Ceramics Classes
in NYC
Working with clay is one of the oldest things a human being can do, and ceramic pieces can last a lifetime (and more!). There’s something about clay that requires you to slow down. In our ceramics workshops, you'll learn hand-building techniques from supportive instructors. We're not a pottery studio in the traditional sense: we're a practice space, where creating and connecting at the table are an opportunity to learn something about yourself. People often describe ceramics as the most calming class they've taken: the focus of shaping, the surprise of how clay behaves, the satisfaction of holding something you made yourself.
Our ceramics classes in NYC are offered through our Cohort Program, but welcome to drop-ins. In one sitting you'll shape clay into something you designed, like a mug, a bowl, a vessel, a little weird object, then we handle the rest: drying, glazing, and firing. Finished ceramic pieces are ready for pickup in 3-4 weeks (we’ll email you) and are food-safe, microwave-safe, and even oven-safe.
Beginner-friendly. No experience required. All materials including but not limited to clay and tools are included for use during workshop. Class size is typically 12–16 students. Most workshops are 2.5 hours and take place at either our Midtown or Williamsburg locations.
1. Design your piece
We talk through form, function, and a few basic hand-building techniques, then sketch what we want to make: a mug, a bowl, a vessel, something weirder.
2. Build it
Using pinch, coil, or slab construction, we shape clay into our design by hand. Clay is forgiving, you can rework it as you go.
3. Finish and wait for kiln firings!
Sign and log your piece, then leave it with us to dry, fire, and glaze. Come back in a few weeks to pick it up!
FAQs
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Nope. All of our clay sessions are designed to be beginner-friendly. Our instructors will guide you, provide demos, and help you along the way.
If you've made ceramics before and want something more structured, drop-in workshops are still a great place to get a feel for Drawing Room, but our Intensive Journeys are likely to be the right next step for you.
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Nothing. All clay, tools, and anything else that’s needed is included in the class. You just show up!
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Yes! Single sessions are designed to be complete experiences. You'll leave having finished something, and we’ll hand-glaze and fire it for you. It goes through two kiln firings in temps of up to 2200 degrees Fahrenheit. We’ll email you when its ready, and you’ll pick it up from the same location during any Open Hours.
Fully fired and glazed pieces are food-safe, microwave-safe, and even oven-safe.
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Classes are mid-sized, typically anywhere from 8 to 15 students.
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Our Journeys are the natural next step; these are multi-session format that builds over time. For example, our Painting Intensive span 8 weeks with the same group and is a great way to get deep into ceramics!
Not sure where to start? Try everything.
Our 8-week Cohort Program moves through drawing, clay, printmaking, and painting, writing, and textiles over several weeks. You’ll try new things and find out what you're drawn to.
Go deeper in clay.
8 focused weeks with the same group. Instructor-led from first object to finished work. For people who want more than a single session can hold.
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