Ceramics Classes
in Manassas, VA
If you are looking for pottery classes in Manassas, VA, our studio gives you more than a one-time workshop or a casual intro. At Manassas Clay, we offer structured ceramics classes for beginners, intermediate students, advanced potters, teens, and artists who want to combine wheel work with hand-building. We are a clay studio built specifically for people who want to learn, practice, and keep growing. Because we are the only venue offering pottery classes like this in the area, our sessions fill quickly. With more than 30 years of experience and a strong local reputation, we encourage students to register early.
A Pottery Studio Built Around Real Clay Education
At Manassas Clay, we work in clay only, and that focus shapes everything we do. Our classes are not designed as quick novelty experiences. They are meant to help students build skill, confidence, and consistency over time. Whether you are brand new to the wheel or already developing a personal body of work, our pottery classes from beginner to advanced are structured to meet you where you are. We also offer more than instruction alone. Our studio includes:
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- Open studio pottery access
- Pottery studio rental options
- Student and non-student lab hours
- Pottery firing services
- A glaze kitchen and glaze lab
- Pottery supplies for sale
- Clay and glazes from Laguna, Amaco, and Speedball
- A gallery featuring local potters’ work
- Artwork from local potters available for purchase
That combination gives students a place to learn and a place to stay connected to the pottery community.
Our 2026 Class Sessions
We offer five class sessions in 2026, and pre-registration is required for all classes. Registration is not available online, so students need to call or come into the studio to register.
2026 session dates:
- Session 1: January 4 to February 28
- Session 2: March 15 to May 9
- Session 3: May 31 to July 25
- Session 4: August 16 to October 10
- Session 5: October 25 to December 19
Because our classes are almost always full, registering early is the best way to secure your preferred day, time, and instructor.
Mixed Level Wheel Classes
Our Mixed Level Wheel classes are ideal for students across a wide range of experience levels. Beginning, intermediate, and experienced students are all welcome.
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Beginners learn the fundamentals of wheel throwing, including:
- Centering
- Opening
- Pulling
- Finishing
More experienced students can use the class to sharpen technique, create one-of-a-kind projects, or build a stronger body of work.
Class details:
- 8 weeks
- $300
- Clay not included
Available times:
- Sunday, 4 to 7 p.m. with Fran Newquist
- Wednesday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with Fran Newquist
- Wednesday, 7 to 10 p.m. with Jane Cullum
- Friday, 1 to 4 p.m. with Jane Cullum
Intermediate Wheel Classes
Our Intermediate Wheel classes are designed for potters who already know the basics and want to focus on stronger functional work. These classes emphasize form, decorating, glazing, and overall skill building. Students may also complete work for the gas kiln for an additional firing fee.
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Class details:
- 8 weeks
- $300
- Clay not included
Available times:
- Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with Fran Newquist
- Thursday, 7 to 10 p.m. with Jane Cullum
- Saturday, 1 to 4 p.m. with Jane Cullum
Advanced Wheel Classes
Our Advanced Wheel classes are for students who want to develop a more individual style and push their ceramic work further. These classes include demonstrations, informal critiques, and a stronger focus on decorating techniques.
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Students may also complete work for:
- Gas kiln
- Raku
- Soda kiln
Additional firing fees apply.
Class details:
- 8 weeks
- $300
- Clay not included
Available times:
- Monday, 6 to 9 p.m. with Fran Newquist
- Thursday, 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. with Jane Cullum
Mixed Level
Hand-Building and Wheel Classes
This class is a great option for students who want variety. All skill levels are welcome, and students can choose hand-building, wheel work, or a combination of both.
Class instruction includes:
- Hand-building techniques
- Wheel work
- Glaze application
- Decorating techniques
- Use of the slab roller
- Use of the extruder
- Access to available studio resources for projects
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Class details:
- 8 weeks
- $300
- Clay not included
Available time:
- Tuesday, 7 to 10 p.m. with Fran Newquist
Beginning Wheel
for Teens
Our Beginning Wheel for Teens class is designed for younger students who want to learn in a relaxed, creative setting. This class introduces the basics of the potter’s wheel in a way that feels approachable and encouraging.
Students learn:
- Centering
- Opening
- Throwing small bowls
- Throwing cylinders
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Class details:
- 8 weeks
- $250
- Clay not included
Available time:
- Thursday, 4 to 6 p.m. with Laura Gooden
Studio Access, Clay, and Additional Costs
Our class fees cover instruction only. Students should plan for additional costs such as clay and tools.
Current studio pricing includes:
- Class Clay: $50 for 25lbs
- 8 Week Classes: $300
- Private class: $90 per student
- Open Studio: $20 per hour
- Student Lab: $90 for 10 hours
- Non-Student Lab: $100 for 10 hours
- Studio Rental: $150 per month
- Resident Studio: $200 per month
- Glaze Kitchen: $20 per hour plus cost of dry materials
Student Lab is available only for students registered in the current session. Resident Studio includes 24/7 access, but the artist must furnish their own wheel.
Glaze Kitchen and Glaze Support
Because we are a full clay studio, we also offer access to our glaze kitchen. Students and potters can use the space for glaze making and testing, which is a major advantage for artists who want more control over surface results.
Kitchen procedure includes:
- Check in at the front desk for a form
- Print your recipe and information
- Clean up fully after use
- Follow all safety precautions
- No food or drink in the glaze kitchen area
We can also make your glaze for a per-pound cost that includes dry materials, packaging, and handling.
Registration
Make-Ups, and Refunds
Pre-registration is required for all classes, and there is no online registration. Students must call or visit the studio to sign up.
Our make-up policy allows students to make up one missed class per session. Students receive a 3-hour make-up card to use independently, not during another class. The card expires after the session ends.
Refund policy:
- 100 percent refund before the first class or if the class is canceled
- 50 percent refund before the second class
- No refund after the second class
Join a Clay Studio
That Gives You Room to Grow
At Manassas Clay, we have spent more than 30 years building a place where potters can truly learn, practice, and belong. Our pottery studio in Manassas is more than a classroom. It is a working clay studio with experienced instructors, structured sessions, access to firing and glaze resources, and a strong local pottery community. Whether you are just getting started, returning to clay after time away, or ready for more advanced ceramics classes, we have a class path that fits. Call us or stop by today to register early for an upcoming session.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. We offer beginner-friendly options including Mixed Level Wheel classes and Beginning Wheel for Teens.
No. Class fees cover instruction only. Clay is sold separately at $40 for 25 lbs.
No. Pre-registration is required by phone or in person only.
Yes. We offer Open Studio by the hour, student lab time, non-student lab time, and studio rental options.
Our classes are often full, and we are the only venue in the area offering this kind of dedicated pottery instruction.