Frequently asked questions

Do I need pottery experience to take a class?

No previous pottery experience is required.

Our 8-week wheel throwing and handbuilding classes are beginner-friendly and designed to support students who are new to clay, as well as returning students who want to keep building their skills. Each class includes demonstrations, guided instruction, and time to practice at your own pace.

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What is included in the registration fee?

Your registration includes 8 weekly classes, 5kg of clay, instruction and demonstrations, use of studio tools and equipment during class, all glazes, and all firings.

Additional clay can be purchased in 5 kg blocks for $20.00 per block. Most students use between 1 and 3 blocks of clay during an 8-week session.

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How many students are in each class?

Each class is limited to 8 students.

Keeping classes small ensures that everyone has access to the equipment, space to work, and individual attention from the instructor. This helps create a supportive, focused, and welcoming studio environment.

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What should I wear to class?

Please wear comfortable clothing that you do not mind getting dirty.

Pottery is a hands-on process, and clay may get on your clothes, shoes, and hands. We recommend wearing clothing that allows you to move easily and shoes that are comfortable for standing or sitting at the wheel.

Long nails can make wheel throwing more difficult, so shorter nails are recommended for wheel classes.

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What happens if I miss a class?

Make-up classes are possible if there is space available in another class.

If there is no space in another class, a make-up class may be arranged during the final class of another session for glazing only.

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Are classes refundable?

All classes are non-refundable.

Please make sure you are able to attend the session before registering. Because class sizes are limited, your registration reserves your spot for the full 8-week session.

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How much clay will I need?

On average, students use between 1 and 3 blocks of clay during an 8-week session. The amount you use will depend on the size, number, and type of pieces you choose to make.

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Are glazes and firings included?

Yes.

All glazes and firings are included in the registration fee. Your instructor will guide you through the glazing process and explain how your pieces move through the studio from wet clay to finished ceramic work.

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What is the difference between wheel throwing and handbuilding?

Wheel throwing is done on the pottery wheel and focuses on forms such as cylinders, bowls, bottles, and vessels.

Handbuilding is done without the wheel and uses techniques such as pinching, coiling, slab building, carving, texture, and surface decoration.

Both classes are beginner-friendly. Wheel throwing is a great choice if you are excited to learn the wheel, while handbuilding is a great option if you want a slower, more flexible way to explore form, texture, and creative projects.

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Can I join open studio membership after taking a class?

Open studio membership is available to ceramic artists who are comfortable working independently in a studio setting.

To be eligible to apply for open studio membership, students must complete a minimum of two 8-week class sessions at Dex Lab. This helps ensure that members are familiar with the studio, equipment, materials, and expectations before working independently.

For more information about membership, please contact info@thedexlab.com.