Classes

TRY-IT WHEEL

Experience  Wheel Throwing! Join us, from 6 pm to 8 pm, for a 2-hour crash course in this muddy process. Class is $55.00 per person, and includes all clay, instruction in wheel throwing techniques, and glazing and firing services. Your finished pieces will be ready for pickup in 2-3 weeks. Open to ages 16 and up, no matter your experience level.

12-19-25
1-9-26 | 1-23-26 | 2-6-26 | 2-20-26 | 3-6-26 | 3-20–26 | 4-10-26
4-24-26 | 5-8-26 | 5-22-26 | 6-5-26 | 6-19-26 | 6-26-26 | 7-10-26
7-24-26 | 8-7-26 | 8-21-26 | 9-4-26 | 9-18-26 | 10-2-26 | 10-16-26
10-30-26 | 11-13-26 | 11-20-26 | 12-4-26 | 12-18-26   
Limited to eight students

ADULT WHEEL THROWING

Unleash your creativity in our adult wheel throwing classes, open to anyone ages 16 and up! Learn a variety of pottery wheel techniques during our 8 week session. All students receive one
25 lb. bag of clay, with all glazes and firings included. Unlimited studio time available all week long from 7 am to 11 pm, so you
can practice and refine your pottery skills at your convenience.
Our classes are open to all skill levels. Just choose the class that fits your schedule best and let the artistic adventure begin! 

Limited to six students per class

MONDAY WHEEL THROWING

Section 1: Mondays, Jan.12 - March 2, 9:30-11:30 am | $295
Section 2: Mondays, Jan.12 - March 2, 6:30-8:30 pm | $295

TUESDAY WHEEL THROWING 

Section 1: Tuesdays, Jan.13 - March 3, 9:30-11:30 am  | $295

WEDNESDAY WHEEL THROWING

Section 1: Wednesdays, Jan.14 - March 4, 9:30-11:30 am | $295
Section 2: Wednesdays, Jan.14 - March 4, 1:00pm-3:00 pm | $295
Section 3: Wednesdays, Jan.14 - March 4, 6:30-8:30 pm | $295

THURSDAY WHEEL THROWING 

Section 1: Thursdays, Jan.15 - March 5, 9:30-11:30 am | $295
Section 2: Thursdays, Jan.15 - March 5, 1:00-3:00 pm | $295
Section 3: Thursdays, Jan.15 - March 5, 6:30-8:30 pm | $295

ADULT HAND BUILDING

Adults ages 18 and up! Explore the world of pottery in our exciting 8-week hand building class, including all materials and studio time. During our eight week session. You'll immerse yourself in pitching, slab, and coil building techniques. All students will receive one 25 lb. bag of clay, with all glazes and firings included. Unlimited studio time available all week long from 7 am to 11 pm, so you can practice and refine your pottery skills at your convenience. Our classes are open to all skill levels. Just choose the class that fits your schedule best and let the artistic adventure begin!

Limited to six students per class

Section 1: Mondays, Jan.12 - March 2, 1:00-3:00 pm | $295
Section 2: Tuesdays, Jan.13 - March 3, 6:30-8:30 pm | $295

ADULT STUDY HALL

Our adult study hall welcomes anyone with at least 16 weeks of experience at ClaySpaceTC or equivalent over the last 2 years. You will participate in eight 3-hour sessions during our session, with 30 minutes of instruction per session, while the rest of the time is used to work at your own pace. Every student gets one 25 lb. bag of clay, and all glazes and firings are included. Plus, enjoy unlimited studio time from 7am to 11pm every day to practice and refine your pottery skills at your convenience.

Limited to six hand building students.
Limited to eight wheel students.

Section 1: Tuesday Wheel , Jan. 13 - March 3, 6-9 pm | $250
Section 2: Tuesday Midday, Jan. 13 - March 3, 12:30-3:30 pm  | $250
Section 3: Wednesday Hand, Jan. 14 - March 4, 6-9 pm | $250 

YOUTH CERAMICS

Get ready for an exciting adventure in Kids Ceramics! This awesome program costs $185 per student and includes six weeks of fun and creative 1.5-hour classes. Perfect for kids aged 8 to 12 years old, no previous experience is required! Each class is specially designed to nurture your artistic talents and make pottery a blast. 

Limited to six students per class.

Youth Ceramic Exploration
Students will experience three weeks of wheel throwing and
two weeks of hand building and finish with one week of glazing.

Section 1: Mondays 7-9 year olds, | $185
Jan. 26 - Feb. 23, 4:30 pm-6:00 pm
Section 2: Thursday 10-12 year olds | $185
Jan. 29 - Feb. 26, 4:30 pm-6:00 pm

Youth Wheel Throwing
Students will experience five sessions of wheel throwing and
one glazing day

Section 1: Tuesday 9-12 year olds | $185
Jan. 27 - Feb. 24, 4:30 pm-6:00 pm

TEENAGE CERAMICS

Join our open studio pottery class. Learn wheel throwing or hand building with clay, glazes, and firings included. EIGHT 2-hour classes, 4 guided lessons and 4 individual focused open studio days. 

Limited to 12 students

Section 1: Wednesdays, Jan.14 - March 4, 4:00-6:15 pm | $225

Tots N Pots

A fantastic class for young artists aged 3 to 6! Join us for six weeks of fun, with 45-minute sessions at just $100 per student. No experience needed, but an adult presence is required, this is not a build along experience.

Limited to six students per section. 

Section 1: Wednesdays Jan. 28 - Feb. 25, 10:00-10:45 am | $100

OPEN STUDIO MEMBERSHIP

OPEN STUDIO POLICIES & GUIDELINES

• Studio accessible from 7 am to 11 pm during non-class hours (class hours specified on studio calendar).

• No instruction available for studio members.

• Open studio users must have substantial pottery experience or completed at least 2 sessions at ClayspaceTC.

• An orientation will be scheduled to familiarize each studio member with ClaySpaceTC.

• NO OUTSIDE CLAY BODIES.

MONTH-TO-MONTH

• Register in advance.

• Price: $150 per month for studio space, includes a storage shelf, and access to all tools and equipment at ClaySpaceTC.

• You can choose your own start date.

• Pay an extra $95 for 25# of clay, including firing and glazes.

• Monthly payment due every 30 calendar days, starting from your first day.

WEEK-TO-WEEK

• Register in advance.

• Price: $100 per week for studio space, includes a storage shelf, and access to all tools and equipment at ClaySpaceTC.

• You can choose your own start date.

• Pay an extra $95 for 25# of clay or $50 for 12.5# of clay, including firing and glazes.

• Payment due every 7 studio work days, starting from your first day. A week is defined as 7 days over a 30-day period.

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Explore handbuilding in our monthly Community Clay classes,
now hosted at Commongrounds Cooperative! Ideal for all
ages – families, friends, individuals, and couples. Kids 5 and up
can create on their own, under 5 need an adult to register too.
Let's create beautiful pottery together! ALL CLASSES ARE 10a-12p

Adults signing up with kids: $15.00 per person
Adults signing up solo: $25.00 per person 

DANCING WINTER TREE: SATURDAY, DECEMBER 6

As the winter wind begins to blow, let’s build trees that dance in the breeze! You’ll make a set of 2 trees, and each one will have
3 parts. We’ll start with flat clay, then cut and connect the pieces
to build your trees. When you're done, you’ll paint them in your own special style. Finally, we’ll string the parts together so they’re ready to hang and show off!

SNOWMAN: SATURDAY, JAN. 24, 2026

Bring the whole family for a fun and festive clay workshop! Together, we’ll create snowmen that never melt using the pinch pot technique. Each participant will make three clay bowls—one large for the base, one medium for the belly, and one small for the head. Then, we’ll bring our snowmen to life with faces, hats, scarves, buttons, and any other decorations your imagination inspires! To finish, you’ll add a custom paint job to give your snowman a personality all its own.

HAND BOWL: SATURDAY, FEB. 21, 2026

Get ready to get your hands messy — literally! In this fun family clay workshop, we’ll be using our own hands not just to build, but to shape our clay bowls. You’ll press, mold, and shape the clay using your hands to create one-of-a-kind bowls that are as unique as you are. Add texture and decorations to make your clay hands truly stand out! You can choose to make two smaller bowls or combine them into one larger piece — the choice is yours. To finish, we’ll add a custom paint job to bring your creations to life with color and personality.

CUPCAKE JAR: SATURDAY, MARCH 21, 2026

What would you hide inside a cupcake? Come find out in this sweet and creative family clay workshop! We’ll start by building the cupcake base using slab-building techniques to form the “cake.” Then, we’ll wrap and stack clay coils to create a swirly, textured “frosting” on top. Once your cupcake is built, you’ll have the chance to decorate it any way you like — add sprinkles, patterns, or even a hidden surprise inside! To finish, we’ll give our cupcakes a fabulous paint job to make them look almost good enough to eat.

GROUP EVENTS

To book your workshop, click through the button below.
This secures your preferred date and time. We'll work together to find a date that suits your group or a refund can be issued.

Dates: November 8 PM only | November 9 | December 6 PM only
December 7 | December 20 | December 21

Times: 8:00a-10:00a | 10:00a-12:00p | 1:00p-3:00p
3:00p-5:00p | 5:00p-7:00p

Private Parties

Whether you're a group of kids or adults, this is the perfect choice for an awesome party. You can pick between a hand building project or a wheel throwing experience. It's only $250 for a 2-hour workshop for up to 12 participants, and just $15 per person after 12.

Company Parties

Get ready for a unique and exciting experience with our Company Parties! You can choose between hand building or wheel throwing, and it's perfect for clay building and team building all in one! Everyone on your team will have a blast creating their own masterpieces and connecting with their creativity and each other.

Our events start at $300, or if you prefer, we can bring ClaySpaceTC to your place starting at $350. Each workshop is 2 hours long and can accommodate up to 12 participants, with just $15 per person after 12.

*Cost of the workshop plus $100.00 for custom dates

SUNDAY FUNDAY

These events will take place at different locations throughout northwest Michigan on Sundays from 2p-4p. We will be creating different ceramic pieces at each location. Your class will include all materials, instructions and one beverage all for only $40.00. After completion of each project ClaySpaceTC will fire and glaze each project, then return it to your location. This class is open to any participant over 21 years of age.

January 11- Earthen Ales | Pet Bowls
Your four-legged friends will love handmade food and water bowls! You will make two medium-sized bowls using flat pieces of clay, one for the base and one to stand up to form the wall of the bowl. You can decorate each bowl with textures, letter stamps, or drawings. When you’re done, you’ll paint both bowls to show off your furry friends style and creativity.

January 25- Nocturnal Bloom Brewing | Bud Vases
You’ll make a set of three bud vases that can either connect together or stand on their own. These small vases are perfect for brightening up an office or windowsill. You’ll get to make each vase unique by adding textures, stamps, and paint. This way, your vases will show off your own style and fit nicely in any space.

February 8-  The Workshop Brewing | Valenstines
We will make our own version of a classic beer stein, called a Valenstien for Valentine’s Day. Each stein will be built from flat pieces of clay and finished with a strong handle. You can make your Valenstien unique by adding textures, stamps, and paint to show off your own style and creativity.

February 22- Tank Space | 4 Coasters
You will use a flat piece of clay and choose a round cutter, a square cutter, or cut your coaster shape by hand. Each coaster will have your own design. You can create designs by rolling on texture, pressing in stamps, or drawing by hand. When you’re done, you’ll paint all four coasters to show your own creativity and style

March 8 - Second Hand Social Club | Jewelry dishes
You will make two jewelry dishes starting with a flat clay base.
You can add your own designs using texture, stamps, or drawings. Then you’ll fold up the edges, or add coils, or sculpt the sides to make the dishes just right for what you want them to hold. Will they hold rings, earrings, or little treasures? Each dish will be finished with bright paint to show off your own creativity and style.

March 22- The Little Fleet | Pilsner Pints
We will be shaping clay into a classic brewery-style form, the pilsner glass, using two slabs of clay one will be the base and the other will be connected to form the pilsner pint. Each participant will have the opportunity to personalize their pilsner pint, adding unique textures, stampings, and a vibrant paint job to make it distinctly their own, showcasing individual creativity and style. 

March 29- Rare Bird Brewpub | Bird Feeders
Make your own hanging bird feeder! Your feeder will have three parts: two flat pieces of clay to make a plate and lid, and a third piece that you’ll stand up and shape into a cylinder. This bird feeder will be one-of-a-kind, so you can add your personal touch! Use different textures, stamp cool designs, and paint it with bright colors to show off your style and creativity.

INDIVIDUAL WORKSHOPS

To book your workshop, click through the button below.
This secures your preferred date and time. We'll work together to find a date that suits your needs or a refund can be issued.

Dates: November 8 PM only | November 9 | December 6 PM only
December 7 | December 20 | December 21

Times: 8:00a-10:00a | 10:00a-12:00p | 1:00p-3:00p
3:00p-5:00p | 5:00p-7:00p

Individual Workshops

Discover the joy of creating your own pottery masterpiece in our Individual Workshops! Whether you're into hand building or wheel throwing, we've got you covered. The cost is $60 per person for adults (over 17 years old), $50 per person for teenagers (13 to 16 years old), and just $40 per person for kids (under 12 years old). Each workshop is 1.5 hours long and can accommodate up to 5 participants.

Lessons also available in a 6 class set.

*Cost of the workshop plus $100.00 for custom dates

About ClaySpaceTC

ClaySpaceTC has been spinning and grinning since January of 2019. Founders Phil Wilson and Clay Maas began working together in the ceramics program of the former Blackbird Arts, which was located in the building that is now ClaySpaceTC. Both Phil and Clay are teachers and program developers, and they collectively bring decades of ceramics experience to the table (and to the wheel!).

ClaySpace is a community ceramics education studio that offers classes, private lessons, and workshops for both children and adults. The studio features six pottery wheels, a workspace for handbuilding, and a Skutt electric kiln. ClaySpaceTC also offers introductory and themed workshops that take place in gathering spaces throughout the community and are open to folks of all ages and experience levels. Classes are student-driven, with Phil and Clay providing instruction and guidance as students establish their goals, develop their projects, and design their own ceramics. 

At ClaySpaceTC, we encourage all students to run with their ideas and, together with their classmates, to think big and create boldly. Collectively, we’re all teachers and students who gather to fill the studio with creativity, passion, excitement and the relaxation that only the quiet beauty of clay can create. Join us — we can’t wait to welcome you to the ClaySpaceTC community!

Phil Wilson

For 35 years, I’ve worked with porcelain as a studio potter, developing functional and decorative pottery with an emphasis on contemporary design and elegant utility. Each piece is handmade, one at a time. I’m hoping you’ll discover lots of ways to enjoy each piece: displayed with a group of favorite things on the mantel, as a familiar part of your everyday breakfast table, or surrounded by a riot of flowers and food in a party buffet.

Clay Maas

Hi, I'm Clay and I'm the co-owner of ClaySpaceTC. My passion for ceramics sparked during my final year of college and that passion has been burning ever since. I grew up in a small Ohio town and I now reside in Traverse City with my wife, Emily, and our buoyant doodle Lincoln (who is also the mascot of ClaySpaceTC). I love ClaySpaceTC because it allows me to grow every day and share my love of ceramics with others.

Additionally, I utilize my graphic design background to serve clients all over the state and I have a lot of experience with letterpress. All of these different mediums keep my brain running at full speed. To cool down and refocus, a good round of golf keeps me in the moment, out of my own head, and ready to tackle the next big thing!

Contact

Cancellation Policy

Cancellations made 5 days or more in advance of the Class date will receive a 100% refund. Cancellations made more than 2 days in advance of class will receive a 50% refund. Cancellations made within 24 hours of class will not not receive a refund.

Visiting Arist Workshops

ClaySpaceTC is welcoming five visiting artists over the winter months. Each artist will bring their own style and experience to the studio. The lectures and demonstrations are for all skill levels. The Saturday workshops require an intermediate to advanced level of ceramic skill.

Lecture and demonstration on Friday evening from 6pm-8pm. FREE
Full day workshop, Saturday 10am- 2pm ish. $75.oo per person $50.00 for Current Students both CSTC or College. Max of 8 participants

Maggie Bandstra

Friday February 27 | 6-8p & Saturday February 28 | 10a-2p

Maggie Clifford-Bandstra (b.1970)  Bandstra is a multi-disciplinarian artist. Her paintings and pottery are nature abstracted. Her work uses movement and patterns to deliver a healing message. She encourages us to take notice of the beauty in the world around us. The unifying undercurrent in Maggie's work plays with ideas and concepts surrounding nature, healing, and the human connection. Bandstra holds an M.F.A. in painting from Savannah College of Art and Design, a Masters's in Educational Leadership from Michigan State University, and a B.S. in Education from the Loyola University of Chicago. 

Artist Statement: 
​Making artwork is the way that I communicate and connect with the world around me. My work's unifying undercurrent plays with ideas and concepts surrounding nature, healing, and the human connection. The paintings I make are layers of dye, ink, acrylic, and oil paints that depict abstracted forms and colors found in the natural world. The viewer might find these familiar shapes and forms going for a walk in the woods, an open field, or in a neighborhood. These mundane everyday images become joyful and rapturous on the canvas. The shapes and forms are familiar but seen in a new way. Exploring nature in this way signifies our layered human connections to the world and how we as we humans move through our lives. Being an artist that creates images that provoke a smile is a delightful privilege during these stressful days. 

Creating colorful paintings and ceramics using abstracted appropriated forms from nature is what my artwork is. Using traditional techniques to prepare the substrates acknowledges the early Arts and Crafts movement's ideology. William Morris says, "Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful." Surrounding the viewer with beautiful colors and peaceful calming forms found in nature is the purpose of this work. My Connection series is about the connections we humans have and need and how we affect one another. It began in the summer of 2020. The circles and squares are the doodles I make on my paper when I sit in meetings or classes taking notes; they help calm me. So I decided to make them big. I hope they help to calm you too.

Instagram: @maggiebandstra | Website: www.maggiebandstra.com