We’ve all been stuck in an online rut before– brain rotted, doom scrolling, what have you. The expression “touch grass” is a nice sentiment, but sometimes the weather simply doesn’t permit this. Enter, “touch clay”: the perfect grounding experience, but from the comfort of indoors. Whether you’re a novice potter or already belong to a studio in YYC, here are some of the best places to give a try.

Workshop Studios, Inglewood

Offering ceramic workshops, private lessons, and membership to studio spaces, Workshop Studios is accommodating to every experience level. Their bright and natural ceramics space, located in the historic Brass Foundry building, is serenely decorated with hanging lighting and plants. 

A creative and collaborative space for artists in the colourful Inglewood neighbourhood– a hotspot for arts and culture– will get you connected to talented instructors and fellow creatives. As a sustainability-conscious collective, Workshop Studios incorporates the use of recycled potting materials in their Eco-Art Explorers program.

Check out their website to book classes, date nights, or studio space. Follow @workshopstudiosyyc on Instagram to find out about pop-ups artists are attending, or pottery sales happening around the city.

firedclaypottery

Fired Clay Pottery Studio Inc, SE Calgary

With a variety of courses offered for building specific skills within wheel throwing and hand building, Fired Clay may be the best studio for raising your level as a beginner or intermediate potter. They offer a unique program called the Clay Club, which they describe as “a blend between a structured 6 week class and a traditional Studio Membership. Designed for those who want to work on their own projects, but with an instructor available to guide them”.

Fired Clay is Calgary’s newest ceramics studio, but their team of instructors is made up of ten seasoned ceramicists, many of whom are Calgary-grown art school graduates.

In addition to being a gateway to a serious pottery education, Fired Clay offers a variety of fun workshops from teapot making, to seasonal and unique hand builds. Follow @firedclaypottery on Instagram for more information!

Centred Clay Studios

Centred Clay Studios, Bonnybrook

A guild-style studio with a minimalist interior, Centred Clay is the perfect spot for focused practice. While open to beginners, the collective has emphasis on membership and ensures that their community members are able to maintain enrollment without needing to re-apply. The studio is accessible to members 24/7, and contains two kilns and fifteen pottery wheels.

This place has great opportunities to involve people in your own circles by offering Team Building packages for groups, as well as gift cards you can use to buy a friend one month of membership and classes. They also love to feature the work of their members on their Instagram page, showcasing a strong community focus. Check them out at @centredclaystudioyyc !

Mud Urban Potter, SE Calgary

A converted warehouse with modern decor, Mud has the space for creating ceramics, selling them, and hosting members-only events. A trendy and modern spot, classes tend to fill up quickly, but are held quite often– with new series and workshops being launched every couple of months. Friday Night Throwdowns are offered most weeks as one-time classes for two people, making them perfect date nights or activities to do with a friend.

This studio is also very beginner-friendly, and access to all materials and tools is included in the price of classes. The staff of knowledgeable craftspeople will provide instruction as well as critique to help you improve your skills and artistry. 

Mud Urban Potters has a newsletter you can sign up for, and a lot of helpful tips and information on their website.They also create lots of fun and engaging content on Instagram @mud.potters. Lastly, they are partnered with Milk Jar Candle Co.– another Calgary mainstay– so patrons can create their own custom candles with ceramic surrounds. If you’re looking for the sweetest smelling pottery experience, Mud Urban Potter is the place to be.

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