Each class includes step-by-step instruction, clay, tools, choice of glaze color, and post-production of your pots (bisque and glaze firing). These classes are non-private, group classes. Others will be taking the class with you and the instructor will be moving everyone at the same pace.

Your instructor preps the wheel area, clay, and tools ahead of time. After a short intro and demo, students receive step-by-step instructions on how to make and design a pot on the wheel. For these classes, we focus on making a bowl or a smaller pot that is best for beginners of all levels. 

At the end of class, the instructor will guide everyone through a quick clean-up. Students will then get to choose a glaze color for their piece.

Your pots stay at the studio and staff handle all the post-production - glazing and firing. Once every pot in your group is finished, the staff will contact you for pick-up.

**Please allow 4-6 weeks for your pottery to go through the entire firing process. Scroll further to read the Student Waiver*

We offer validation for three hours of parking.

We do not offer refunds or reschedules for missed bookings - all sales are final. We cannot change a reservation once it is made and the teacher is scheduled. Everyone in your group must SHOW UP ON TIME!! Showing up promptly, allows the private to start and end on time without interruptions. If you are late, the class will still end at the listed time. 

You must have a ticket to take class. If you don’t book the correct amount of tickets, you may not be admitted to class.

Please respect your instructor and the others in the studio - put your phones on vibrate or silent. Take all phone calls outside if needed.

Come dressed comfortably! Please tie back long hair and remove any nice jewelry or watches. They won’t get damaged, but clay can be a pain to clean off. Bitter Root Pottery is not responsible for your jewelry or personal belongings. While the clay does wash out, we recommend wearing clothes you don’t mind getting a little dirty. We do provide clean aprons for everyone.

We also don’t recommend wearing tight or long dresses or skirts, as you’ll need to sit close to your wheel and move freely.

You're more than welcome to bring a change of clothes for after class if you’re headed to your next destination!

Please allow at least 4-6 weeks for your pottery to complete the firing process. Staff will contact you via text message or email when everyone’s pottery in your group is ready to be picked up.  From the time of your contact, you have 30 days to come pick up your pottery. After 30 days, your work may not be available for pick-up as we need to clear room for new student work.

Occasionally, pieces do not make it through the firing process due to air bubbles, construction issues, etc. Occasionally, firings do not go as planned - shapes may warp slightly or glazes may come out different than expected. Staff cannot control the results of firings once a pot is in the kiln. This is simply the nature of the imperfect ceramic process. Completed, “perfect” pots cannot be guaranteed. 

REFUNDS WILL NOT BE ISSUED IF YOUR PIECE DOES NOT MAKE IT. 

You are coming to Bitter Root Pottery for the whole experience of working in a ceramics studio with a knowledgeable, friendly instructor! Our instructors have been working for years in this discipline to learn its many nuances and to get to the skills they have today. These skills cannot be imparted in one 2 hour session. So, while you may have ideas of creating a perfect bowl, we encourage you to set those expectations aside and focus on enjoying the entire experience of working with clay and engaging in the creative process in such depth.

We do not allow students under 18 years old to take our beginner wheel class. To ensure that your child has the best experience for their age, we recommend booking a private class with parents.

Additionally, we do not allow newborns, toddlers, children, or teenagers to be present during the class even if they will not be participating to ensure an uninterrupted experience for every participant. Thank you for understanding.