All-in-one Guide to Pottery Classes North of Boston, MA
Looking to take a pottery class north of Boston? Here’s a guide to help you find your next studio!
Often, when I am at markets, I get asked about whether or not I teach classes. Sometimes, a passerby says, “I’ve always wanted to try pottery!”
If you are one of these passersby or someone yearning to give pottery a go, well, this post is for you!
Pottery’s Rise in Popularity
Whether inspired by the mindfulness aspect of pottery, mesmerized by the many tik-tok and Instagram videos of potters in process (don’t let those videos fool you, by the way, wheel-throwing never takes under 15 seconds from start to finish), or looking for a creative and kind community similar to the one showcased in the Great Pottery Throw Down (my kind of kind reality show…when will it come to the USA so I can audition, please!), people have indeed been turning to pottery in large numbers. Not paint-your-own pottery classes but make your own pottery classes.
The GBH article states that “pottery is now one of the hottest hobbies in America, with ceramics classes full to bursting across the country,” a fact confirmed by waitlists across many of the Boston-area pottery studios and an increase of new pottery studios popping up in and around Boston.
Looking for a pottery studio to practice in? Hopefully this guide will help!
Considerations when Picking a Pottery Studio
Firstly, no matter where you reside, as you embark on finding your pottery studio, there are some key factors to consider in your search including location & accessibility, program type, costs, scheduling, and materials access.
I’ve created this graphic with some questions to help you pick the studio that meets your wants:
Having thought through the answers to the questions above can help you narrow your search, but given the competitiveness in accessing some pottery studios, if getting into a class is your main goal, you may need to make some compromises.
15 Pottery Studios that Offer Classes North of Boston by City/Town
To make your search for pottery classes a little easier, this guide is organized by location to help you focus on local options. I am quite aware that north of Boston could mean anything north of the city all the way to Canada. Obviously, I’m keeping the geographical boundary smaller than that.
When I say north of Boston, I refer to the following locations that have studios offering pottery classes (click on the location to skip directly to that section if that helps!): Allston (neighborhood in Boston), Arlington, Belmont, Beverly, Lexington, Lowell, Lynn, Melrose, Somerville, Stoneham, Watertown, and Winchester.
In total, I identified 15 organizations that offer pottery classes. Know of more? Contact me!
—> Disclaimer: The studio overviews are written from information gathered on each studio’s website and will likely not cover all the consideration listed in the graphic above. Relevant contact information for each studio is included to aid you in your search.
Pottery Classes in Allson (Boston)
Ceramics Program, Office of the Arts at Harvard
Adult Pottery Classes (18+): Adult courses are available in person and online across three semesters (14wk/semester), catering to all levels (beginners, intermediate, and advanced). It appears that class registration includes clay, glazing, and firing costs as well as open studio access. The studio includes spaces for wheel-throwing, hand-building, figure modeling, sculpture, and slip casting, a glaze chemistry lab, and a state-of-the-art kiln room featuring gas, electric, and raku/saggar options. Check website for course catalogue and pricing.
Artist in Residence: The Artist-in-Residence program provides 1-3 artists annually with workspace, materials, teaching opportunities, and resources. The Resident Artist program offers local artists personal workspaces for 6 months to 4 years.
Financial Aid: The Ceramics Program at Harvard offers various adult (18+) scholarships, including the Peter Berry Scholarship, Visiting Artist Workshop Scholarship, and programs for Allston-Brighton residents like Clay with Neighbors and the Ceramics Community Scholarship. Learn more about applying on their website.
Additional Offerings & Opportunities: In addition to classes, offerings include lectures, workshops, and demonstrations by global artists, with symposia featuring potters, sculptors, and historians. The Technical Training program gives artists hands-on experience managing a ceramics studio.
Registration: Registration is first come, first served, and classes fill quickly. Review how to register in order to better the odds at securing a spot.
Parking & Access: There are many ways to access the studio by public transportation. Parking is very limited. Learn more here.
Pottery Classes in Arlington
Arlington Community Education
📍 869 Massachusetts Ave,
Arlington, MA
☎️ (781) 316-3568
Adult Pottery Classes (18+): Arlington Community Education offers introductory 4-8 week series classes at Arlington High School. Courses include glazing and firing. Financial Aid is available for qualifying Arlington residence for one class per term.
Pottery Classes in Belmont
Indigo Fire Belmont
Adult Pottery Classes (18+): Indigo Fire Belmont has 16 wheels and offers 1/week 8-12-week series morning and evening wheel-throwing classes for beginner, intermediate, and advanced students. Registration comes with open studio time during open hours, 1 make up week, 65lbs of clay, as well as other materials (ex. extensive glazes) and firings. All students have shelf space as well as access to hand-building and wheel-throwing tools. Check website for up to date pricing.
Youth Pottery Classes: The Belmont studio offers classes such as All-Ages Wheel (10-18+ years), Teen Wheel (ages 13-17), and Kids Wheel (ages 10-13), as well as a youth summer program (ages 10-13).
Pottery Workshops: Indigo Fire Watertown offers 2-2.5hr workshops ages 10+ and 16+ workshops. Indigo Fire also offers 2hr private lessons for up to 4 people ($115 for one person + $45 per additional person), everything included, and student can keep up to 3 pieces.
Membership: Indigo Fire offers independent study monthly memberships for studio access, a shelf, materials, and firings (current estimate wait time is 2 years).
Financial Aid: Indigo Fire offers financial aid for adult classes. Tuition Aid is available for up to 5 students per semester, covering up to $250 per class, with priority for first-time applicants. Applications must be submitted a semester ahead. Students must pay additional studio fees.
Additional Opportunities: Indigo Fire offers an application based work exchange program for independent study.
Registration: Classes fill fast, waitlists are available and people must reply the same day to claim a spot.
Pottery Classes in Beverly
Clay Dreaming
📍186 Cabot St, Beverly, MA 01915
🔗 claydreaming.com/wet-clay-studio
☎️ (978) 927-1414
✉️ info@claydreaming.com
Adult Pottery Classes (18+): Clay Dreaming offers beginner, intermediate, and advanced daytime and evening 8-week series 2hr wheel and hand-building classes to adults. Select open studio time is included with registration. Check website for up to date pricing. Clay Dreaming also offers an independent study option (12 months at $155/month & month-by-month at $177/month).
Youth Pottery Classes: Clay Dreaming offers 6-week series 90-minute classes for youth ages 6-8 & 9-12 and teens ages 13-18 as well as caregiver/child classes (ages 6+). They also offer a summer camp program. Check website for up to date pricing.
Pottery Workshops: Clay Dreaming offers private 90-minute 1-1 workshops, adult clay groups, and kids clay groups on wheel-throwing (max 10 people) or hand-building (max 8 people), which includes 5lbs of clay, glazing, and firing of 3 items ($100 + $50 per additional person). They also offer 90-minute private parties for up to 10 people, ages 9+ including instruction, materials, glazing, and firing (call for pricing).
Registration: Classes fill relatively quickly (within a few weeks) and are first come, first serve, but a waitlist is available.
Parking: Parking on Cabot St. is available. MBTA access is available by walking distance at Beverly Depot.
Pottery Classes in Lexington
Lexington Arts & Crafts Society:
Adult Pottery Classes (15+): Adult classes, which combine wheel-throwing and hand-building and run for 8-10 weeks, are open to students at beginner and experienced levels. Classes are held one morning and one evening per week. Tuition includes studio and firing fees. Students are provided with 25 lbs of clay, with additional clay available for purchase. Tools are not included (you can get a basic kit like this one here). Open studio access is offered on Thursdays from 5–8 PM during class sessions. Check website for up to date pricing.
Membership: a 10% discount is available for members.
Parking: Both street and lot parking are available.
Pottery Classes in Lowell
Pottery Mill Community Clay Studio
Adult Pottery Classes (18+): 7-week long classes provide instruction in wheel-throwing and hand-building techniques, catering to beginner and intermediate students. Tuition includes a 25lb bag of clay, tools, glazes, storage, and firing costs. No make-up classes are offered, but independent studio access is available. Check website for up to date pricing.
Youth Pottery Classes: Youth pottery programs include family-friendly hand-building workshops, school vacation programs, and a 7-week teen (13+) evening class. Classes are designed for all skill levels, include materials and firings, and provide personal attention with small group sizes.
Pottery Workshops: Pottery Mill offers adult hand-building workshops as well as one-time 2hr introduction to wheel workshops that allow participants (ages 14+) to create up to four pieces and includes an optional second visit to glaze work ($90 per person). Discounts available for group bookings. Private lessons or parties can be arranged for a more personalized experience. Pottery Mill also offers take-home clay kits.
Artists in Residence: Studio workspaces are $195/month (including membership) with a 6-month commitment. Features include a 4-foot table, wall shelves, pegboard, customizable setup, 24/7 access, and private storage. Kiln perks include two firings per month, and the opportunity to learn the kiln process.
Membership: Adults 18+ with pottery experience can pay $75 a month to have access to 21 pottery wheels, hand-building, and glaze rooms, 15% off classes/workshops, 6 AM–11 PM daily access, in-house glazes, and community kiln firings. Members purchase studio clay (prices vary by type), which covers firing and glaze use, and get storage space. Facilities include a slab roller, extruder, glaze spray booth, and tools. Specialty features include Raku workshops, private artist spaces, and private kiln firings.
Registration: Registration fills quickly—filling out the waitlist form is recommended.
Parking: The studio has a large parking lot and plenty of street parking.
Pottery Classes in Lynn
The Clay School
Adult Pottery Classes (14+): The Clay School offers year-round 8-week adult classes (~ 15-20 students per class). “Adults” is defined as freshmen in high school or older. Tuition includes firings, glazes, and shelf space. Classes cover hand-building, wheel-throwing, glazing, and more. Adult classes include a 25 lb. bag of white or red stoneware, with additional clay available for a fee. Tools are not included (you can get a basic kit like this one here). Students may bring in outside clays or glazes by permission of the instructor. Open Studio time is available 24/7 for students enrolled at the studio or for Artists in Residence. The studio provides a wide selection of glazes and only black underglazes. You may purchase your own underglazes (like this variety pack). Check website for up to date pricing.
Youth Pottery Classes: The Clay School offers some 6-week long kids classes (ages 6-11 capped at 10 students per class). Tuition includes firings & glazes. Check website for up to date pricing.
Pottery Workshops: The Clay School offers one-night wheel workshops (~15 students), date nights (~20 students), and private workshops: Wheel Workshops for up to 15 participants ($900) where participants learn basic throwing techniques and keep one piece, and Hand-building Workshops for up to 20 participants ($800) where each person creates their own mug, with both open to adults and teens (wheel) or adults and children ages 8+ (hand-building).
Artists in Residence: The studio provides artist-in-residence opportunities and hosts visiting artist workshops.
Registration: The Clay Studio has limited availability, with only about 35 new spots per session due to early registration for current students. According to The Clay School, new students should check the classes page promptly at 7:30 AM on registration day and prioritize Friday, Saturday, or Monday classes, as weeknight spots are typically filled by current students.
Parking: Street parking available. The building is not handicap accessible and handicap parking is not available.
Pottery Classes in Melrose
Follow Your Art Community Studios
Adult Pottery Classes (17+): From September - June, the 6-week adult class series are mixed-level (beginner - intermediate) and focus on both wheel-throwing and hand-building, with both morning and evening sessions offered. Each class meets for 3hrs each week, and open studio time is not available. Classes have 4-6 students. All materials, including clay, tools, glazing, and firing costs included. FYACS also offers bi-weekly month-long adult pottery classes in July and August. Check website for up to date pricing.
Youth Pottery Classes: FYACS offers 6-week weekday afternoon youth classes for ages 6–8, 8–10, 10-12, 11-14, and 13-17, with wheel-throwing beginning at age 8. Class have between 4-8 students, with a max of 6 in wheel classes. Tuition costs vary based on the length of the class. Check website for up to date pricing. FYACS also offers 4-day M-Th summer workshops for ages 8-10 and 11-14.
Pottery Workshops: FYACS offers pre-scheduled one-time wheel-throwing and hand-building workshops. FYACS also offers 2hr private group workshops for wheel-throwing ($400 for up to 5 people) and hand-building. Check website for up to date pricing.
Membership: A 10% discount is available for FYACS members, which also gives you access to art-making (not pottery) open studio time in the art classroom.
Financial Aid: Tuition assistance and adaptive services are offered through the Arts for All program. Tuition assistance is allocated on a first come first served basis each session, and individuals can receive up to 4 scholarships per calendar year. As affiliates with MA Card to Culture, FYACS also offers 50% or more in discounts to EBT & WIC cardholders.
Additional Offerings: FYACS offers inclusive adaptive services through the Arts for All program.
Registration: Some classes fill sooner than others. Registration is generally open to all at the same time, and spots tend to be available for 1-3 weeks from when registration opens.
Parking: Parking is available on Main St. or a 5 minute walk away at the Municipal Parking lot. Handicap parking available in front of the studio and ramp access is provided. MBTA access is available by walking distance at Cedar Park.
Paper & Clay
Pottery Classes: Adult classes and workshops are scheduled directly with the instructor or online for pre-scheduled times. Class sizes vary from 1–4 students for wheel throwing, 1–5 for intensive hand-building, and 6–10 for hand-building. Scheduled open studio hand-building and wheel-throwing time is available at a fee per pound of clay and includes tools, workshop space, glazing, and bisque firing Paper & Clay offers one 6-week youth afterschool class. Check website for up to date pricing.
Parking: Street parking is available on Main St or a 5 minute walk away at the Whole Foods Parking lot.
Pottery Classes in Somerville
Clay Lounge
📍 561 Windsor St, Suite B203, Somerville, MA
🔗 clayloungeboston.com/somerville
✉️ info@clayloungeboston.com
Adult Pottery Classes (18+): The Clay Lounge offers morning, afternoon, and evening teacher-led 8-week 2.5hr/week adult classes, mixed-level classes, class packs, and independent study open studio times for enrolled students. Tuition includes clay, glaze, tools, firing, and 1 make-up class. Check website for up to date pricing. Classes fill up relatively quickly, but there is a waitlist process.
Pottery Workshops: One-time 2.5hr beginner workshops are offered weekly and are open to ages 13+. They include instruction, clay, glazing, and firing. You can also schedule a beginner-friendly 2.5hr private party or corporate event by contacting them. This option is available to people ages 6+ and can accommodate 6-36 people. Check website for up to date pricing.
Parking: Limited street parking is available on Windsor Street, with additional parking in the lot at 0 Windsor Place on weekends and after 5 PM on weekdays. Located near the Union Square T stop.
Commonwealth Clayworks
Adult Pottery Classes (16+): Commonwealth Clayworks regularly offers 4 week 2hr/class series for beginners (Wheel 1) like “Bowl Making” and “Mug Making”. Periodically, they offer advanced classes (Wheel 2). Every other month they offer One Day Workshops to try out the pottery wheel. Tuition includes instruction, clay, glazes, tools and firings. New classes are listed monthly. Sign up for the newsletter for updates as there is no waitlist. Check website for up to dates and pricing. Courses at Commonwealth Clayworks are also offered through Arlington Community Education (which offers financial aid) as well as through the Cambridge Center for Adult Education.
Pottery Workshops: Commonwealth Clayworks offers private workshops that can be scheduled by email.
Membership: Commonwealth Clayworks offers experienced potters independent access to studio hours, tools, glazes, aprons, a shared clay model, and a shelf, with a firing fee of $1/lb for pieces beyond 5 lbs/month. Check website for up to date pricing on membership costs.
Accessibility: Commonwealth Clayworks is an ADA facility with easy access for wheel-chair/mobility devices. The Clayworks Companion program allows senior citizens and individuals with limited mobility to participate in studio activities with helper-companion upon request.
Mudflat Pottery School
Adult Pottery Classes (18+): Adult classes run in 14-week semesters meeting once a week for 3 hours, with options in wheel-throwing and hand-building for all skill levels. Tuition is $750.00 unless otherwise noted. Tuition includes 25 lbs. of clay (1 bag) with glazes and firings, but does not include personal clay tools (you can get a basic kit like this one here). Students may purchase additional clay from Mudflat. Students may not bring in outside clays or glazes. The studio provides select open lab hours for enrolled adult students. Mudflat also offers an independent study option.
Youth Pottery Classes: Kids (ages 5-8 & 8-12) and teen (13+) classes are held in 6-week sessions, meeting once a week for 2 hours, focusing on hand-building for younger children and wheel-throwing for older students. All materials are included at $225. Kids & teen classes do not include open lab hours.
Pottery Workshops: Adult workshops, introductory workshops, private group sessions (kids and adults), and corporate clay workshops are available.
Artists in Residence: Mudflat offers studio rentals for ceramic artists, including private or semi-private spaces for Resident Artists ($255-$455/month) and shared group studios for Associate Artists ($249/month). Both categories have 24-hour access, use of studio equipment, and the ability to fire work in Mudflat kilns, though clay, glazes, and firing costs are additional.
Membership: The Mudflat Perks Subscription ($200/year) offers a 10% discount on class tuition, intro workshops, and Mudflat purchases, plus up to 50% off other workshops, early registration access, and discounts at the Mudflat Open Studio and Sale events and Mudflat Gallery. Note that this subscription does not provide studio access, which is available only to enrolled students.
Financial Aid: Mudflat Pottery School offers financial aid for adults and children through several funds. Financial aid is based on demonstrated need, commitment to clay, and prior award history, with limited funds available each semester. As affiliates with the EBT Card to Culture program, EBT cardholders receive 50% off classes.
Additional Opportunities: Mudflat offers other various opportunities, including year-long and Artist of Color residencies, ceramic technical internships, and a call for entries for exhibitions.
Registration: Access to Mudlfat classes is very competitive and classes tend to fill extremely quickly due to early registration access for members. Study the registration process to increase your chances. Membership offers early registration as a benefit.
Parking & Access: Mudflat offers city parking with metered spots on Broadway (25 cents for 12 minutes, payable by quarters or the ParkMobile app) and limited nearby resident-only parking. It's also accessible via the Sullivan Square T-stop and several bus routes.
Pottery Classes in Stoneham
Cerámica Paint Studio
☎️ (781) 666-1718
✉️ ceramicapaintstudio@gmail.com
Pottery Classes: While predominantly a paint your own pottery studio, Cerámica Paint Studio does offer afterschool hand-building programs for ages 5-14, with classes ranging from 1 to 1.5 hours and six-week sessions (limit 8 students). Cerámica offers a 10% sibling discount. Workshops for youth and adults are by appointment are $42-$52 depending on the project, including instruction, glazing, and firing. Visit their website for adult programs and updated pricing.
Pottery Classes in Watertown
Indigo Fire Watertown
Adult Pottery Classes (18+): Indigo Fire Watertown has 30 wheels and offers 1/week 8-12-week series morning and evening wheel-throwing and hand-building classes for beginner, intermediate, and advanced students. Registration comes with open studio time during open hours, 1 make up week, 65lbs of clay, as well as other materials (ex. extensive glazes) and firings. All students have shelf space as well as access to hand building tools, but not throwing tools. Check website for up to date pricing.
Youth Pottery Classes: The Watertown studio offers a teen summer program (ages 13-18).
Pottery Workshops: Indigo Fire Watertown offers 2-2.5hr workshops like a Sip & Spin (age 21+) & a Sunday Morning Wheel Workshop (age 10+). Indigo Fire also offers 2hr private lessons for up to 4 people ($115 for one person + $45 per additional person), everything included, and student can keep up to 3 pieces.
Membership: Indigo Fire also offers independent study monthly memberships for studio access, a shelf, materials, and firings (current estimate wait time is 1 year).
Financial Aid: Indigo Fire offers financial aid for adult classes. Tuition Aid is available for up to 5 students per semester, covering up to $250 per class, with priority for first-time applicants. Applications must be submitted a semester ahead. Students must pay additional studio fees.
Additional Opportunities: Indigo Fire offers an application based work exchange program for independent study.
Registration: Classes fill fast, waitlists are available and people must reply the same day to claim a spot.
Pottery Classes in Winchester
Studio on the Common
📍 5 Waterfield Rd, Winchester, MA
🔗 studioonthecommon.com/pottery-studio
☎️ (781) 721-1023
✉️ info@studioonthecommon.com
Adult Pottery Classes (18+): Studio on the Common offers morning, afternoon, and evening beginner-intermediate wheel as well as intermediate wheel classes. The adult classes run for 8-weeks and are 2hrs per class. Students get 25lb of clay when enrolled and additional clay can be purchased at the studio with cash ($10/5lb). Open Studio time is included with registration and is available on Saturdays, Sundays, and Wednesdays, with a $15 fee for leaving wheels or tools uncleaned. Check website for up to date pricing.
Youth Pottery Classes: Studio on the Common offers 3-hr workshops on no-school days for ages 8-13, school break programming from ages 8-13, and 2hr/week 8-week wheel classes for teens ages 12-18, and 90-minute wheel classes to youth ages 8-12 . They also offer 3hr/day Monday-Friday summer programs for ages 8-10 and 11-14. Check website for up to date pricing.
Pottery Workshops: Studio on the Common Offers 2-class series workshops: Evening Adult Sip & Spins ($110/person) and daytime Family Fun Workshops (Ages 8+, $200/1 caregiver & 1 child).
Registration: It appears that Sip & Spin workshops tend to fill up faster than other classes. Unlike some studios that fill up within minutes of registration opening (ex. Mudflat & The Clay School), spaces are more available for adult and youth classes, allowing for more leisurely registration.
Parking: There is limited 1hr street parking near the studio. 2-3hr parking is available across from Town Hall on Mt. Vernon St.
Quick Comparative Overview of North of Boston Pottery Studios
A fan of comparative charts? Does seeing things side by side help? Here’s some information I’ve been able to gather:
Help me Keep this Guide Up to Date!
This guide is compiled from reviewing available content on each studio’s website as of end of December 2024 and is compiled with the non-commercial purpose of helping pottery enthusiasts find their next pottery class. Please consult each website for more up to date information and contact the studio directly for additional information as needed.
Don’t see a pottery studio on this list that should be? Is this guide not up to date? Is information missing or inaccurate? Are you a student at one of these studios and have more information to add? Please contact me so I can make edits as necessary!
