PHILADELPHIA WORKSHOP FIELD GUIDE
Handbuilt Intentions: An Independent Projects Evening at Black Hound Clay Studio West
An eight-week Tuesday-evening handbuilding course in West Philadelphia for intermediate and advanced students working on self-directed projects with instructor support.
Handbuilt Intentions: An Independent Projects Evening at Black Hound Clay Studio West.
Set in Black Hound Clay Studio West on South 50th Street, this eight-week, Tuesday-evening handbuilding class is built for makers who arrive with specific goals and want space, materials, and periodic demonstrations to develop them under professional guidance.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Black Hound Clay Studio West — a focused workspace in West Philadelphia
The class convenes at 715 South 50th Street, placing students in a dedicated studio environment where an instructor is available for individualized support and demonstrations on request.
Independent projects with on‑demand instruction
This session is tailored to intermediate and advanced students who want to pursue personal projects at their own pace, with the instructor intervening for demonstrations, troubleshooting, and targeted guidance.
Refine scale, surface, and finish
Expect to work on larger pieces, refine handbuilding techniques, explore surface design and decoration, and address glazing and troubleshooting during evening sessions.
What the day feels like
What an evening feels like
Tuesday evenings are structured as open, focused studio time: students arrive with project goals, set up at shared benches, and work through handbuilding, surface, and finishing stages while the instructor circulates, offers demonstrations on request, and helps troubleshoot technique or glazing questions.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this class suits — and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Come prepared with clear project goals and reference ideas; students are encouraged to bring sketches or inspiration and to request demonstrations when needed. Review the studio's class guide before your first session.
Plan to work at the studio benches during the three-hour evening sessions; prepare project notes and accept that glazing and firing follow the studio’s processes and timelines.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
When does this class run?
The class meets Tuesday evenings from 6–9 pm for eight weeks, June 2 through July 21.
Where is the class held?
Classes take place at Black Hound Clay Studio West, 715 South 50th Street, West Philadelphia.
What level of student should enroll?
This class is intended for intermediate and advanced students; all registrants should have completed at least one beginning‑level handbuilding class and be comfortable working independently.
How do installment payments work?
If you register between March 28 and April 12, 2026, payments are split into three installments (33% at registration, 33% on April 24, 2026, and 33% on May 22, 2026). If you register between April 13 and May 10, 2026, payments are split into two installments (50% at registration, 50% on May 22, 2026). Registrations on or after May 11, 2026 require full payment.
Where can I find pre‑class information and policies?
Read the studio’s 'What to Know' Guide at https://www.blackhoundclaywest.com/class-guide prior to your first class meeting, and email [email protected] with any questions.
Who is the instructor?
The class instructor is Corinna Cowles.