FAQs

CLASSES

Of course! We offer classes that suit the needs of a novice or a pro. We intentionally limit the size of our classes so that our beginning students are able to receive the one-on-one instruction necessary while the intermediate students can develop their ideas and skills under the supervision of the instructor.

BrickHouse offers both hand building and wheel throwing classes for all levels. Students will also become experienced in basic glazing techniques as well as the firing process.

If you've never worked with clay before, hand building is a great place to begin. In these classes students will learn the skills needed to construct forms using the slab, coil, and pinch methods. Our hand building classes cover a wide range of basic hand building skills through various group projects and allow students of all levels to transform their individual ideas into reality with the help of the instructor.

Our wheel classroom consists of 12 wheels where students learn the skills needed to 'throw' and trim a pot. While wheel throwing may look easy in videos, keep in mind that practice makes perfect. This is a class that requires patience, an open mind, and of course a sense of humor when things may go awry.

Unfortunately we do not offer children's group classes. However, we do offer private lessons and if your child has a birthday coming up we are more than happy to help celebrate his or her special day. BrickHouse offers private parties for all ages; perfect for birthday parties, work events, or just something fun to do with family and friends.

If you own your own clay tools you are more than welcome to bring those. If not, we can sell you a tool kit so you can get started. We also find having an old hand towel by your side helpful, but not necessary. Otherwise, everything else that you may need should be here.

Clay is a messy medium so be sure to wear clothes that you don't mind getting dirty or a large apron. Luckily clay comes out of fabric without much effort but there are glazes and other materials here that aren't so forgiving.

The class fee includes a weekly 3-hour slot of instruction, unlimited studio stoneware, and glazes. What is not included you may ask? Firing is an additional 5¢ per cubic inch (a decent sized mug generally costs about $3) for both firings. If you do not own a set of clay tools we require that you purchase a kit for your class. And lastly, if you are looking to come in outside of class time to practice your skills, Benchtime is available for an additional fee.

Of course, just know that classes fill immediately! Once registration opens online, you can register for a class right from our website. You can also register by phone (weekdays 11am-5pm)

As far as payment for phone registrations, we can take your credit card information over the phone or you can mail a check to complete your registration.

Unfortunately, missed classes are not refundable. Please understand that when you sign up for a session of classes, we reserve a wheel or table space for you for that particular time slot. Our classes fill with reserved spaces so there isn't room for anyone extra. There are no refunds or credits given for missed classes.

Unfortunately, since all of our classes are full, it is unlikely that there is a seat for you in another class. Therefore, due to space limitations, we cannot offer make-up or drop-in classes.

Those of you wishing to learn the ropes but can't quite find the time may want to consider private lessons. Once you contact us, we connect you with an instructor and together you schedule a timeslot for your lesson. Take a look at our 'classes' page on the website for prices.

Due to safety and liability concerns, we do not allow minors to be in the adult classes. BrickHouse serves over 200 adults in the studio each week and therefore, does not have the ability to take on the responsibility of an unaccompanied minor.  Adult conversations may not be appropriate for minors. Certain dangers inherent in raw glaze chemicals, sharp tools, and electrical equipment are also of concern.  A child or teenager may take a scheduled private lesson, have a private party or take a class with a parent or guardian.

STUDIO INFO

We are more than happy to give you a tour of our facility. Come in during our open hours and one of staff will show you around.

BrickHouse was founded with you in mind. Nearly half of our studio is devised to fit the needs of our experienced ceramicists or as we like to call them, our Associates. For a monthly fee Associate Artists rent a designated shelf space (prices range from $150-$275 depending on size) where they can store their clay ware while they work in a communal setting. The Associate Studio has 8 wheels as well as a number of large work tables.

Benchtime is our word for practice time. Benchtime is a time where students can come to the studio and practice the skills learned in class without the assistance of an instructor. Remember, practice makes perfect and for that reason we strongly recommend our students to take advantage of the studio's Benchtime hours to improve their potting skills. For registered students we offer two options: $5 per visit or $50 for an unlimited number of visits during the term.

A 'visit' is a one-time stay. Depending on your schedule a visit may be an hour, a few hours, or maybe the whole day. Be sure to grab one of our Benchtime schedules to verify that a class isn't in session during the time you plan to come.

We suggest that you purchase Benchtime once you know your schedule and are certain that you have time to come in to practice. Benchtime is not refundable and must be used within the term that it was purchased. It will not carry over to the next term.

We have five electric kilns. We bisque all of our student ware to cone 06 and glaze fire to cone 6 oxidation. If you are an Associate or student who is an experienced ceramicist and generally fire to a different temperature or like to stack your own work, you can load a personal kiln and fire accordingly at a price per kiln load. If you wish to stack your own work, you must be trained by an instructor.

We do not rent kiln space to artists that work outside of our studio.

No, but you can purchase clay from us. In addition to our studio stoneware, BrickHouse carries a number of different clay bodies that are available for sale by the bag or by the box.

If you have a specific recipe that you would like to use, then you can certainly mix it here. We have a wide variety of glaze materials that you are welcome to use. All glazes mixed at BrickHouse must be tested and temperature-appropriate. Just be sure to see one of our staff prior to mixing so they can set you up with a form to price the materials accordingly. First-time glaze mixers must to be trained by studio staff prior to mixing a glaze. We also teach glaze classes so you can learn how to mix your own glazes if you would like to.

What says happy birthday or happy anniversary better than a pottery class? If you are interested in purchasing a gift certificate for someone special, just purchase one online, give us a call, or e-mail with your information and we'll mail you a personalized certificate.

Whether it's a birthday party, a work event, or just a get together with friends and family, BrickHouse is more than happy to host your social functions. Please see the 'parties' page on our website for pricing information.

Yes, each student gets their own shelf to keep clay, tools, and their work on. There are also lockers available for $10 per term for anything you would like to store and lock away. You must bring your own lock.

BrickHouse is not set up to accommodate a full-time production potter. Our rental and kiln space is limited due to the number of members using the studio.

We have a small parking lot where space is available for an additional fee. If you need space in our lot, please notify us prior to arriving. There is also street parking on evenings and weekends.

No, BrickHouse is very different from a paint your own pottery shop. We teach you how to make your own items starting with a lump of clay. You will end up with items you can use that you made from scratch.

BrickHouse can accommodate small to medium-sized groups for a variety of activities. Garden clubs, social groups, networking associations, church groups, etc. are welcome to host team-building activities or tours/demonstrations at BrickHouse. We will be happy to work with you to organize pottery classes, demonstrations, or team building activities. Please contact the studio for detailed pricing information. Advance notice is required.

No. We do not allow outside firing at the studio.

Still need help? Send us a note.