Wheelthrowing 102: Tuesday Evenings

Black Hound Clay Studio West offers Wheelthrowing 102: Tuesday Evenings, an eight-week class in West Philadelphia that teaches experienced beginners to push their wheelwork toward taller, thinner, more consistent forms. Meeting at 715 South 50th Street, this class runs June 2–July 21 from 6–9 p.m., and is taught by Natalie Avery. The studio's row of electric wheels, trimming benches, glazing counters, and a firing kiln form a compact, practical workspace where students move from centering exercises to finished sets.

This course is targeted to students who already know the basics of wheel throwing. Class time is structured around warm-up throwing exercises, focused technique drills, and individual troubleshooting—so you spend less time guessing and more time refining control over wall height, evenness, and shaping. The curriculum emphasizes lifting taller, thinner walls, consistent shaping, refined trimming, and attaching handles and other elements.

Instructors encourage building a matching set—cups, mugs, bowls, or small vases—as an effective way to practice repeatability and finish work. Tuition covers all instruction, tools, glazes, firing, and 25 pounds of clay; additional clay is available for purchase through the studio’s website. Every registrant receives one free open studio session to throw outside class time.

The class caps at 10 people, creating an intimate setting for hands-on feedback; the studio is wheelchair accessible and welcomes adults aged 16 and up. If you choose an installment payment plan, note the scheduled charges listed on the booking page—dates change depending on when you register. What makes this course a standout in Philadelphia’s creative landscape is the combination of focused technical coaching and the studio’s practical, communal setup.

In a city where many art offerings are brief workshops or multi-week general introductions, Wheelthrowing 102 provides targeted skill development with a clear outcome: a cohesive set of finished pieces that reflect improved technique. Whether you want better control of form for functional ware or to expand your design vocabulary, the class balances process-driven practice with real kiln-fired results. Practicalities: bring a towel and wear closed-toe shoes; hair tied back and short nails help when you’re at the wheel.

For questions about the class, materials, or studio policies, contact [email protected] or consult the Black Hound Clay West 'What to Know' guide. Drop in ready to work, and leave with a small shelf of finished, fired objects that mark visible progress. Classes move quickly but offer one-on-one corrections; expect demonstrations followed by practice rounds and guided critiques that help you translate technique into repeatable results.

Because the studio limits enrollment, instructors can document progress and recommend glaze or form experiments for home practice. If schedule or payment questions remain, check the booking page or email [email protected] to confirm installment dates before registering. Arrive curious, leave skilled.