceramics@gmail.com
Private Events + Team Building
Do you host private events?
Yes! We host:
Team-building workshops
Corporate offsites
Birthday parties
Creative gatherings
Custom clay experiences
Group size: 6+
To inquire: unclepaulsceramics@gmail.com
Do you need teachers?
We have teaching opportunities open for One Night Classes
Email us about teaching a six week class: unclepaulsceramics@gmail.com
Can I become a studio tech?
Want to spend more time in the studio and be part of what keeps it running?
Our Studio Tech Program offers 50% off monthly membership in exchange for 4 hours of studio help each week on an agreed upon day.
Studio Techs support the daily flow of the space through cleaning, organizing, reclaim, loading and unloading kilns and other studio tasks that help keep everything running smoothly.
Contact us for more info: unclepaulsceramics@gmail.com
Still have questions?
Reach out anytime: unclepaulsceramics@gmail.com
See you in the studio! Let’s get dirty!