Open Studio
A midday reset, with clay.
An open studio for adults in Davis. Take two hours a week for yourself, make a mug or a set of plates, and get help when you want it.
- When
- Thursdays, 11 am–1 pm
- Starts
- Drop-ins from November 5Monthly memberships from January 7
- Who
- Adults, up to 6
- Cost
- $40 to drop in$150 a month, or $190 with lessons. Clay, glazes, and firings included.
What a Thursday looks like
Grab your project off your shelf and pick up where you left off, or start something new from the project binder. I'm working at the next table, so help is a question away, and nobody hovers.
- 11:00 Doors open. Coffee's on.
- 11:00–12:45 Make. Hand-building, the wheel, or glazing.
- 12:45 Wipe down, pieces to the drying shelf.
- 1:00 Back to your day.
What you can make
It's open, but not aimless. The project binder has step-by-step builds you can follow on your own:
- A mug, hand-built or on the wheel
- A bud vase
- A set of small plates
- A spoon rest or trinket dish
- A lidded jar
- Your own glaze, mixed from a recipe and tested
Want to make a whole dinnerware set? I'm planning a dinnerware course next. Text me to hear first.
Want lessons too?
Open Studio is self-paced. If you'd rather be taught, pick the Lessons plan: a 30-minute group lesson to start each Thursday, then the rest of the session to practice on your own project. A typical month:
- Wheel basics. Center clay and pull a cylinder.
- Handles and lids. Pull a handle, fit a lid.
- Glaze making. Mix a glaze from a recipe, then test it.
- Surface. Texture, slip, and underglaze.
Join
Memberships start Thursday, January 7. Your first payment holds your spot and covers January, then it renews monthly. Cancel anytime. Drop-ins run Thursdays from November 5 (closed Thanksgiving). Clay, glazes, firings, and a shelf for your work are included. After you sign up, I'll email you the address and what to wear.
Who's running it
Hi, I'm Josh. I make ceramics full-time out of my home studio in South Davis: slip-cast and wheel-thrown work fired to cone 6, and a lot of glaze testing. I teach kids' and adult classes here and at Bubblegum Art Studio downtown. I grew up in Davis (Davis High '07) and came back to raise my family here.
The studio is my two-car garage: a kiln, a pottery wheel, a glaze lab with the materials to mix your own, and a big work table.
Questions people ask
Do I need experience?
No. The binder projects start from zero, and I'll show you anything the first time you need it.
Is this a class?
Not exactly. It's studio time with help on tap. If you'd rather be taught, pick the plan with lessons.
What can I make in a month?
Four Thursdays is enough for a mug and a set of small plates, or one bigger piece. Pieces come home about three weeks after you finish them, once they've dried and been fired twice.
Can I use the wheel?
Yes, after a wheel lesson, or if you've thrown before and can show me. There's one wheel, so it's shared.
Can I bring my own clay or glaze?
Please don't. Everything here is tested for my kiln, and one outside glaze can ruin a whole load.
What if I miss a Thursday?
Text me and we'll find a makeup spot.
What should I wear?
Clothes that can get messy and closed-toe shoes. Aprons, tools, and coffee are here.
Where is it?
My home studio in South Davis, just past the Safeway on Cowell. I'll send the address after you sign up.
How do I cancel a membership?
Anytime, before your next monthly charge. Just text or email me.
Still have questions? Text me at 530-206-0893.