PHILADELPHIA WORKSHOP FIELD GUIDE
West Philly Clay Time: Open Studio for Student Handbuilding & Glazing
A weekly open studio at Black Hound Clay Studio West where currently enrolled BHCS students practice handbuilding and glazing; this guide lays out the rhythm, rules, and what to expect.
West Philly Clay Time: Open Studio for Student Handbuilding & Glazing.
At Black Hound Clay Studio West, an open studio devoted to handbuilding and glazing gives currently enrolled BHCS students unstructured time to hone techniques and repeat the quiet work of making. The session runs at the West Philadelphia location—715 South 50th Street—on a regular weekly schedule so students can drop in, work, and refine processes without formal instruction.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Handbuilding-Focused Practice
This open studio is dedicated to handbuilding and glazing practice, providing space and time for students to develop slab, coil, and pinching techniques without wheel work.
Glazing Time, Not Throwing
Participants can focus on glazing approaches and surface work during the session; wheel throwing is explicitly excluded from this open studio.
Monitored, Uninstructed Workspace
Open studios are not formal classes—sessions are monitored by BHCS staff who can answer basic questions while students practice independently.
What the day feels like
What the session feels like
Drop into the studio between noon and 5 p.m., set up at an available bench, and spend the afternoon shaping and glazing under the unobtrusive oversight of BHCS staff. The atmosphere is practice-focused: there is no structured lesson, no wheel time, and a clear cut-off at 5 p.m. when all work and cleanup must be complete.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this open studio suits—and who should look elsewhere.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Open studio runs Thursday through Sunday, 12:00–5:00 pm; students may arrive anytime during that window but must be cleaned up by 5:00 pm.
Because of limited studio space, enrollment is capped at 15 people per day.
The open session covers handbuilding and glazing practice; use of a wheel is not included.
Studios are monitored by BHCS staff who are available to answer basic questions during open hours.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
Who may attend this open studio?
This open studio is for currently enrolled students at Black Hound Clay Studio (BHCS).
When does the open studio run?
Open studio runs Thursday through Sunday, from 12:00 to 5:00 pm.
Can I arrive any time during the session?
Yes—students may arrive at any point between 12:00 and 5:00 pm, but everyone must be fully cleaned up by 5:00 pm.
Is instruction provided?
No—open studios are uninstructed; they are monitored by BHCS staff who can answer basic questions.
Is wheel throwing available?
No—this open studio is specifically for handbuilding and glazing and does not include use of a wheel.
How many participants can join each day?
A total of 15 people may enroll in this open studio each day due to limited space.