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February 2024 by Robin Winters
Pottery Northwest has a warm and inclusive atmosphere, welcoming ceramicists of all skill levels. The staff and instructors are super knowledgeable and supportive, always ready to offer personalized guidance alongside their excellent demonstrations.It’s the studio’s open, flexible approach that truly distinguishes it: no need to book practice times in advance, just drop in between 10:00 AM and 9:00 PM. This ease of access, coupled with a nurturing community, has not only supported me through challenging times but also significantly advanced my pottery skills. I’m deeply grateful for this arts community gem. Highly recommend!
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January 2024 by Mark Rossmore (Escape the Clouds)
This organization is fantastic. Wonderful staff and facility. My wife enjoyed the class she took there. Our whole family also attended their 2023 holiday event and we enjoyed making ornaments, connecting with some really fun people, and buying some really beautiful original pieces made by the talented artists who create their work at Pottery Northwest.
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January 2024 by Forest Elliott
Went to an open house pottery event this winter and it was awesome! Tons of great work and a fun free ornament making event.
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January 2024 by Val Malo
I took a free class with them as a part of their community outreach program. It was horrible, no instruction, no care for the students, instead of helping me, instructor offered to make a pot for me. Like what’s the point of the class then? I also find it funny that every time someone leaves a bad comment they do this copy-paste response “we never received a bad feedback about our class. Are you sure you took it with us?” Yes, I’m sure I took it with you, Pottery Northwest. This speaks a lot about their lack of responsibility for the actions and/or poor record keeping. Maybe their paid classes are better, but save yourself their “free” class.
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October 2023 by Jabez Aklog
They side with rude people and the bosses there are very rude and unwelcoming. Trash place but they embody the ceramic scene in Seattle. Well done on them
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August 2023 by Nydia Davila
I signed up for How To Throw Your Day Away during Summer Quarter 2023. Pottery Northwest gives the a possibility of free tuition for low income, BIPOC first timers, and I was lucky and grateful to be chosen. I think this is incredible to offer and I haven't heard of any other studios doing this for the community.This is my first time taking real pottery instruction at a class/studio. I used to take 3D design (handbuilding; clay without the wheel) in high school, in addition to some wheel instruction; nothing so thorough as this.The studio is approachable, the instruction is insightful and my instructor, Becca, is a delight to work with. Even though I'm quiet and introverted, she will chime in and either compliment what I'm doing, give instruction on what I can improve on, or tell me to stop overworking my piece. This feedback is essential. She checks in with all of her students and is very hands on, which is appreciated when working with this medium. She is also patient and breaks down each step in a way a beginner like me can understand, both visually and verbally. I cannot recommend her enough.There are many different instructors with their own styles of teaching. You may find that Becca may not be to your taste, or you may find the instructor you go with may not be to your taste after the fact. A friend of mine had this issue as her instructor had more of a "professor" type approach, which she did not click with. It would be wise to do your research and reach out if you can, or read their profiles on their website if you intend on taking classes.Classes are quarterly and last 10 weeks, and each class is a couple of hours. The class meets once a week. Within those 10 weeks you have unlimited access to the studio, which is something you should absolutely utilize to improve and get the most out of your classes. It is a learning curve, and can be a steep one. Those first few weeks are crucial. I enjoy the creative atmosphere of the studio and everyone I have seen and interacted with is kind, respectful of others' space, and pleasant to work with or around. It's addicting, being here. Shouldn't be hard to get those hours in.Another thing to consider: this studio only allows you to work with their clay (they have a few types to choose from) and glaze. This is fine by me and it makes sense why it would be this way. You may not think so.Over all, I learned a lot, and made a few pieces I'm actually proud of. Being my own worst critic, that is saying a lot. It would have taken me a lot longer to learn everything I did on my own than in the span of a few weeks time at Pottery Northwest. I would give 10 stars if I could. I really enjoyed my time here and I absolutely love ceramics. I could one day see this being a career and would love to take their apprenticeship one day.If you're on the fence, let this be the universes way of telling you that life is short and you should absolutely go for it. Take the classes. Make all the things. And most importantly, have fun.
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August 2023 by Chloe Agape
It is neat and clean but I felt my instructor was weirdly gatekeepy and standoffish
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June 2023 by Winnie Chen
I started my pottery journey when the studio first opened last year in the International District location, and have been taking classes there since. The experience has been very positive for me, and I would recommend it to everyone who is thinking about getting started in clay. The team that currently runs the studio are extremely receptable to feedback that makes the space safer and welcoming for everyone.The two studio managers, Joey and Taylor are very kind and helpful. I have seen since beginning that every quarter there are improvements to the space to accommodate more programs.Occasionally, maintaining a clean studio space can be challenging due to the multitude of class offerings and events supported by the organization. It would greatly benefit from reinforced guidance to encourage everyone using the space to be more mindful and contribute to its cleanliness.the part I love is there is a community of artists, and passionate ceramics practitioners that you can learn from outside of the classes, and brings the overall quality of experience. There is a level of quality to the work and diversity that's being produced by people using the space here and is great for anyone who is seeking to improve their ceramic skills.
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April 2023 by Chrissie
Honestly, the teacher I had was great. Which is the only reason there’s 2 stars instead of 1. And I was excited to be there as I’d wanted to take a class there for years but wasn’t able to work it out. So, first, other people using the facility milled around the area of our class, at times bumping into students as they worked, which I found really unnecessary & inappropriate. But also I spent hours of time just to find my work was taken by another person using the studio before I arrived to collect it. So what’s the point? I’ll never even see it to know how to improve next time. Worse, I’ll never be able to give it to the person I created it for.Update: They did try to find my pieces which I appreciated. Hopefully my experience isn't common.
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April 2023 by Quazie Kwaselow
Great place to learn pottery
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September 2022 by Sandi Rugby
Hostile, and unwelcoming staff. Will never return.
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October 2021 by Elisa Finol
Imma miss this place ?
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September 2021 by James Meline
Love this place.Excellent Covid Policy that makes me feel safe.Great community for any artist interested in clay.Fantastic people down here.
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September 2021 by Candice P
Liked them
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October 2020 by Jenna
Don't let the Key Arena construction scare you away, Pottery Northwest is definitely open! Whether your looking to buy ceramics, learn to make ceramics or want to launch a career in ceramics this is the place to go.
