Best DIY Pottery In Pittsburgh
Always interjected yourself into the iconic pottery scene in Ghost, but don't have the skills to play next to Patrick Swayze? Never fear, pottery novice, as the fine establishments on this list will teach you everything you need to know about sculpting, reduction glazes and waxing, plus throwing and making your own pieces to take home and showcase to Hollywood producers — or your in-laws.
Fireborn Studios
2338 Sarah St.
Pittsburgh, PA 15203
(412) 488-68350
www.fireborn.com
Fireborn Studios, owned by artists Dan Vito and Donna Hetrick, offers a variety of resources for the new and experienced pottery aficionado alike. Students may sign up for eight-week classes and learn the steps to making beautiful, functional pottery to use at home, or give as gifts, and delight in Fireborn's unique teaching process. Children's classes are no longer offered, but adults 18 and older may sign up for one of Fireborn's small classes (capped at a total of approximately 13 students) that run all year long. Even if making pottery is not exactly your thing, you can even purchase one of Dan and Donna's fine pieces for yourself — no clay under your fingernails involved.
North Hills Art Center
3432 Babcock Blvd.
Pittsburgh PA 15237
(412) 364-3622
www.northhillsartcenter.com
For those aged 18 and up, who are already in possession of a rudimentary knowledge of pottery, North Hills Art Center has the class for you. Students are encouraged to both work on the potter's wheel and hand build. Supplies are sold through the school, and classes run every Monday from 7 – 10 p.m. NHAC members pay $10; nonmembers are $20 per class.
Katie's Clay Studio
3812 William Flynn Highway, Building 2
Alison Park, PA 15101
(412) 486-2184
www.katiesclaystudio.com
Open Tuesday through Saturday, Katie's Clay Studio offers something for everyone. From wet clay projects to wheel throwing (ages 10 and older, please), paint your own custom pottery (plus try tons of other fun, artistic endeavors). Just choose your medium and get to work. For clay studio projects reservations are required, and run anywhere between $10 - 30, plus the price of clay used. Summer camps, group clay classes and birthday party packages are also offered.
Related: Best Pottery Painting Classes For Kids In Pittsburgh
Sweetwater Center For The Arts
200 Broad St.
Sewickley, PA 15143
(412) 741-4405
www.sweetwaterartcenter.org
Whether you're three or 93, Sweetwater will offer you a class that will enlighten and encourage, educate and stimulate. Pottery classes abound at this 40-year-old institution, and offer advancement for every skill level. Exhibitions are also often held, where you can showcase your beautiful pottery (or stained glass, mosaic or paiper mache creation). If you're finding Sweetwater's class fees too steep, need-based scholarships are also available.
ARTrageous Studio
100 Church Road
Wexford, PA 15090
(724) 719-2181
www.artrageousstudio.com
Throw your clay, fuse your glass, or just hang out with Frozen's Elsa for a fun workshop — whatever your heART's desire, this artrageous little studio has you covered. Opened in April of 2015, this unique studio (which never charges a studio fee – yay!), allows drop-ins with no reservation required. Birthday parties, ladies nights, summer camps and kid's art classes are also available, so pop in to learn how to paint on canvas and stay to fire your very own clay creation.
Nikki Tiani-Moroney is a full time mum of two boys, wife of a professional poker player/photographer/amateur pencil-sharpening competitor and writer from Pittsburgh, PA. When she isn't studiously neglecting her housework in favor of a good book, she's out simultaneously fighting crime and picking up sidewalk litter while savoring an occasional cigarette. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.
