Pottery Classes near Uptown, Denver
Uptown sits right at the crossroads of everything that makes Denver livable, great restaurants on 17th Avenue, City Park just steps away, and a walkable grid that makes it easy to build a life without relying on a car. If you have been thinking about picking up a new skill that gets you off the couch and into a creative flow state, Claya is barely ten minutes from your front door. Our ceramics studio in the RiNo Arts District offers wheel throwing classes with open studio time for students, memberships with your own keycode to the studio, and private group events in a bright, spacious workshop.
Why Uptown Residents Love Claya
Uptown residents tend to be curious, social people who are always looking for the next great experience, whether that is a new restaurant on 17th, a Sunday afternoon at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science, or a weeknight pottery class that becomes the highlight of the week. What keeps people coming back to Claya is the combination of creative challenge and genuine relaxation. Working on the wheel requires enough concentration to quiet the noise in your head, but it is also forgiving enough that you can laugh at your mistakes and try again. Our instructors create an atmosphere that is encouraging without being precious, and the small class sizes mean you actually learn.
Classes and Membership
Start with our Intro to Wheel Throwing course, a six-week program that takes you through every step from centering clay to pulling your first bowl to glazing a finished piece. Classes are capped at a small group of students so everyone gets hands-on attention from the instructor. From there, Advanced Beginner Wheel builds on your foundation with more complex forms and techniques. Every class also includes student open studio during your course, Mondays, Fridays and Saturdays 10 AM to 6 PM.
Our studio membership is the best deal for anyone who wants to make pottery a regular part of life, $140 per month, with your own keycode to the studio. We also offer private events for groups of any size, ideal for date nights, birthday celebrations, or team building.
Getting Here from Uptown
Drive: about 10 minutes. Head north on Downing St through Five Points into RiNo. Near 38th St, turn left onto Walnut St and continue southwest a few blocks to the studio, between 34th and 35th. Claya is at 3440 Walnut St, Denver, CO 80205.
Parking: street parking near 38th and Blake. Evenings are usually easy; allow a few extra minutes on weekends when RiNo is busy.
Transit: RTD Route 12 runs along Downing St to the 38th & Blake station, a short walk from the studio.
Local tip: plenty of Uptown students start the evening with a walk through City Park, then head north for a 6 PM class and are back on 17th Avenue in time for a late dinner.
At a glance: six-week classes are $325, taught in small groups. Try the Pottery Wheel is one night for $60. Membership is $140 per month with a 2-month minimum. Studio hours are Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday 10 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday by appointment.
Before and After Class
One of the best parts of taking a class at Claya is that you get to explore RiNo while you are here. Before your session, grab a bite at Work and Class for hearty, family-style plates, or pick up a coffee at Middle State Coffee. After class, Odell Brewing's RiNo taproom is a great spot to unwind, and the Denver Central Market offers a little bit of everything if you cannot decide what you are in the mood for. The neighborhood has a creative streak that pairs well with a freshly thrown pot still on your mind.
Claya is the RiNo pottery studio in Denver where beginners and regulars share the wheels, at 3440 Walnut Street.
Check out our pottery classes in Denver or learn about membership to take the first step. We cannot wait to have you in the studio.