Queer Clay Monday Evenings: Queer Ceramics Workshop at Black Hound Clay Studio West Philadelphia

On Monday evenings in West Philadelphia, Black Hound Clay Studio West opens its doors to Queer Clay: Monday Evenings, an eight-week ceramics course designed by Miranda Blas. Held at 715 South 50th Street, this class runs June 1 - July 20 from 6-9 pm and blends wheel work and handbuilding with a deliberate queer perspective that encourages breaking rules and experimenting beyond tradition. Whether you’re new to clay or have spent years at the wheel, the curriculum maps to the whole tactile process: soft and hard slab, coil, pinch, solid sculpting, throwing fundamentals, trimming, glazing, and the rhythm of kiln firing. The studio supplies 25 pounds of clay, all tools, glazing materials, firing, and one free open-studio session, so you can focus on form and idea without carting equipment. Small groups (maximum ten) mean guided demos from Miranda Blas and individualized feedback as you push shapes, surface, and concept. This class stands out in Philadelphia’s broader art scene because it intentionally centers LGBTQIA+ experience within ceramics practice. Lessons include surveys of queer ceramicists alongside technical drills, asking how identity alters approach to form, function, and finish. Allies are welcome, and the atmosphere is framed as both challenging and supportive—a place to learn pinch pots and also to question who gets to define craft norms. Practical details matter: the studio is wheelchair accessible and welcomes students 16 and older. The meeting point, 715 South 50th Street, situates you in a neighborhood rich with independent makers, street murals, and quick transit connections to Center City and University City. Bring curiosity; leave with several kiln-fired pieces and new language for your work. For travelers or visiting artists, Monday evenings are an excellent way to plug into Philadelphia’s creative community without a major time commitment—three hours per week across eight weeks lets you absorb feedback and return to practice during the included open studio. Payment plans are offered during registration windows; refer to the class page for exact installment dates. If you have questions about accessibility, materials, or whether the course matches your skill level, email [email protected] or consult the studio's "What to Know" guide. Queer Clay is not just a skills course; it’s a workshop for risk-taking in clay. You’ll learn durable techniques and leave with fired objects, but more importantly you'll take home a new approach to making: intentional, playful, and unapologetically queer. Students who want extra practice can purchase additional clay on the studio website, and class includes one open-studio session where you can refine pieces between firings. Expect hands-on instruction, tactile mess, and glazing chemistry explained clearly. Whether you come seeking technical growth or a creative cohort, this course builds both craft skills and a network of makers across West Philadelphia’s studio scene.