Top Ceramics Classes In Philadelphia

There are many avenues to take in the world of art, whether you are a full-time artist, hobby artist or just want to add something else to your life. Some choose painting or drawing, but perhaps you have always wanted to make pottery or paint ceramics. There are plenty of art classes and opportunities in Philadelphia. Here are the top five places to take Ceramics classes in Philly.

Clay Studio
137-139 N.2nd St.
Philadelphia, PA. 19106
(215) 925-3453
www.theclaystudio.org

The Clay studio offers different types of classes and workshops. There are many opportunities for many kinds of art, and even some free community workshops. For May 21, for example, you can register for the History of Crafts presented by the curator, a two-hour workshop from 10-12 that costs $10. If you wish to take it to the next level and want to begin becoming a sculptor, you can take a two-month course to learn all the ins and outs of sculpting and working with clay. Prices are in the $200-$300 area for the full course and everything is provided.

Philadelphia Magic Gardens
1020 South St.
Philadelphia, PA. 19147
(215) 733-0390
www.philadelphiasmagicgardens.org

The Philadelphia Magic Gardens is a unique place to visit by itself, but it also offers workshops from April through October for those who want to have a tactile experience with ceramics and mosaics.  You need to sign up in advance, and while the cost is on the higher end ($300-$500), all materials are included and the workshop is for an entire weekend from 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Owner Isaiah Zagar preserves beautiful mosaics and educates guests who tour the gardens about folk art and the history of South Street. The Magic Gardens is open daily and has both indoor and outdoor exhibits. The tour costs about $7 for adults and is free for children five and under. The Magic Gardens is regularly described as a magical poignant experience. This is a place to take classes for those looking for some magic in their lives, or who respect the idea of building something beautiful out of something that may have once been forgotten.

The Expressive Hand
622 South Ninth St.
Philadelphia, PA.19147
(267) 519-2626
www.expressivehand.com

People enjoy the studio of the Expressive Hand and find it bright and airy. It is also described as a relaxing and casual atmosphere. This may also be because of their BYOB policy (bring your own bottle) for you to enjoy while painting your ceramics. They also offer private workshops for $30 a person with a minimum of five people when you call ahead for reservations. You paint what you wish and they will glaze and fire up your item, which will be ready for pick-up in about a week. Costs range from $8-$60, depending on the item you select. One nice perk is you can make your kids handprints and paw prints for free. The Expressive Hand has different options for ceramic lovers, but also people interested in making their own jewelry. You can pick pieces of colorful glass and have them heated to fuse together. Open Wednesday through Sunday, hours vary from noon -9 p.m . Some days they open a little earlier, and they close a little earlier on Sunday at 6 p.m.

Related: Top Art Classes for Adults in Philadelphia

Neighborhood Potters
2034 Fairmount Ave
Philadelphia, PA.
(215) 236-1617
www.sandiandneil.com

Neighborhood Potters is named correctly, as it is currently owned and operated by two local artists who specialize in all things pottery. Sandi and Neil are local artists and craft makers who create a lovely variety of pottery, ceramics and other fun and functional art pieces. Classes are offered for adults or children and range in price from $210 - $350, are 6-10 weeks and include all materials. You have the option to register for classes by season (spring, summer, fall). Classes are fun, laid back and meant to be social.

Yay Clay
3237 Amber St.
Philadelphia, PA. 19134
(215) 716-7176
www.yayclay.com

Art lovers say yay for clay at Yay Clay. The classes are described as fun and people love the teachers at this studio on Amber St. Whatever bells and whistles you would like in the world of ceramics you can find here, including learning glazing and firing techniques. The owner, Keith, has an extensive background in ceramics. You can also learn pottery skills, wheel and hand building here. Prices start at $10 for open studio time, and one-on-one instruction costs $40 an hour. Prices will include everything you need. They also offer BYOB,  group rates,  packages  and gift certificates.

Related- Top Kid's Art Classes in Philadelphia

Christina Dagnelli is a freelance writer in Philadelphia and the author of Little Squares with Colors: A Different way to look at autism. Her work on examiner can be found here Examiner.com.