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 instruction on how to make and design a pot on the wheel. For theses classes, we focus on making a bowl or a smaller pot that are best for beginners who’ve never thrown before (or haven’t thrown a lot).

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*

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

We provide tripods if you would like to film your experience!

Come dressed comfortably, with long hair tied back and nice jewelry and watches removed (they won’t get hurt but it is a pain to clean the clay off!). Bitter Root Pottery is not responsible for your jewelry or personal belongings. The clay will wash out and we do provide clean aprons; but wear clothes you don’t mind getting clay on.

We offer validation for three hours of parking.

Please allow at least six-eight (4-6) weeks for your pottery to complete the firing process. Staff will contact you 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 making a perfect bowl, we encourage you to put those expectations down and focus on enjoying the entire experience of working with clay and engaging with the creative process so in-depth.