What does the waitlist mean?

Joining the waitlist registers your interest; the studio will contact you if a registered spot becomes available, but waitlist membership does not guarantee enrollment.

How old do students need to be?

The class is open to ages 16 and up.

What is included in tuition?

All instruction, tools, glazes, firing and 25 pounds of clay are included, plus one free open-studio session; additional clay can be purchased.

Is the studio accessible?

Yes—location at 715 South 50th Street is wheelchair accessible.

How large are classes?

Groups are limited to about ten people to ensure focused instructor feedback and manageable bench space.

Who do I contact with questions?

Email West@blackhoundclay.com for questions about availability, the waitlist, or class policies.

Handbuilding at Blackhound Clay: Tuesday Evenings in West Philadelphia | Workshop | Events

On a Tuesday evening in West Philadelphia, Blackhound Clay opens its studio at 715 South 50th Street for a small, hands-on handbuilding class led by instructor Corinna Cowles. This eight-week course meets from 6–9 p.m. and guides makers through the tactile process of turning clay into functional tableware and independent projects. The studio hums with low conversation, tools clink against workbenches, and shelves display bisqued pieces awaiting glaze. The focus is on handbuilding techniques—pinch, coil, and slab—so you can craft mugs, plates, and vessels without a wheel. Clay, water, and your hands are the primary materials: raw earth shaped and later transformed by the studio kiln into durable work. Tuition includes all instruction, tools, glazes, firing and 25 pounds of clay, plus one free open-studio session to practice between classes.

Class size is capped at ten people, which keeps instructor feedback direct and bench space comfortable. The studio is wheelchair accessible and welcomes students aged 16 and up. Corinna Cowles leads demonstrations, offers one-on-one troubleshooting, and helps students translate personal design ideas into technically sound pieces ready for firing. What sets this offering apart in Philadelphia’s maker scene is its emphasis on independent projects: rather than following a rigid syllabus, students pursue their own concepts while learning fundamentals and finishing techniques.

For travelers and locals alike, this is an approachable urban craft experience—no outdoor gear or travel logistics beyond Philadelphia’s streets. You’ll learn about clay as a material, see glaze chemistry in action, and finish with pieces that reflect the practical craftsmanship of the class. Practicalities matter: bring old clothes or an apron, plan on three focused hours per session, and know that the waitlist is a flexible system—the studio will contact you if a seat opens, but joining the list is not a guarantee. Questions can be sent to [email protected]. Whether you’re a curious beginner or an intermediate maker seeking studio time and instructor attention, this Tuesday-evening series offers concentrated practice, clear feedback, and the quiet satisfaction of turning earth into everyday tableware.