Clay Classes
discover your connection with clay
The BMCA Clay Studio is located behind our main building. In the past it was the town’s garage, but in 2005 it was renovated and transformed into a vibrant clay studio.
​
BMCA offers on-going pottery classes for all levels of experience, a monthly Independent Study Program for experienced potters, and private or group lessons. Occasionally, we offer workshops in the studio and information about these can be found on our workshops page.
on-going CLASSES
On-going classes in our Clay Studio run in 6-week sessions. Each class meets once a week for six weeks. The cost is $235 for the session and includes use of all the tools in the studio, glazes, firing, one 25-pound bag of clay, and access to the studio for two Open Studio sessions each week. The 2025 class schedule runs the weeks of:
​
-
January 6th- February 16th
-
February 17th- March 30th
-
March 31st - May 11th
-
May 12th - June 22nd
-
June 23rd - August 3rd
-
August 4th - September 14th
-
September 15th - October 26th
-
October 27th - December 7th
Due to the small size of our studio, our pottery classes have a waitlist. In an effort to allow our students to build their skills, our policy is to allow current students to continue enrolling in classes as long as they would like to. When a student does decide to leave, we offer their spot to the next person on the waitlist.
For more details on how the waitlist works please use this link.
If you would like to be added to the waitlist for pottery classes please use the button below. Please note that students must be at least 16 years old in order to participate in our clay classes.
See the class days and times and Open Studio schedule below.
Class Schedule
​
Monday (beginner & intermediate)
6:00pm-8:00pm
Mathilda Potter
​
Tuesday (intermediate)
10:00am-12:00pm
Charles Freeland
​
Tuesday (advanced)
6:00pm-8:00pm
Charles Freeland
​
Thursday (beginner & intermediate)
4:00pm-6:00pm
Geoff Bird
Open Studio Schedule
​
Monday
1:00pm-4:00pm
​
Tuesday
12:00pm-3:00pm
​
Wednesday
6:00pm-9:00pm
​
Thursday
1:00pm-4:00pm
6:00pm-8:00pm
​
Friday
10:00am-1:00pm
​
Saturday
12:00pm-3:00pm
​
Sunday
4:00pm-6:00pm
Independent Study
The Independent Study Program in the BMCA Clay Studio is an opportunity for experienced potters to work in a studio without instruction. The monthly fee for this program is $130 and includes use of all the tools in the studio, glazes, firing, and access to the studio for two Open Studio sessions each week. Students interested in the Independent Study Program must demonstrate knowledge of glazing, firing, and building and/or throwing techniques and must have a minimum of one year of class instruction.
​
This program is an application-based program, and interested parties must fill out this online application and submit photos of their work to be considered. If you’re interested in being added to the waitlist, please fill out the below application and email 4-6 photos of your work to clay@blackmountainarts.org with the subject line Independent Study Application. You will be notified by a staff member to let you know if you have been accepted and added to the waitlist.
Private Lessons
BMCA offers private and small group lessons on a limited basis when our studio is not in use for students enrolled in our pottery programs. A minimum of two weeks' advance notice is required, and sessions are booked according to the instructor's availability.
We offer the following private and small group sessions:
​​
-
Basic Wheel Throwing
-
Minimum age 13
-
Private lesson only (1 person)
-
​
-
Intermediate Wheel Throwing
-
Minimum age 18
-
Private lesson only (1 person)
-
​
-
Advanced Wheel Throwing
-
Minimum age 18
-
Private lesson only (1 person)
-
​
-
Handbuilding
-
Minimum age 5
-
1-6 students
-
​
-
Kids Class for Friends
-
Up to 5 kids between the ages of 5-17
-
75 minute lesson
-
$360
-
​
Lessons MAY be available at the following times:
Monday: 10am - 12pm
Wednesday: 9am-11am, 10am-12pm, 12-2pm, 2-4pm, 3-5pm
Friday: 1:30-3:30pm, 3:30-5:30pm
Saturday: 9am-11pm, 3-5pm
Sunday:11am-1pm, 1-3pm​​
Private Lesson Policies:
-
The pottery you created during these private/small group sessions will not be available for at least 3 weeks after your lesson.
-
Students will discuss glazing options with the instructor, and the instructor will glaze the piece(s).
-
Students will be notified by email when their piece/pieces are available for pickup.
-
BMCA does NOT ship pottery. ​​​​​​​​​
1 Participant
No Bulk Discount
$120
4 Participants
10% Discount
$432
2 Participants
No Bulk Discount
$240
5 Participants
20% Discount
$480
3 Participants
10% Discount
$324
6 Participants
20% Discount
$576
-
Payment for private or group lessons is due in full once your scheduled lesson is confirmed by BMCA.
-
You may cancel your lesson up to 48 hours before the scheduled start time to receive a full refund.
-
If you cancel less than 24 hours before the class or fail to attend, no refund will be issued.
