5 Must-Try Pottery Classes in Ottawa Where You Can Get Down and Dirty (In a Good Way!)
Ever dreamt of transforming a lump of clay into a masterpiece (or at least a mug that doesn’t leak)? Me neither…until recently when a friend dragged me to a pottery class.
While the idea of getting my hands dirty and learning something new totally appealed to my inner artist, the class itself turned out to be a dud. Let’s just say the instructor’s idea of “centering” involved more confusion than zen.
Determined to find a pottery class that wouldn’t leave me feeling like I had two left hands, I went on a mission. I interviewed instructors, scoured online reviews, and even infiltrated pottery forums (yep, I’m THAT dedicated).
Now, I present to you the ultimate guide to Ottawa’s top pottery classes. Let’s get ready to transform that lump of clay into something amazing…or at least hilarious!
1. Hintonburg Pottery
| Teaching Expertise | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Facilities | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Pricing (A higher score means better value) | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
| Class Size and Variety | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
Nestled in Ottawa’s artsy Hintonburg neighborhood, Hintonburg Pottery is a light-filled haven. It’s a chill and collaborative community of potters creating stunning pieces that are also available for purchase.
They offer a crazy-diverse class range—from kiddie camps to adult workshops for beginners, intermediates, and even seniors.
Examples of classes include beginner, intermediate, seniors, kids, wheel courses, hand-building workshops, camps/after-school programs, and private hand-building.
If you’re feeling creative with your family, they have classes for that too!
We’re also impressed with their state-of-the-art Japanese wheels, a glaze room with over 40 options, and all their sculpting tools. Plus, their instructors are friendly and experienced, ready to guide you on your pottery journey.
We learned that they’re community-minded, offering fundraising opportunities for local charities like the Parkdale Food Centre and Soul Space Ottawa. It’s a great way to get crafty and give back.
Notably, they’ve been featured in the New York Times. For us, this means the studio must be doing something right!
In terms of access, there are major bus routes nearby and the Tunney’s Pasture Transitway station is just a short walk away. Drivers can also find free street parking on Wellington and neighboring streets.
Note, however, that Hintonburg Pottery comes with a premium price tag.
Pros
- Wide range of pottery classes
- Caters to kids, teens, adults, and seniors
- Family courses available
- Has Japanese wheels
- Glaze room with over 40 options
- Very accessible with free parking nearby
Cons
- Pricey
Customer Reviews
OUT OF THIS WORLD EXPERIENCE!
“OUT OF THIS WORLD EXPERIENCE! Celebrating my birthday with three of the most important people in my life, Hintonburg Pottery made it such an amazing time. Anne was the instructor who shared her passion with the whole class. She set a pace for the class that was perfect for anyone who was new to using a pottery wheel or maybe had some prior experience. From learning techniques to terminology Anne made the night both fun, educational and engaging. The class size for the one night class was perfect for getting to have one on one help when needed but also had time to have some independence on experimentation and learning on your own.” — Tyler Sheppard, Google Review
Took a beginner wheel class, and it was absolutely fantastic
“I took a beginner wheel class and it was absolutely fantastic. The 5 classes were spent learning how to throw and trim pieces. No time was spent on glazing, but they do it for you! At the end, I left with 7 pieces that I am proud of and will use at home!” — MyLinh Nguyen, Google Review
2. ACE Arte Studio
| Teaching Expertise | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Facilities | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Pricing (A higher score means better value) | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Class Size and Variety | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
If you’re looking for a fun, inclusive, and art kid-friendly space in Ottawa, then check out ACE Arte Studio. They offer a variety of classes and workshops for both kids and adults, fostering creativity and a sense of community.
We like their focus on small class sizes. This ensures you get plenty of personalized attention, whether you’re a seasoned artist or a complete beginner.
Pottery enthusiasts would love their weekly, one-time, and private pottery workshops for kids and families. Think mugs, planters, floral wall plaques, and adorable cupcake jars—perfect for unleashing your inner ceramicist (and creating some cute gifts!).
And if you’re craving a pottery adventure with friends, they offer private workshops for groups of five or more. Contact them to create your own personalized clay session—from one-night paint nights to seasonal craft-making workshops, and more!
As a bonus, all materials are included in the class fees, so there’s no need to worry about bringing anything extra.
We also love their loyalty program where you can score perks like 20% off any booking. You’ll earn points towards future discounts on classes or even pottery supplies.
Just a heads up, there are no classes exclusively for seniors. Also, they’re closed on Mondays, so plan your pottery adventure accordingly.
Pros
- Offers small class sizes
- Caters to kids and adults
- Weekly, one-time, and private pottery workshops
- All materials included in the class fees
- Offers a loyalty program
Cons
- Does not have classes for seniors
- Closed on Mondays
Customer Reviews
Loved the pottery mug making workshop
“Such a wonderful, inviting and friendly art studio. Steffi is so talented and a natural at teaching. Loved the pottery mug making workshop.” — Chantal Begin, Google Review
Owner and her staff are extremely kind
“What a wonderful studio! The owner and her staff are extremely kind. We had our daughter’s birthday at the studio this March and it was so much fun, such a breeze, even with 10 kids attending the party. Steffi and Chantal kept the kids entertained the entire 2 hours with no issues. My daughter also participated in a kids workshop in December and loved it. We will definitely be back. Amazing place!” — Vanessa Sanschagrin, Google Review
3. LOAM Clay Studio
| Teaching Expertise | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Facilities | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Pricing (A higher score means better value) | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Class Size and Variety | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
LOAM Clay Studio is a pottery studio in Ottawa that caters to all skill levels. They’ve been cultivating creativity for over 10 years, offering a welcoming space for potters of all stripes to learn, grow, and get their hands dirty.
We love their focus on inclusivity; from complete beginners to seasoned artists, they offer a variety of classes and workshops.
Classes include six-week wheel throwing or handbuilding courses. And for those wanting a shorter pottery fix, they even have one-time workshops and date nights.
Experienced potters can even take their skills to the next level with masterclasses led by renowned ceramic artists. And if you’re feeling independent, rent an open studio space and unleash your creativity with access to all their equipment and tools.
Speaking of equipment, they’re a one-stop shop for potters! They sell everything you need to get started, from stamps and Japanese tissue transfers to various clays, glazes, and even finished pottery pieces for inspiration (or instant gratification).
Twice a year, they even host studio sales, giving open studio members a platform to showcase their work.
Note that due to their popularity, it can be tricky to snag a spot in a class. Be prepared to book early to secure your desired time slot.
Pros
- Over 10 years of experience
- Caters to beginners and seasoned artists
- Short- and long-term pottery classes
- Offers studio rental
- Carries pottery tools and equipment
- Hosts studio sales bi-annually
Cons
- Can be hard to book a slot
Customer Reviews
Loam is my second home
“Loam Clay Studio has been my studio for over 3 years now. Loam’s new location is a spacious, bright and equipped with 17 wheels and large tables for handbuilding. The staff are always pleasant to be around and so helpful in sharing their unlimited knowledge with not only new students just starting out but many accomplished ceramic artists as well. The options for creating are limitless – you can sign up for a 1 hour session, or a 6 week class….. to becoming a Loam Studio Renter with so many options in between. Loam is my second home and I hope you come by and visit! ~Anne Attached is the glaze board and it’s awesome!!!” — Anne Nicol, Google Review
Excellent courses for throwing and hand building
“Excellent courses for throwing and hand building. Courses fit 8 people and everyone has their own wheel. Beautiful glaze selection. Little shop for supplies and finished pottery.”— Carly Dybka, Google Review
4. Stuck in the Mud Pottery Studio
| Teaching Expertise | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Facilities | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Pricing (A higher score means better value) | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Class Size and Variety | ★★★☆☆ (3/5) |
If you ever feel the urge to get your hands dirty and create something beautiful, head on over to Stuck in the Mud Pottery Studio. Run by the passionate Mandy, it might be the perfect place to unleash your inner potter!
Mandy’s journey from art school to studio owner shows her dedication to pottery. She even took the Intensive Ceramics program at Haliburton School of Art and Design!
For beginners, try their one-day crash course—this three-hour intensive workshop gets you right on the wheel to learn the fundamentals. “Four Week Wheel 101” or “Three Week Wheel: Just the Basics!” are also available.
The studio takes care of trimming, firing, and glazing your creation, leaving you with a beautiful (and functional) piece to cherish.
As a cherry on top, they also cater to groups. They can accommodate up to two private parties a month, making it a fantastic option for a creative birthday celebration or team-building event.
Now, if you’re looking for a gift for the pottery enthusiast in your life, they offer gift certificates in denominations of $50, $100, and $200.
Before you grab your mud-splattered apron, note that they have a strict 18+ age limit. Also, they have a no-refund policy, so make sure you’re fully committed before signing up.
Pros
- Owner is a Haliburton School of Art and Design grad
- Offers one-day pottery crash courses
- Offers intensive, long-term classes
- Can also host groups during private workshops
- Offers gift certificates
Cons
- Only for 18+No refunds
Customer Reviews
I can’t recommend Mandy’s classes enough!
“I can’t recommend Mandy’s classes enough! I took a one day crash course back in February and had to come back for more! I just finished a four week wheel course and had the best time. Mandy is great at explaining everything step by step and giving you a hand when things go slightly awry. Will definitely be back for more!” — Pascale Couturier-Rose, Google Review
Had an absolutely wonderful time at Stuck in the Mud pottery
“I had an absolutely wonderful time at Stuck in the Mud pottery studio. My friends and I did the pottery wheel workshop and it was a blast! Mandy (the owner/teacher) is lovely, so sweet and funny, just an all around joyful person. While I’m certainly no artist, and I’ve never used a pottery wheel before, Mandy was a great teacher and I think my little bowls turned out awesome! I can’t wait to go back and do one of the hand clay molding workshops! If you enjoy crafting, get a couple of friends together and go check it out, highly recommend!!” — Jenna PT, Google Review
5. March Meadow
| Teaching Expertise | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Facilities | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Pricing (A higher score means better value) | ★★★★★ (5/5) |
| Class Size and Variety | ★★★★☆ (4/5) |
March Meadow is a charming mix of a local market, organic farm, and pottery haven, all rolled into one! Founded by Greg, a man passionate about both veggies and clay, it offers a unique pottery experience with a focus on fresh and local.
The pottery studio itself is located upstairs in their rustic barn, boasting five wheels and two kilns. Basically, it has everything you need to get your Demi Moore on (‘Ghost’ film reference—check it out!)
They cater to beginners with their affordable 3-part “Beginners on the Wheel” course, covering throwing basics, trimming, and glazing. Bonus: all the tools and materials are included.
We also like their Kids Pottery Camp which allows youngsters aged 6-11 to explore a variety of techniques, from pinch pots to building with slabs. Just like the adult class, all materials and glazing are included in the price (a steal at only $50!).
We admire their commitment to sustainability, which extends to their farm, where everything is grown organically. Their farm shop even carries a variety of locally-made products, making it a great place to support local artisans!
We did notice that their pottery class offerings are a bit limited compared to other studios in Ottawa.
Pros
- Market, organic farm, and pottery studio
- Has five wheels and two kilns
- Affordable pottery courses
- Has a 3-part “Beginners on the Wheel” course
- Offers a Kids Pottery Camp
- Carries locally-made products
Cons
- Comparatively limited range of classes
Customer Reviews
Very nice pottery studio
“Very nice pottery studio. I took a 3-week pottery class there. The instructor was fun and inspiring. I had a wonderful experience and came back with my first mug/cup to prove it. I wish they will have more courses in the fall again.” — Li Tang, Google Review
Great local farm market and great pottery studio!
“Great local farm market and great pottery studio! Love the charm and the great service.” — Cheryl Hammond, Google Review
FAQs about Pottery Classes
Ottawa’s pottery studios are a dream for getting hands-on with clay, but if you crave a deeper dive into art, the best art schools in Ottawa await. Explore these top institutions to nurture your creative spirit!