Pottery Classes in Chicago

Best Pottery Classes in Chicago

Located along the shores and parks of Lake Michigan, Chicago is a top spot for cultural attractions such as the Art Institute of Chicago, the National Museum of Mexican Art and the Museum of Contemporary Art. Any of these are wonderful ways to get inspired for pottery classes in Chicago. Take those urban aesthetics, sculpture parks and natural settings into the studio to create stunning works of art to display in your home or office.

Pottery classes in Chicago allow you to spend time with family, friends, family or co-workers while learning a new hobby or boosting current skills. Pottery sessions are an excellent idea for everything from date nights and team building experiences to birthday parties and gifts for friends.

Beginners interested in learning the art of pottery, or even experienced pottery enthusiasts, should look no further than these fun art classes. You’ll find a variety of fun and interactive ceramics sessions to inspire creativity.

What is Pottery?

A vessel that holds something — such as mugs, vases and salad bowls — is considered pottery. By attending pottery classes in Chicago, you’ll learn how to make items like candle holders, pet dishes and hanging planters.

Difference Between Pottery and Ceramics

The terms ceramics and pottery can be confusing. While ceramics is the overall artistic medium, pottery is a category within the medium. Any object made from clay, porcelain, earthenware or stoneware is a ceramic. Pottery refers to a type of functional ceramic that holds something, like a coffee mug or a flower vase. 

Benefits of Attending Pottery Classes in Chicago

• Relieve stress
• Learn a new hobby
• Enhance current pottery skills and artistic techniques
• Increase happiness by spending time with friends and family
• Connect with new people

The Pottery Making Process

When taking classes, you’ll join an expert artist who will teach you a wide variety of techniques to shape, build and glaze a piece of pottery.

Wheel Throwing

Wheel throwing is when a traditional potter’s wheel is used to spin clay into shapes using your hands. The potter shapes wet clay and forms it as the wheel spins. The wheel can also be used to add decorative accents to pottery pieces. Other pottery techniques include hand building, slab and coil, pinching and slip casting.

Glazing

Glaze is the glossy coating, or paint, used on pottery pieces. This is one of the most fun parts of the pottery process. The glazing process seals the clay, which makes it waterproof and provides a tough exterior.

Firing

Firing happens twice in the pottery creation process. It has two names: bisque firing or glaze firing. Firing is when the pottery is placed in a kiln and allowed to sit at a high temperature. This makes it hard and “sets” the clay. Bisque firing is for eight to 10 hours. Glaze firing is for about 12 hours.

Bisque firing is performed after the clay is shaped for the first time, but before it’s glazed. It has to be completely dry before placing it in the kiln. This process turns the object into a “glasslike” piece called bisqueware. Next, an artist paints, known as glazing, the item. After this process, it’s placed back in the kiln for glaze firing. It’s now ready to go!

How long does it take to learn pottery?

Pottery is a fun hobby that can be expanded on and used as creative self-expression and stress relief. Practice and patience are two key elements involved in learning to make pottery. You may start with basic techniques like a pinch pot. This is simply a small pot made by forming and then “pinching” the clay to create a small vessel that can fit in the palm of your hand.

How much is a ceramics or pottery class?

Pottery and ceramics classes are available in price ranges from $70 to $100. Pottery classes in Chicago are led by experienced potters and artists. Classes last for about two hours. Learn step-by-step techniques for creating your own unique pieces of pottery to decorate your home or office.