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.
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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 2024 class schedule runs the weeks of:
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January 6th- February 16th
February 17th- March 30th
March 31st - May 11th
May 12th - June 22nd
June 23rd - September 14th
September 15th - 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
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Monday (beginner & intermediate)
6:00pm-8:00pm
Mathilda Potter
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Tuesday (intermediate)
10:00am-12:00pm
Charles Freeland
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Tuesday (advanced)
6:00pm-8:00pm
Charles Freeland
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Thursday (beginner & intermediate)
4:00pm-6:00pm
Geoff Bird
Open Studio Schedule
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Monday
1:00pm-4:00pm
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Tuesday
12:00pm-3:00pm
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Wednesday
6:00pm-9:00pm
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Thursday
1:00pm-4:00pm
6:00pm-8:00pm
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Friday
10:00am-1:00pm
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Saturday
12:00pm-3:00pm
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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.
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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
Private lessons are available on a limited basis. Lessons can only be booked when the studio is not holding on-going classes or Open Studio Sessions, and are offered based on the availability of our instructors. Advanced notice is required. Generally, Wednesdays and Friday afternoons are the days we can offer private lessons.
Please email programs@blackmountainarts.org to inquire about booking a lesson.
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Adults (18+)
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Beginner hand building and advanced wheel work
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$120 for a two-hour lesson
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Additional adults are $100 per person for a two-hour lesson
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There is a limit of 2 people for wheel work, and a limit of 5 people for hand building
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Children (5-18)
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Hand building
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Children must be accompanied by an adult
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$60 an hour, $90 for a 1.5 hour lesson
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Additional children are $50 per child per hour, $80 for a 1.5 hour lesson
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Contact programs@blackmountainarts.org for more information or to schedule a session!
