Clayroom - San Francisco, California

John D.

Great experience - I would recommend signing up for at least a workshop or ideally a 6-week session.

That being said, my partner and I signed up for Intro to Clay with Julia which is 6 classes held over 6 weeks that introduces you to wheel throwing (the cool, messy, and kind of difficult pottery that first comes to mind), slab pottery (much more controllable, but arguable less fun due to the lack of chaos), and finally glazing (analysis-paralysis meets excited anticipation for your pieces to come out of the oven). At the start of each lesson we would get a brief talk about what we would be learning followed by a masterful demo by the instructor. She would talk as she was demonstrating, describing body position (braced), wheel speed, and technique (hand and finger position, form, pressure, etc.). We then had the rest of the class to practise what we had learned/make pieces while enjoying the opportunity to ask questions and request guidance.

Julia mentioned this in class, but it really can't be overstated how useful/important it is to go back to the studio during open studio hours to practice and create additional pieces (otherwise you'll never get through all your clay). Recommended to go with a friend to help pass the time and for the moral support (wheel throwing can be hard!)

Why are there no photos in my review? Well, when your hands are covered in clay you don't really have the ability to pull your phone out to snap all the fun you're having...I'll be returning to the studio at some point this year so I can make a bunch of gifts for friends and family.

Dan Q.

If you've ever thought about learning to throw clay then the Clayroom is for you. They offer classes at all levels. I am on their Intro to Clay course. It's fantastic. Great tuition and lots of opportunity to practice between sessions. It's a great facility and everyone is super friendly and helpful. You won't regret signing up.

Mira J.

What a fun class and great intro and overall experience learning how the basics of wheel throwing! I had zero experience. It was such a fun low pressure way to learn an our instructor. There was about 8 people in the class. Richard and his helper were really amazing and patient and encouraging. I think I was the worst one. 😆 So … def not going to quit my day job, but I had so much fun I will def be thinking about taking the wk course. It’s very meditative and perfect to end a rather hectic week. You also get to keep 2 of your masterpieces but there is a 4-6 week wait for it. Really awesome experience. Thank you!!!

Adrienne K.

I love it here!! There are so many resources here and opportunities to learn about clay at beginner to advanced levels. The vibe is supportive too!!

Theresa C.

We had a really great time at the tryday wheel throwing class! The facility is great, our instructor AG kept it simple, helped a lot and made it so much fun! As a complete beginner I left feeling I had accomplished something and wanting more. Highly recommend!

Stephanie G.

I had a lot of fun with the try day on the wheel. Daniel is an awesome teacher!! If I lived closer, I would definitely take more classes here!!

Joel S.

My work team and I went to Clayroom in San Mateo as part of an "offsite" activity and truly loved it! It was a great way for us to chat and get to know each other as we made fun things with our hands. I know we all hope to be back again.

Special shoutout to Bennie who was an incredible coach to help us create cool clay things (mugs, plates, bud vases, etc.) and was very helpful with planning and handling invoicing.

Pooja I.

My partner and I went to the TryDay class at the Clayroom located in Potrero Hill. The class was amazing! Teresa was a fantastic teacher, walking through each of the significant steps, leaving plenty of time for us to experiment on the potters wheel ourselves. Very fun way to celebrate a special occasion or to spend a solid afternoon!