We recommend starting with a one-time experience class. Options include our Friday night “Wine-o-Rama” session (for ages 21+ and great for date night) or a Saturday session beginning at 11:30a (for ages 13+). All ViaClay six-week classes — except for our Thursday night Intermediate session — are suitable for beginners.

Wheel-throwing on a potter's wheel involves shaping a mound of clay into a symmetrical form using the spinning energy of the wheel head. Handbuilding is a general term for techniques like pinching, coiling, and slab-building forms without the use of a wheel.

Yes! Please reach out to info@viaclay.com to schedule an event or private session.

Yes! Please reach out to info@viaclay.com to schedule an event or private session.

Please click this link to browse all currently available classes. Class registration is done exclusively online. If you have any questions, please contact us at info@viaclay.com.

One-time two-hour sessions range from $80 to $95 (for Friday night Wine-o-Rama sessions which include two glasses of delicious Italian wine per person, provisioned by our neighbors Anfora Wine Merchants). Adult 6-week classes offer 18 hours of instruction for $300.

For our one-time classes, class size is limited to 12 people to maximize "one-on-one" time with teachers and their assistants. Six-week classes are capped at 16 people.

ViaClay is committed to creating spaces for people to learn and practice their craft. Unlike many other studios, we allow all currently-enrolled students the opportunity to re-enroll in the next six-week session before opening class registration to the public. While this may limit the number of spots available for new students to join the group, it creates an enriching atmosphere that we are eager to nurture.

No, we ask that you wait for the start of a new session so you can attend all six classes.

ViaClay teachers are experienced potters and are ready to help you master the basics of wheel-throwing including centering, pulling, shaping, trimming, and glazing. As your skills advance, teachers can support your creative vision.

Open Studio time is available to all currently enrolled six-week students and is a great way to add value to your class tuition. Check out our current calendar (link) for available times to use the studio equipment independently.

All the clay that will be used for class projects, as well as the glaze for those pieces, are included in class fees.

We're known for our prompt and consistent firing schedule. For a one-time session, please allow three weeks for us to glaze and fire your masterpiece. We'll email you when it's ready! For six-week class students, you should begin receiving your fired pieces by week 4 or 5.

Yes! All pots are fired twice to a vitreous state, which makes them food-, dishwasher-, and microwave-safe.

Yes! ViaClay offers a wide range of glazes. One-time session participants can choose from 10 different colors. Six-week class students will be learning how to work with these same glazes in various combinations, resulting in more than 100 color choices.

While every precaution is taken to ensure the best possible outcome for every firing, sometimes unexpected breakage occurs. We cannot guarantee the quality or serviceability of fired work.

Yes! Please contact us at info@viaclay.com to discuss shipping and related handling costs.

ViaClay Members Studio in Forest Park offers clay enthusiasts a welcoming and professional space to practice their craft. The studio is open 24/7 with secure access. To learn more, please visit our membership page (link). Monthly dues are $250 along with a per pound price for clay (which covers firing and glazing).

No, but we recommend it! Many of our current members began with a one-time experience and found their passion.

Yes! ViaClay is an adult space for serious practitioners, however we do offer Youth Memberships on a case-by-case basis. For everyone, especially those under 18 years of age, we require mature and respectful behavior while working in the studio. We reserve the right to revisit Youth Membership qualifications at any time.

ViaClay uses the honor system for purchasing clay. We ask that you log your clay purchases so we may charge you via invoice or automatic payment as you prefer.

Yes! Kiln firing services — bisque firing to Cone 05, and glazing to Cone 6 or 10 — are available. Prices are 3 cents a cubic inch for one firing, 5 cents a cubic inch for two firings, and 1 cent a cubic inch if you opt to use our glazes. Please note: a studio manager must approve your clay before scheduling firing services. Please reach out to members@viaclay.com

Students enrolled in classes will use ViaClay's stoneware and glazes. Members can bring in other clay and glazes, but they are responsible for the recycling, storage and firing of their own materials.

ViaClay does hold occasional pottery sales, usually around holidays. Please join our mailing list to keep informed of our next event.

The studio store does not stock tools and you are not required to purchase them to attend a class or camp. Communal tools can be used at any time by anyone. Members may bring in their own tools and store them on their private shelves (or a secure locker).

ViaClay showcases the best work of our members and teachers during seasonal sales. For more information, follow us on Instagram @viaclay.

For all classes, our location is 208 South Marion Street in Oak Park IL. ViaClay Members Studio (where firing services are offered) is located at 7744 Monroe Street in nearby Forest Park IL. On street parking is available in both neighborhoods on surrounding streets (metered and free) — be sure to check signage for municipal parking rules.

Yes! Our Marion Street studio is two blocks south of the CTA Green Line (Harlem Avenue stop); our Monroe Street studio is about a 12-minute walk from the CTA Blue Line (711 Desplaines Avenue stop).

Our equipment inventory includes new Nidec-Shimpo VL-Whisper wheels, Shimpo pugmill, Skutt electric kilns firing with a full spectrum of high-fire glazes in an oxidation environment, as well as a Bailey Gas Kiln for reduction firing (at our Forest Park location). A variety of clay-shaping tools, cleaning supplies, and aprons are always in stock.

Students enrolled in classes will use ViaClay's stoneware and glazes. Members can bring in other clay and glazes, but please check with a studio manager to be sure your materials are compatible.

ViaClay uses a cone 10 brown stoneware from Standard Ceramics (#153).

A studio manager will recycle our standard brown clay using a pugmill so a supply is ready for every session and class.

Dave Kindler at DTKINDLER Photography captured the space beautifully. Many thanks, Dave!

You may make up missed class time independently during Open Studio hours, but we do not offer instruction outside of the class schedule.

Classes are non-refundable if cancelled within 24 hours of the start of class. If you notify us by email or phone that you cannot attend class more than a day in advance, ViaClay will refund 100% of your fee, less a $10 processing charge. Classes can be rescheduled upon request. Missed classes: When signing up, please be aware we do not schedule make-up classes or offer partial refunds for missed classes.

Although clay is water soluble and rarely stains, aprons are encouraged. For your own safety, you may be asked to remove clothing or jewelry that hangs or drapes, and to tie back long hair.

All the necessary tools and equipment will be provided to you at the studio. Just wear clothes and shoes you don't mind getting a little dirty!