4 Places to take a pottery class in Birmingham, including Red Dot Gallery

Do you have a favorite coffee mug? Or a specific plate you love to eat dinner on? What if I told you you could make your own? When someone told me that I could take a pottery class here in Birmingham, I jumped at the chance. 

What Does It Mean To Take A Pottery Class?

Have you ever been to one of those studios where you can pick a ready-made piece of pottery and choose whatever glaze you want? Pottery classes are not like that. When you sign up for a class, the instructor will teach you the basics of either throwing on a wheel or using a hand building technique to make forms. Then it’s up to you to decide what types of forms you want to make. Some people love to make mugs, some excel in hand building bowls. On the other hand, you can choose to craft sculptures or decorative pieces. The best thing is, you are the artist. Sign up for a class and start creating!

Where Can You Take A Pottery Class In Birmingham?

1. Red Dot Gallery:

• Class length: 6 weeks. 2 days per week, 3 hours each day
• Provide your own clay and glaze
• Cost: $175
• 1001 Stuart St, Birmingham, AL 35209 

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2. Earthborn Pottery

• 6 weeks, including free studio use during business hours
• Studio provides 25 lbs. Of clay, and glazes
• Cost: $200
• 7575 Parkway Dr, Leeds, AL 35094

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3. Thrive Clay Studio

• Wheel and handbuilding classes
• Cost: Wheel: $225 for 6-weeks, 1 class per week (all supplies included)
• Cost: Handbuilding: $250 for 4 weeks, 1 class per week (all supplies included)
• 2821 2nd Ave S suite a-1, Birmingham, AL 35233 

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4. MAKE Bhm

• 2 options: intro to ceramics (throwing) and intro to ceramics (hand building)
• Clay and glazes provided
• Cost: $130 for 4 wheel-throwing sessions 
• Cost: $100 For 3 hand building sessions
• 4000 3rd Ave S, Birmingham, AL 35222 

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Why Should You Take A Pottery Class?

Speaking from my personal experience, pottery class started out as a type of therapy — a stress release 6 hours a week. A place to get lost and create. But it’s become so much more. It is empowering to be able to make your own goods. My previous favorite coffee mug has been replaced with one that I made and glazed myself. I’ve given gifts like vases, handmade coasters and platters. I’ll leave you with this quote from one of my classmates, Chelsea Graff:

“I love it because it is a chance to meet new people I would otherwise not meet. It’s calming — but it also produces something I can use or give away. Also, it’s not a skill you learn just once — it’s something you can continue to grow in forever.”

Have you taken a pottery class in our Magic City? If so, let us know where you went!

Did I miss your favorite studio? Email me and let me know at lauren@bhamnow.com. 

Interested in other creative classes in Birmingham? Check out our list of classes here.