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.

1-10 | 1-24 | 2-7 | 2-21| 3-7 | 3-21 | 4-11 | 4-25 | 5-2 | 5-16 | 5-26 6-6 | 6-20 | 7-11 | 7-25 | 8-1 | 8-15 | 8-29 | 9-12 | 9-26 | 10-10 10-24 | 11-7 | 11-21 | 12-5 | 12-19
All dates are for 2025.
Limited to six students

ADULT WHEEL THROWING

Unleash your creativity in our adult wheel throwing classes, open to anyone 16 years old or older! Learn a variety of pottery wheel  techniques during four 2-hour classes, along with one open studio week. All students receive 12.5 lb. bag of clay, with all glazes and firings included. Unlimited studio time available all week long
from 7 am to 11 pm, you can practice and refine your pottery skills at your convenience. Our classes are open to all skill levels, choose the class that fits your schedule best and let the artistic adventure begin!

Limited to six students.
OPEN STUDIO NOV. 25-NOV.29

MONDAY WHEEL THROWING: 

Section 1: Mondays, Nov. 18 - Dec. 16, 9:30-11:30 am | $160
Section 2: Mondays, Nov. 18 - Dec. 16, 6:30-8:30 pm | $160

TUESDAY WHEEL THROWING:  

Section 1: Tuesdays, Nov. 19 - Dec. 17, 9:30-11:30 am | $160

WEDNESDAY WHEEL THROWING: 

Section 1: Wednesdays, Nov. 20 - Dec. 18, 9:30-11:30 am | $160
Section 2: Wednesdays, Nov. 20 - Dec. 18, 1:00-3:00 pm | $160
Section 3: Wednesdays, Nov. 20 - Dec. 18, 6:30-8:30 pm | $160

THURSDAY WHEEL THROWING: 

Section 1: Thursdays, Nov. 21 - Dec. 19, 9:30-11:30 am | $160
Section 2: Thursdays, Nov. 21 - Dec. 19, 1:00pm-3:00 pm | $160
Section 3: Thursdays, Nov. 21 - Dec. 19, 6:30-8:30 pm | $160

ADULT HAND BUILDING

Explore the world of pottery in our exciting 4-week hand building class, including all materials and studio time. During the four
2-hour classes, along with one open studio week. You will immerse yourself in pitching, slab and coil building techniques. All students receive 12.5 lb. bag of clay, with all glazes and firings included. Unlimited studio time available all week long from 7 am to 11 pm, you can practice and refine your pottery skills at your convenience. Our classes are open to all skill levels, choose the class that fits your schedule best and let the artistic adventure begin!

Limited to six students.
OPEN STUDIO NOV. 25-NOV.29

Section 1: Mondays, Nov. 18 - Dec. 16, 1:00-3:00 pm | $160
Section 2: Tuesdays, Nov. 19 - Dec. 17, 6:30-8:30 pm | $160

ADULT STUDY HALL

Our adult study hall welcomes anyone with 16 weeks of experience at ClaySpaceTC or equivalent over the last 2 years. In four 3-hour sessions, you'll receive 30 minutes of instruction per session and participate in three 1-hour group discussions over 4 weeks. Every student gets 12.5 lb. of clay, and all glazes and firings are included. Plus, enjoy unlimited studio time from 7 am to 11 pm every day to practice and refine your pottery skills
at your convenience.

Limited to six students.
OPEN STUDIO NOV. 25-NOV.29

Section 1: Wheel Throwing, Nov. 19 - Dec. 17, 6:00-9:00 pm | $140
Section 2: Hand Building, Nov. 20 - Dec. 18, 6:00-9:00 pm | $140

TEENAGE CERAMICS

Join our teenage open studio pottery class. Learn wheel throwing (limit 6) or handbuilding with clay, glazes, and firings included. Four 2-hour classes, 2 guided lessons and 2 individual focused studio days. 

Limited to 10 students
NO CLASS NOV. 25-NOV.29.

Section 1: Wednesdays, Nov. 20 - Dec. 18, 4:00-6:15 pm | $125

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

Section 1: Monday 7-9 year olds, | $185
Sept. 23 - Oct. 28, 4:30 pm-6:00 pm
Section 2: Thursday 10-12 year olds | $185
Sept. - Nov. 7, 4:30 pm-6:00 pm  NO CLASS OCT 31

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

Section 1: Tuesday 9-12 year olds | $185
Sept. 24 - Oct. 29, 4:30 pm-6:00 pm

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 Sept. 25 - Oct. 30, 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.

DAY PASS

• Register in advance.

• Price: $50 for one day of studio time (9 am-9 pm), includes access to all tools and equipment at ClaySpaceTC.

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

• We can assist with shipping pottery as needed, with shipping costs paid by the potter.

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!

Explore handbuilding in our monthly Community Clay class, now 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!

Tic Tac Toe Game: Saturday, Sept. 21, 10AM-12PM | $15.00

Play Tic Tac Toe in a frying pan using eggs and bacon. Sounds delicious, right? Think about where your game will happen and who will play.  We will be using a flat piece of clay, rolling clay into coils, and sculpting by hand. And of course, we'll finish it off with a cool custom paint job.

Monster Mugs: Saturday, Oct. 19, 10AM-12PM | $15.00

How do you keep your favorite drink safe? Use a monster mug! Will your monster have six arms, eight eyes, or scaly skin? We will use a flat piece of clay for the body and bottom of the mug. Sculpting for our monster parts will come from small bits of clay. And of course, we'll finish it off with a cool custom paint job.

Fall Gnomes: Saturday, Nov. 16, 10AM-12PM | $15.00

Who can cause mischief in your home or office? Your three little gnomes! We will build with flat pieces of clay and give them personality by sculpting everything from nose to toes. And of course, we'll finish it off with a cool custom paint job.

Winter Coil Trees: Saturday, Dec. 21, 10AM-12PM | $15.00

Bring the beauty of a snowy forest inside! We will build by wrapping and stacking coils of clay into a tree shape. We will sculpt details like snow, birds, or ornaments. And of course, we'll finish it off with a cool custom paint job.

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: January 11 | January 12 am only | January 25 | January 26 am only | February 8 pm only | February 9 am only | February 22 pm only | February 23 am only | March 8 | March 9 am only | March 22 March 23 am only

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 $55 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

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: January 11 | January 12 am only | January 25 | January 26 am only | February 8 pm only | February 9 am only | February 22 pm only | February 23 am only | March 8 | March 9 am only | March 22 March 23 am only

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

SPECIAL EVENTS

SUNDAY FUNDAY

This class will take place at different locations throughout northwest Michigan. We will be creating different ceramic pieces at each location. Your class will include all materials, instructions and one beverage. 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.
2:00pm - 4:00pm | $50.00 Per Participant

Earthen Ales: Winter Trees | December 8
​​Make your own tiny forest! You’ll create three trees in different sizes—one small, one medium, and one large. All three trees will be made from a flat piece of clay. These trees will be totally unique, so you can add your own special touches! Choose cool textures, add patterns with stamps, and paint them in bright colors to show off your style and creativity.

TC Whiskey Co.: Bird feeder | December 15
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.

Tank Space: Tankard | January 12
Create a classic-style beer mug with a lid! Both the mug and the lid will be made from flat pieces of clay. This tankard will be completely unique, so you can make it your own! Add interesting textures, stamp on cool designs, and paint it with bright colors to show off your style and creativity.

 Kingsley Local Brewing: Pilsners Pint | January 26
 We will be shaping clay into a classic brewery-style form, specifically the pilsner glass, using two slabs of clay.
Each participant will have the opportunity to personalize their pilsner glass, adding unique textures, stampings, and a vibrant paint job to make it distinctly their own, showcasing individual creativity and style.

The Workshop Brewing: Valenstein | February 9
We will  be creating our version of the timeless beer stein, known as the Valenstien when in combination with Valentine Day. Each stein is assembled using slab parts and finalized with a robust handle for a classic touch. Your Valenstien will be a unique creation, allowing you to personalize it with your choice of textures, stampings, and a vibrant paint job to reflect your individual style and creativity.

Second Hand Social Club: Incense Burners | February 23
Make three unique incense burners, each starting from a flat piece of clay. You’ll add little sculpted holders for the incense on each one. These burners will be totally one-of-a-kind, so you can add your own style! Use different textures, stamp on cool designs, and paint them in bright colors to show off your creativity.

The Little Fleet: Taco Trays | March 9
Make taco holders that stand up tall! Start with three flat pieces of clay, then add textures, stamps, and little sculpted details. Next, fold each piece of clay  over a simple mold to create the perfect bends for holding tacos. Finally, paint your trays with bright colors to show off your unique style and creativity!

Short's Brewing: Beer Mug | March 23
We’re going to make classic beer mugs inspired by the forest! You’ll start by using a slab of clay to form the body and base, then create a handle using a shaped clay coil. Each person will get to make their mug unique by adding textures, stamps, and bright paint. Feel free to bring bark, leaves, or any forest-inspired items to press into your mug and make a one-of-a-kind design! Finally, you’ll paint your mug with bright colors to make it one-of-a-kind.

Five Shores Brewing: Beer Mug | April 13
We’re going to make classic beer mugs inspired by lakes and the water! You’ll use a slab of clay to shape the body and base, and then form the handle with a coiled piece of clay. Each person will get to make their mug unique by adding textures and designs. You can bring items that remind you of water, like rocks or driftwood to press into your mug. We’ll also have sand for adding texture. Finally, you’ll paint your mug with bright colors to make it one-of-a-kind.   

STUDENT Gallery

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.