125 E Lime Ave, Monrovia CA
Our September schedule is here. Head over to our Classes and Workshops page to book your spot!
Our Most Popular Class: Friday Night One-Time Wheel
Friday Night One-Time Wheel is the perfect way to kick off your weekend in the heart of Old Town Monrovia. Arrive early to stroll through the Monrovia Street Fair & Night Market, or stay after class to enjoy one of Old Town’s many restaurants, ice cream spots, or boba shops—it’s the perfect excuse to make a full night of it.
In this two-hour session, you’ll get a hands-on introduction to the potter’s wheel—no prior experience required. It’s a fun, beginner-friendly way to try pottery for the first time, whether you’re coming solo, with friends, or for a fun date night.
You’ll get the royal treatment with hands-on guidance from two instructors—ensuring everyone gets the support they need while having fun along the way. We’ll finish and fire your two best pieces, and they’ll be ready for pickup after the final glaze firing.
Spots are limited to 10 per class, and this class usually sells out weeks in advance—so plan ahead.
While parking in Old Town is FREE, please allow extra time to find a spot—this class always takes place during the Friday night street fair.
Spots are limited. Click here to reserve your spot!
Become a Member – Limited Spots Available
Looking for a creative space and a supportive, friendly community to deepen your pottery practice? Join us and get access to the studio 7 days a week from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., plus your own storage shelf.
Membership starts at $200/month and is open to those with prior wheel or handbuilding experience who are familiar with basic studio etiquette, safety, and cleanup protocol.
If you’ve already taken a class with us and would like to become a member, please email us at hello@makersandclay.com to schedule your orientation.
New to our studio?
If you meet the experience requirements but haven’t taken a class with us, you can apply for membership by booking a one-hour orientation ($40 fee).
Click here to book your orientation.
If you’d simply like to schedule a studio visit or have questions, don’t hesitate to email us at hello@makersandclay.com
Pottery Camps for Kids – Financial Assistance Available!
We’re proud to offer fun and creative kids pottery camps right here at Makers & Clay! These camps are designed to introduce young makers to the world of clay in a supportive, hands-on environment.
Registration is handled through the City of Monrovia’s Community Services Department.
To view upcoming sessions and enroll, visit the City’s Youth Programs page or call the Monrovia Community Center at (626) 256-8246.
Need help with registration fees?
Scholarships are available through the Monrovia Parks, Wilderness, and Recreation Foundation (MPWR) for qualifying families. Click here for a scholarship application.
Weekend Workshops - All Levels Welcome!
Makers & Clay Weekend Workshops offer a hands-on way to explore ceramics in a focused, guided session—no experience necessary. These all levels workshops rotate throughout the year, introducing new projects that explore both functional and sculptural forms.
Each session provides plenty of time to complete a project while learning essential hand-building techniques. Whether you’re brand new to clay or returning with experience, you’ll be supported every step of the way.
Workshops are also the most affordable way to get started at the studio, making them a great option for anyone curious about pottery but not ready to commit to a multi-week class. They’re perfect for a relaxing solo activity or something fun to do with friends and family—all in a welcoming, creative environment.
Since workshop themes change regularly, check back often to see what’s coming up next.
Find your next Weekend Workshop here on our Classes and Workshops page.
4-Week Classes
Our 4-week classes provide a structured approach to building foundational ceramic skills—whether you’re learning wheel throwing or hand-building. These sessions are designed to be repeated, giving students the opportunity to refine techniques, build confidence, and develop their personal style over time.
We’ve now transitioned all of our 4-week classes to an All Levels format, meaning each session is open to both true beginners and returning students. Instructors continue to teach the full lesson plan and lead demonstrations, while students with prior experience are welcome to skip demos and work independently on their own projects. No matter where you are in your practice, your instructor will be available to offer guidance, answer questions, and support your progress.
This flexible structure allows students to grow at their own pace, revisit foundational techniques, or pursue more complex forms—while still benefiting from the structure and rhythm of a guided class.
With the support of knowledgeable instructors, students build the skills they need to continue learning—whether at our studio or beyond.
Sign up for a 4-week class here on our Classes and Workshops page.
New at Makers & Clay! Monsters by Design
Our newest all levels hand-building class, Monsters by Design, is a playful introduction to clay that blends essential skills with big creative energy. Over four weeks, students will learn two core hand-building techniques—pinch-pot and slab construction—while designing their own one-of-a-kind clay characters.
In addition to learning to apply traditional single-coat glazes, you’ll also be introduced to underglaze painting, which allows you to paint details directly onto your clay before glazing. These forms can be as intricate and expressive or as clean and minimal as you like, making each student’s final piece entirely their own.
Spots are limited. Head over to our Classes and Workshops page to register.
New at Makers & Clay! Advanced Wheel: Teapot Making
Our newest advanced wheel class, Teapot Making, is the perfect next step for experienced potters looking to take their throwing skills further. Over four weeks, you’ll learn how to design and build a fully functional teapot from start to finish.
Taught by our resident teacher, Kristen Bercier, who specializes in functional ware with an emphasis on precision and craftsmanship, this course will guide you through refining your throwing, trimming, and assembly techniques while exploring the key elements that make a teapot balanced, comfortable to use, and visually cohesive.
Spots are limited. Head over to our Classes and Workshops page to register.
Independent Study - Now for All Levels!
We’re excited to offer Independent Study at Makers & Clay—a flexible option for ceramic artists looking to deepen their personal practice with access to an experienced instructor for technical support.
This program includes:
4 weeks of Open Studio access (9 AM–9 PM daily)
A full-size member shelf
Four weekly instructor-supported sessions
Participants have access to both the members’ and students’ sections during Open Studio hours and are welcome to use both pottery wheels and hand-building tables during sessions.
Independent Study is open to all levels—from beginners practicing centering to experienced artists working on self-directed projects. While instructors are available during each session to answer questions and offer support, there are no formal lessons or demos. You’ll have the freedom to work at your own pace on whatever you’re focused on, with guidance available when needed.
➡ Makers & Clay Members receive a 50% discount and access to an additional full-size shelf.
Spots are limited—register now to secure your space.
Questions? Email us at hello@makersandclay.com
Join Our Teaching Community at Makers & Clay!
Makers & Clay is always on the lookout for passionate ceramic artists who love to share their skills! Whether you have experience teaching wheel throwing or hand-building or are a skilled ceramicist interested in learning how to teach, we’d love to hear from you.
If you are interested in joining our team of instructors, email us at hello@makersandclay.com—we look forward to connecting with you!
Class Gift Cards
Class Gift Cards make a thoughtful gift for any pottery lover. Each four-week course meets once a week for two hours, with a maximum of 10 students for plenty of personal guidance. Gift cards can be redeemed for any of our wheel throwing or hand-building classes, and include free studio time between sessions so students can explore, experiment, and keep making between classes.
The Studio
Makers & Clay is a community ceramic arts studio located in the heart of Old Town Monrovia, offering memberships, pottery classes, and workshops. Our studio provides a mid-fire ceramics experience with a wide range of clay bodies and glazes. The facility includes two banks of pottery wheels totaling 18 wheels, a dedicated classroom studio, and a members-only studio. Additionally, handbuilding tables, a slab roller, and an extruder are available for use. Our retail shop carries quality pottery supplies from respected brands such as Mudtools, Kemper, Xiem, Speedball, and Garrity Tools.
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As a member, you'll have access to our facilities, including pottery wheels, handbuilding tables, a slab roller, and a glazing station, even while classes are in session. Additionally, you'll enjoy the convenience of a dedicated personal storage space and the freedom of all-day access.
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Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned artist, our diverse range of classes, including pottery wheel and hand building, will inspire and challenge you to elevate your practice. Led by our team of talented teachers, each bringing their unique expertise, our classes promise to enrich your studio experience and nurture your creative journey.
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Join us for invigorating weekend events, carefully curated to bring makers from diverse disciplines to share their craft. These workshops seamlessly integrate with ceramics practice, offering a perfect blend of inspiration and innovation. Immerse yourself in a world of cross-disciplinary collaboration, where new horizons of creativity unfold. Whether you're a ceramics enthusiast or a curious creative soul, our workshops are bound to ignite your passion and elevate your creative journey to new heights.
