PHILADELPHIA WORKSHOP FIELD GUIDE
Wheelthrowing 101: Saturday Mornings — an eight‑week primer on the potter’s wheel in West Philadelphia
An eight‑week, beginner‑friendly studio course that takes students from wet clay to glazed pieces; this guide explains what to expect and how to prepare.
Wheelthrowing 101: Saturday Mornings — an eight‑week primer on the potter’s wheel in West Philadelphia.
Black Hound Clay Studio West’s Wheelthrowing 101 is an eight‑week beginner course led by instructor Natalie Avery that guides students through the full ceramic workflow—shaping clay on the wheel, trimming, decorating and glazing—in a clean, well‑stocked studio with small classes and one‑on‑one instruction.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Well‑stocked West Philadelphia studio
Classes meet at Black Hound Clay Studio West, a clean, well‑stocked space that supports beginners with the tools and kilns needed to complete thrown pieces through glazing.
Small classes and close instruction
The course is structured to give students individual attention from professional teaching artists and staff, making it approachable for those who have never used a wheel before.
A start‑to‑finish introduction to throwing
Across eight weeks students learn core wheel skills—shaping, trimming, decorating and glazing—so they can produce finished, glazed work by the end of the session.
What the day feels like
What a Saturday morning in class feels like
Each class session unfolds in the studio as students center and shape wet clay on the wheel, move on to trimming and refining forms, and experiment with surface decoration and glazing under the guidance of instructor Natalie Avery and the studio staff.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this class suits and why.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Saturday mornings, June 6–July 25, 9:00 am–12:00 pm, an eight‑week session meeting at 715 South 50th Street in West Philadelphia.
Consult Black Hound Clay Studio West’s ‘What to Know’ guide before your first meeting for class‑specific recommendations and studio policies.
An installment plan is available depending on your registration date; pay attention to the listed cutoff dates or pay in full if registering late.
Classes are held at 715 South 50th Street; direct questions to [email protected] or consult the online class guide before your first meeting.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
When and where does Wheelthrowing 101 meet?
The eight‑week Saturday morning class runs June 6–July 25, 9:00 am–12:00 pm and meets at Black Hound Clay Studio West, 715 South 50th Street in West Philadelphia.
Do I need prior experience?
No—there is no prerequisite; the class is designed for complete beginners as well as those with previous throwing experience.
Who teaches the class?
The instructor listed for the course is Natalie Avery, supported by Black Hound Clay Studio West teaching artists and staff.
Is there a payment plan?
Yes—installment plans are available with specific schedules tied to registration windows; refer to the studio’s payment dates for the applicable plan when you register.
Where can I find more class policies and prep information?
Read Black Hound Clay Studio West’s ‘What to Know’ guide prior to your first class meeting and email [email protected] with any questions.