Wheelthrowing 102: Tuesday Evenings at Black Hound Clay in West Philadelphia

On a Tuesday evening at 715 South 50th Street in West Philadelphia, the room hums with the quiet, tactile energy of hands shaping clay. Wheelthrowing 102: Tuesday Evenings is an eight-week, intermediate wheel course led by instructor Natalie Avery for makers ready to move beyond basics. The studio at Black Hound Clay supplies wheels, tools, glazes, firing, and 25 pounds of clay per student, plus one free open studio—so every session balances technique with tangible outcomes. Signups are currently waitlist-only; add your name online and the studio will email you if a seat opens, and questions go to [email protected]. Classes meet 6–9 pm on consecutive Tuesdays, capped at ten people to preserve one-on-one coaching at the wheel. Expect focused work on centering, pulling consistent walls, trimming clean feet, and throwing larger domestic forms like bowls and mugs. The syllabus includes hands-on glaze demos and kiln workflow so you understand how wet clay becomes fired tableware. The space is wheelchair accessible and geared toward makers aged 16 and up, making it an inclusive option for students who want structured progression and reliable kiln time. What sets this offering apart is the studio's role in the neighborhood. Black Hound Clay at 715 South 50th Street doubles as a classroom and a local craft hub where students trade techniques during open studio hours and build long-term practice habits. The class's small size accelerates learning: instructors catch issues early and teach solutions you can repeat after the session. Materials fees cover firing to cone 6, and additional firings or clay purchases are available through the studio website. Practical tips: come ready to get messy, bring a towel and a notebook for glaze recipes, and leave room in your schedule for open studio time to finish pieces. This course suits people who have completed an intro class, want to increase throwing speed and consistency, or aim to produce a matched set of functional ware. Whether you walk away with a reliable mug, a serving bowl, or the confidence to trim a clean foot, Wheelthrowing 102 turns Tuesday nights into disciplined practice that grows both craft and community. Classes frequently include short critiques, glaze formulation talks, and opportunities to explore altered and multi-piece constructions. Materials fees cover firing to cone 6, and extra firings are available for a fee. The waitlist process is simple: add your name online, and the studio emails available slots; enrollment confirmations include payment and supply details. Come ready to make clay.