Discover the art of pottery at Black Hound Clay Studio in West. This eight-week intermediate class is perfect for those ready to develop their handbuilding techniques and create unique ceramic pieces in a supportive environment.
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Difficulty
intermediate
Duration
8 weeks
Fitness Level
No special physical fitness required, but good hand coordination helps
Wildlife
History
Black Hound Clay Studio has been a cornerstone of Santa Rosa’s arts community for over a decade, fostering creativity across generations.
Conservation
The studio emphasizes eco-friendly practices, using non-toxic glazes and encouraging recycling of clay scraps to reduce waste.
Black Hound Clay Studio West
Discover the art of pottery at Black Hound Clay Studio in West. This eight-week intermediate class is perfect for those ready to develop their handbuilding techniques and create unique ceramic pieces in a supportive environment.
Black Hound Clay Studio West is a ceramics studio offering a broad schedule of pottery classes, workshops, open studio sessions, summer art camps, and members-only events. The studio presents structured multi-week series such as Wheelthrowing 101 and Wheelthrowing 102, short-format workshops like Make Your Own Holiday Mug and One Day Wheel Workshop, and skill-focused courses including Handbuilt Tableware for Beginners and Intermediate Handbuilding options.
Classes emphasize hands-on instruction in wheelthrowing, slab and coil handbuilding, surface decoration, glazing, and functional tableware. Several class listings note small, supportive settings and instructor-led guidance; named instructors appear in class descriptions, including Frankie Iadarola, Corinna Cowles, and Caroline Hayes-Charuk. The studio also runs open studio sessions for students, member-focused demos and refreshers (kiln, glaze, reclaim, slip, extruder), and bookable private workshops.
Seasonal programming includes Mid-Summer Open Studio Sessions and Black Hound West Summer Art Camp sessions scheduled for August 2025. Multiple offerings show waitlist status for popular time slots, indicating high demand. Membership-only entries provide additional hands-on opportunities and technical demos.
Black Hound Clay Studio West’s program mix supports beginners through intermediate students, offering repeatable class sequences and specialty workshops for makers seeking practical skills, creative play, and finished functional work. The studio lists explicit class names, waitlist entries, and member events to help prospective students find a right-fit experience.
Experiences Offered
38
Classes, workshops, camps, and member events
Members Events
6
Kiln, glaze, reclaim, slip, extruder demos
Summer Camps
2 (2025)
August 2025 camp sessions listed
Waitlist Entries
10
Several popular classes show waitlists
Search wheelthrowing, handbuilding, workshops, summer camps, and members sessions; reserve a spot or join waitlists for in-demand classes and private workshops.
Prepare to get your hands dirty
Bring old clothes and be ready to work directly with clay to maximize your learning experience.
Schedule studio time accordingly
Allocate extra time to complete your projects and allow for kiln firing cycles.
Explore different clay types
Ask instructors about the variety of clays and glazes to customize your creations.
Take good notes during class
Document techniques and tips for future reference and ongoing practice.
Old clothes or apron
Protect your clothing from clay splatters during the workshops.
Notebook and pen
Jot down techniques, recipes, and ideas for future projects.
Comfortable shoes
Wear for standing and moving comfortably around the studio.
Small towel or rag
Keep hands clean and dry while working with clay.