We got our hands dirty in pottery classes all over Calgary. These are the top 10 studios to get you started.
Remember that iconic pottery scene in Ghost? The one where Patrick Swayze spins the wheel with effortless grace? It’s a moment that has captivated countless viewers, myself included.
Inspired by that mesmerizing scene, I decided to take the plunge and try my hand at pottery. Little did I know this seemingly simple decision would lead me on a creative journey that has become a beloved hobby.
If you’re curious about diving into the world of pottery like I was, you’re in for a treat because I’ve explored some amazing studios all over Calgary. So, let’s get your hands dirty and find the perfect spot for your creative adventure!
1. Mud Urban Potters
– Media credit: mud.potters
Website: https://www.mudpotters.ca/
Address: 4111 13a St SE, Calgary, AB T2G 4N9
Contact details: +16045067707
Mud Urban Potters is in this beautifully converted industrial warehouse in Calgary. The vibe is so inviting, and the best part is that the instructors have over 80 years of combined experience! That kind of expertise is hard to come by, right?
If you’re just starting, you’ll love their beginner classes—they focus on wheel-throwing and hand-building. You can create your functional pottery while meeting some awesome people.
They have a fantastic 7-week beginner hand-building course that teaches techniques like pinching, coiling, and slab-building. It’s just $420, including all the materials you’ll need, and every class runs for about 2.5 hours.
Pro tip: Their Friday Night Throw Downs are perfect if you want something more social! Whether you’re going with your partner or a friend, it’s a fun way to unwind and create together for just $180 per couple. |
2. Fairview Pottery Classes
– Media credit: fairviewstudios
Website: http://fairviewstudios.com/
Address: 6025 12 St SE, Calgary, AB T2H 2K1
Contact details: +14032557882
Operating hours: 9 AM–9:30 PM
Fairview Pottery Classes focus on hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques. What I love about their intermediate and advanced courses is that they offer personalized feedback.
They also have amazing interactive demonstrations to help you grasp those tricky techniques. Just a heads-up, the intermediate classes start at $325 for a 6-week course, which is worth it for the experience you’ll gain.
Established in 1973, it’s the longest-running recreational pottery studio in the city. What’s great is that they have ongoing enrollment and year-round classes, so whether you’re a total beginner or looking to hone your skills, you can jump in any time.
Pro tip: Take advantage of their open studio hours; these times allow you to practice what you’ve learned in class without the pressure of a formal lesson, allowing you to explore your creativity at your own pace. |
3. North Mount Pleasant Arts Centre
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Website: https://www.calgary.ca/rec-locations/arts-centres/north-mount-pleasant.html
Address: 523 27 Ave NW, Calgary, AB T2M 2H9
Contact details: +14032213682
Operating hours: 9 AM–9:30 PM
The North Mount Pleasant Arts Centre is in a charming heritage building from 1913. This place has been around for over 30 years and has become a real hub for potters of all levels.
They offer workshops that dive into pretty advanced projects—think teapots, large-scale pieces, and those intricate glazing techniques that always look stunning. They have everything from hand-building to wheel-throwing classes.
The best part? Classes are usually around $150 to $300 for a multi-week session, with materials often included. So, if you’re a newbie, you don’t have to stress about buying a ton of supplies upfront.
Pro tip: Take advantage of their custom firing services! If you’re working on personal pottery projects at home or in another studio, you can bring your pieces here for professional firing in their kilns. |
4. Wildflower Arts Centre
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Website: https://www.calgary.ca/rec-locations/arts-centres/wildflower.html
Address: 3363 Spruce Dr. SW, Calgary, AB T3C 3A3
Contact details: +14032493773
Operating hours: 8:30 AM–10 PM
Wildflower Arts Centre offers pottery classes for little kids and adults. What’s cool is that they have special sessions where parents and kids can learn together—it’s a great way to bond and get those creative juices flowing.
Speaking of classes, you might want to try their “Pottery Basics” course. It’s a nine-week journey where you’ll learn about wheel-throwing techniques, and each session is about 2.5 hours long.
The entire course costs just over $200, including materials and firing fees. It’s a fantastic way to get your hands dirty (literally) and learn about pottery.
Pro tip: Once you’ve mastered the basics, you can explore advanced techniques like hand-building and glazing, which allow you to create entirely unique pieces. |
5. Color Cafe
Website: http://colorcafe.ca/
Address: 334 14 St NW, Calgary, AB T2N 1Z7
Contact details: +14032494386
Operating hours: 10 AM–12 AM
Color Cafe is a family-friendly space where you can choose from over 1,000 different ceramic bisque shapes—everything from mugs and bowls to adorable little gnomes that just beg to be painted.
You can all sit down together, choose your pieces, and let your imaginations run wild with paint. And don’t worry; the studio staff will take care of all the firing and glazing for you, so you can just focus on having fun.
You don’t even need to book ahead for most painting sessions! Just walk in whenever you feel like it. If you’re looking to dive a little deeper, they also offer classes on pottery wheel throwing, clay hand-building, and glass fusion.
Pro tip: If you don’t finish your piece in one visit, you can come back at no extra charge! This is perfect for those of us who like to take our time and really put our heart into our projects. |
6. Bowness Soapworks
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Website: http://bownesssoapworks.com/
Address: Greenbriar Market + Refillery Flagship Store, 4535 Bowness Rd NW, Calgary, AB T3B 0A9
Operating hours: 10:30 AM–6:30 PM
Bowness Soapworks offers this immersive pottery wheel experience, which is not just about making stuff but about the journey of shaping the clay and finding your center. The workshops are small, so you get tons of hands-on attention.
You can start with Beginner Wheel Throwing, which is all about the basics, or jump into some Advanced Techniques if you’re ambitious and want to explore intricate designs and glazing.
An introductory class is usually around $75; if you decide to dive deeper with a series of sessions, it could be around $290. Unlike other places in town, you’re getting a mix of pottery and a splash of soap-making.
Pro tip: Wear comfortable clothing you don’t mind getting messy—clay can be playful! Plus, don’t hesitate to bring a friend along; pottery is always more fun when shared! |
7. Wildflower Arts Centre – Holiday Pottery Ornaments
– Media credit: wildflower.salon.yyc
Website: https://www.calgary.ca/rec-locations/arts-centres/wildflower.html
Address: 3363 Spruce Dr. SW, Calgary, AB T3C 3A3
Contact details: +14032493773
Operating hours: 8:30 AM–10 PM
Wildflower Arts Centre runs this holiday ornaments class that gets you into the festive spirit! Can you imagine spending two days creating colorful clay ornaments and tags? It sounds like the perfect way to kick off the holiday season.
What I love about the Wildflower Arts Centre is how welcoming it feels. It’s been this wonderful hub of creativity in Calgary for over 40 years. This class is all about having fun and exploring your artistic side.
They provide all the materials so you can dive in and focus on having a great time without stressing over supplies. And get this: it’s just a little over $200 for the entire course, with each session lasting about 2.5 hours.
Pro tip: They offer classes for all skill levels if you want to learn even more. This “Pottery Basics” class caught my eye—it’s a nine-week adventure into throwing on the wheel and learning glazing techniques and firing processes. |
8. Workshop Studios
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Website: http://www.workshopstudios.ca/
Address: 2501 Alyth Rd SE Bay 3, Calgary, AB T2G 1P7
Since 2017, Workshop Studios has become a little gem for pottery lovers. It’s located in the historic Grain Exchange Building. The vibe here is warm and inviting, with high ceilings, big windows, and plants everywhere.
They offer a variety of classes; whether you want to master wheel-throwing or try your hand at hand-building, they’ve got you covered. Classes usually run for six to eight weeks; each session is a laid-back two hours.
There’s a fun three-hour glaze day at the end where you can jazz up your creations. And no need to worry about hidden costs! For beginner classes, you’re looking at around $420, which includes everything you’ll need—clay, tools, and even firing fees.
Pro tip: Bring your favorite snacks or beverages. While the studio provides aprons and tools, enjoying a little treat while you work can enhance your creative experience. Just remember to keep food and drinks away from the glazing area! |
9. Fire Escape
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Website: http://www.fireescape.com/
Address: 2835 23 St NE #211, Calgary, AB T2E 7A4
Contact details: +14034571857
Operating hours: 12–8 PM
Fire Escape in Calgary isn’t just your average pottery studio. You’ve got options galore—whether you’re into ready-to-paint pieces or dreaming up something custom, you’re bound to walk away with a unique creation that’s so you.
They have classes from pottery painting to wheel sessions and hand-building workshops. If you’re new to the whole pottery scene, they even offer a two-hour orientation on the wheel.
It’s perfect if you want to dive in with a friend or just go solo. The prices are super reasonable, too—around $9 for adults and even less for the kids! Plus, if you hit up Thrifty Thursday, you can snag a sweet 50% off studio fees.
Pro tip: Remember to check out their Ceramic Painting Rescue Kit—it’s perfect for those who want to take their creativity home or enjoy outdoor painting sessions. |
10. 4Cats Inglewood Art Studio
– Media credit: 4catsstudio
Website: http://4catsinglewood.com/
Address: 1218B 9 Ave SE, Calgary, AB T2G 0T1
Contact details: +14032060110
Operating hours: 1–9 PM
4Cats Inglewood Art Studio is part of this cool franchise known for making art accessible and enjoyable. Their mission is to foster artistic expression and bring the community together.
They have a fantastic selection of pottery classes that cater to everyone—from completely new folks who want to try something creative to those who’ve been shaping clay for a while.
The workshops usually cost between $35 and $60 for solo sessions and couples, with some nice discounts for members. You’ll learn techniques like hand-building, wheel-throwing, and glazing and then take home your unique creations.
Pro tip: Check out their “2-for-1 class deals”; these promotions allow you to share the experience with a friend or loved one while enjoying significant savings! |