Mel Rice - STUDIO CERAMICA - San Francisco, California

Melanie Lazaro

Absolutely love and recommend this studio! I just finished the 5-week intro to ceramics course and have only positive things to say about the studio. I have made so many cute things and still have some projects in the works. I came in with a vision and Mel really helped me and encouraged me to bring my vision to life. The community is also so kind and welcoming. Even when Mel isn’t in the studio I have gotten help from other members and instructors and I appreciate the variety in teaching styles. Make sure to use up your studio time as a student if you plan on taking a class!

Renee Chan

I took a 5 week course with hand building and wheel throwing, and I really enjoyed my experience learning with Mel!

She provided detailed instructions and was supportive throughout the entire process. We made a lot of pieces using different techniques, and I’m happy with how mine turned out!

Zoe

Mel is the BEST!!!! There are so many new studios in SF now but Mel Rice is the real deal (she is an actual production potter). But besides how amazing she is, the studio space is so special and the culture she has created is a real community ❤️

Ray M

Such a fun and informative class. I took a beginner pottery course in 2022 at another studio and it didn’t even slightly compare to this! Back then, I wasn’t able to create anything worth keeping, but with Mel’s instruction, I finally learned the basics and created things I am proud of, in only a few weeks! The open studio time was very helpful to this. Mel really wants her students to learn. She’s very encouraging and will always step in to provide guidance or help if you need it. Highly recommend. The space is also really nice, well organized, and I’ve never had trouble with parking. If you’re looking to take classes, I recommend coming here!

Angie

Mel’s studio is absolutely incredible - it’s gorgeous and has every resource that one could ever need. And what a treat to have access to the studio at our leisure! Mel and the other instructors, including Vincent, are SO patient with beginners, and they are passionate about their craft. I am so grateful for choosing her studio. PLUS the studio is dog friendly. You can’t get any better than that 🙂 thank you, Mel!! I can’t wait to keep coming back!

Hannah

I took the 6 week dinnerware course which allows you to come in during studio hours.

Their clay bags are around $20 (a little pricy compared to another studio) and they have probably a dozen or so glazes. I enjoyed my time there because of the people. I do wish that the studio was a little cleaner and brighter because I often go home feeling congested on the days I come in and the lighting is a little low. It’s hard to hold everyone accountable to cleaning well since sometimes there are only members in the studio and no staff.

Parking after 6pm is free and the community is really kind.

It could be useful to have a whiteboard that communicates when the next kiln unload will be so that we have a general idea when things will get fired. Otherwise I had to come in hoping mine is in the batch and I have to come a long ways. This is an issue if you are going to purchase the extra clay and make more items. I’m still waiting on a lot of pieces to bisque fire and I’m almost out of the extra 2 week they budget for extra glazing time after the 6 week course even though I finished the pieces in the 4 week mark. This is more of a wishlist since I can imagine how difficult it is to fire everything on a schedule.

Abby Euyang

Awesome studio with great people, wholesome vibes, sound instruction, ample space, and a real sense of community. Everyone you encounter in this studio is warm and open — especially the owner, Mel. I tried many studios in the city and this is my favorite by far. Start with a class and become a member! Best way to do it:)

Maddi

Mel has provided such a calm and incredible place for people (and dogs) to explore their creativity and artistic selves. The 6 week course has been a wonderfully positive experience and I’m so grateful for Mel and her studio providing an escape from work and the craziness of the world. She’s the most energetic, hilarious, and kind person I’ve met in a long time. She welcomed Alfie with open arms and if he could talk, he’d beg me to take him to the studio every day!