PHILADELPHIA WORKSHOP FIELD GUIDE
Eight Wednesday Nights of Clay: Handbuilding Planters in West Philadelphia
An 8-week beginner workshop at Black Hound Clay Studio West that teaches coil, slab and pinching techniques to make functional planters; this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
Eight Wednesday Nights of Clay: Handbuilding Planters in West Philadelphia.
Create your own pottery over eight Wednesday evenings in a beginner-focused class run at Black Hound Clay Studio West, where expert instruction and provided materials let newcomers concentrate on learning form and finish.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Handbuilding: coils, slabs and pinching
The class centers on handbuilding methods—coils, slabs and pinching—to construct unique, functional planters and teach structural approaches that work without a wheel.
Decoration and glazing
Students add personal touches using underglaze and glaze as part of the course curriculum, moving pieces from raw form toward finished, usable planters.
A friendly, beginner-friendly setting
The workshop runs in a studio environment designed to welcome first-timers and more experienced makers alike, with expert guidance throughout the series.
What the day feels like
What an evening feels like
Across eight Wednesday evenings, expect steady, instructor-led progression: introductions and demonstrations, time at the bench shaping coils, slabs and pinched forms, and guided glazing—each session building toward a small suite of finished planters.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this series is for—and who should reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
The course runs Wednesday evenings from June 3 through July 22, 6–9 pm, meeting across eight weeks.
Sessions take place at Black Hound Clay Studio West, 715 South 50th Street in West Philadelphia.
All tools and clay are included; come ready to work and wear clothes that can get a little messy.
Read the studio's 'What to Know' Guide before the first meeting and contact the studio with questions.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Do I need prior experience with clay?
No—this class is open to students of all levels and lists no prerequisite experience.
When and for how long does the course run?
The workshop runs Wednesday evenings, June 3–July 22, 6–9 pm, across eight weeks.
Where do I go for the first class meeting?
Meet at Black Hound Clay Studio West, 715 South 50th Street in West Philadelphia.
What materials and tools are required?
All tools and clay are provided by the studio; students should bring willingness to work and clothes that can get messy.
Where can I find pre-class information or ask questions?
Read the 'What to Know' Guide provided by the studio prior to your first class meeting and email [email protected] with any questions.
Is there a payment plan?
Installment payment options are offered with specific charge dates depending on registration date; please consult the studio's published schedule for exact installment dates.