PHILADELPHIA WORKSHOP FIELD GUIDE
Friday Nights at the Wheel: Eight Weeks of Pottery in West Philadelphia
An eight-week beginner wheelthrowing course at Black Hound Clay Studio West that guides students from wet clay through trimming, decorating, and glazing.
Friday Nights at the Wheel: Eight Weeks of Pottery in West Philadelphia.
Black Hound Clay Studio West runs Wheelthrowing 101 as a friendly, beginner-focused eight-week class in West Philadelphia; over the series students learn the full ceramic process—working wet clay on the wheel, trimming, decorating and glazing—in a clean, well-stocked studio with personalized instruction.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
A tidy, well-stocked teaching space in West Philadelphia
Classes take place at Black Hound Clay Studio West, a clean studio environment where teaching artists and staff provide one-on-one attention in small class sizes.
From centering to glazing: a full process course
Wheelthrowing 101 walks students through every step of making pottery on the wheel—from wet clay to trimming, decorating, and glazing—so beginners leave versed in the end-to-end ceramic process.
A deliberate, weekly practice: eight Friday evenings
The course is scheduled as an eight-week series held on Friday evenings, offering a steady weekly practice that builds foundational throwing technique and finishing skills.
What the day feels like
What the eight-week course feels like
Over eight Friday-evening sessions, students move from basic wheel-centering and shaping to trimming, decorating and glazing under the guidance of professional teaching artists; the class is designed to welcome complete beginners while still serving those with prior throwing experience, and the small, personal setting emphasizes hands-on practice and individual feedback.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this class suits—and who might reconsider.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Students are asked to bring their creativity; the class is set up to teach foundational wheelthrowing skills in a well-equipped studio.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Where and when does Wheelthrowing 101 meet?
The class meets at Black Hound Clay Studio West, 715 South 50th Street, on Fridays, June 5–July 24, from 6–9 pm.
Do I need prior experience to enroll?
No experience is necessary; the course is designed as a beginner-friendly introduction to wheelthrowing.
How do installment payments work?
If you register between March 28 and April 12, 2026, payments are three installments of 33% (upon registration, April 24, 2026, and May 22, 2026). If you register between April 13 and May 10, 2026, payments are two installments of 50% (upon registration and May 22, 2026). Registrations on or after May 11, 2026 require full payment at checkout.
Where can I read more before my first class?
Please read the studio's 'What to Know' Guide for BHCS classes prior to your first meeting at: https://www.blackhoundclaywest.com/class-guide.
Who can I contact with questions?
Email [email protected] with any questions about the course.