Frequently asked questions

Classes

Do I need experience to take a class?

Adults

No! Our adult 6 Week Beginner classes are designed to give you a solid foundation to start your pottery journey. Our 3 Week Beginner Skill Building classes and Intermediate classes require that you have taken our 6 Week Beginner class at least once and/or you have previous experience outside of Northwest Pottery Collective.

Our one-time Workshops do not require previous experience but are also useful and fun for those with more advanced skills. All are welcome!

Kids

No! Kids classes are open to kids of all skill levels, but are easily tailored to kids with more experience as they take more classes.

Do I need to be physically strong to participate in wheel throwing?

No! Throwing on the wheel requires stability more than strength but being able to lift at least 10 lbs is helpful. However, it can be taxing on hands, wrists, and the back so it is important to use proper posture and positioning while throwing to avoid injury. Please ask your instructor for advice on posture if your are feeling uncomfortable or are experiencing pain.

How often are your classes offered?

We offer classes on a rolling quarterly basis. We will release 12-weeks of classes approximately one month before they begin. Registration is open for all classes at that time, which gives you the ability to sign up for multiple classes at once. We try to offer a wide variety of class topics for various skill levels so we cannot guarantee that a particular session is offered on a regular basis.

Do you offer a sibling discount?

We currently do not offer a sibling discount.

Summer Camps

When do you offer camps?

We offer weekly and daily camps during the summer. We have morning and afternoon camp sessions, as well as full day options.

What ages can participate in camps?

Children ages 6-12 can participate in camps, except wheel throwing camps, which are available for children ages 9-12.

Can I register my child for single or multiple weeks of camp?

You can register your child for a single week or multiple weeks of camp. At the beginning and end of summer, we will also offer the ability to sign-up for single day morning, afternoon, or full-day camp sessions to help with the school/summer transitions.

How long is camp?

Morning and afternoon camp sessions are 3 hours long. Full day options are 9:00am to 4:00pm.

What will my child learn during camp?

Campers will produce unique projects each week of camp (see camp session topics when registering) and will learn the basics of working with clay. Projects will be produced using hand building and/or slab-building methods, unless the topic is specifically wheel throwing (kids ages 9-12).

What does my child need to bring to camp?

Please ensure your child brings clothes that can get dirty, a hand towel, a water bottle, snack(s) or lunch that doesn’t require refrigeration or heating, and a positive attitude to camp!

When does 2025 Summer Camp registration begin?

Our 2025 Summer Camp registration will open February 5, 2025.

Do you offer a sibling discount?

We currently do not offer a sibling discount.

Studio Membership

Do I need experience to become a studio member?

Yes, you need to have a fundamental understanding of working with clay and be able to use the studio unsupervised in order to become a member. While we do have Studio Techs on duty during open studio hours, they are not there to provide instruction. If you are not able to use the studio unsupervised, we may rescind your membership.

What is required to be a studio member?

You must attend a new member orientation, be at least 18 years of age, have prior experience with clay, and have an active membership with a valid credit card on file. There is also a one-time start-up fee of $50 when you join as a member.

When are open studio hours?

Open studio hours will vary week to week as they are fit around our class and event schedules. Please see our Open Studio page for more information.

Open Studio Community Drop-in Guests

What is an open studio community drop-in appointment?

An open studio community drop-in appointment is a per hour reservation for either our wheel or hand building space in the studio for adults over the age of 18. The reservation charge includes use of the studio space that is reserved (wheel or hand building), use of studio glazes and tools, and firing. Appointments open on a two-week rolling basis and are closed 48 hours before the scheduled day/time.

Do I need experience to book an open studio community drop-in appointment?

Yes, you should be able to use the space unsupervised during open studio hours, therefore you will need to have at least some experience with clay to book a drop-in appointment. If you do not have enough experience to use the studio unsupervised and in an appropriate manner, we may revoke your ability to book drop-in appointments.

Can I just show up for open studio hours or do I need an appointment?

You must have a pre-paid appointment to attend open studio hours as a community guest. Appointments close online 48 hours in advance so we can ensure staff is present during open studio hours.

Do I need a membership to book an open studio community drop-in appointment?

No, you do not need to be a member to book an open studio community drop-in appointment.

Can I bring work I made in my home studio to be fired and/or glazed by NPC?

Unfortunately, we are not able to have work created outside of NPC be processed in any way (bisqued, glazed, fired, etc.) using studio resources.