Abstract geometric artwork with large dark blue shape in the center, orange and beige textured patterns with dots and brushstrokes along the edges.

POTTERY STUDIO

Group of women gathered around a table with stacks of brown clay, poking tools, and yellow sponges, participating in a pottery or ceramic workshop.

TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS
3:00 - 5:00 pm or 5:30 - 7:30 pm

SATURDAYS
10:00 am - 12:00 pm or 12:00 - 2:00 pm

Open Pottery

Call to Register
See Available Times

    • $15/hour per person

    • Includes: instructor help, clay for first 2 sessions, use of studio tools/equipment, bisque & glaze firing, and access to a variety of glazes

    • After first 2 sessions: 25lb bag of clay = $25 (must be labeled & stored at the studio)

    • Pay on arrival (cash or check only)

    • Tuesdays & Wednesdays:
      Pottery wheel use is limited to advanced participants or those who have completed our Intro to the Pottery Wheel class.

    • Saturdays
      Pottery wheel access is advanced users only. Staff will not be available to provide wheel instruction during these sessions.

    • New to the wheel?
      Please register for an Intro to the Pottery Wheel class before reserving wheel time.

    • Pottery wheel (ADVANCED users only — must have completed Intro to the Pottery Wheel or have prior experience)

    • Hand building

    • Glazing and trimming

    • Kids 15 & under must come with an adult or have permission

    • Only clay bought at Olio or approved by an instructor may be used (to protect kiln & artwork)

    • Participants must clean their area after each session

    • Required: first come, first served

    • Make reservations by 10:00am same day (T/W)

    • Specify: pottery wheel, hand-building, trimming, or glazing

    • Call early to cancel so waitlist participants can attend

    • See Intro to Pottery Wheel courses on our Classes page

  • TUESDAYS, WEDNESDAYS & SATURDAYS:

    • Please use the front door

  • Tuesdays & Wednesdays:
    Mary Mertes

    Saturdays:
    Izzie Muehlenkamp, Jackie Thomas, or Jim Lorbeck

Woman smiling and giving a thumbs-up at a pottery wheel, with clay pottery on it, in a pottery studio.

Intro to the Pottery Wheel with Mary Mertes

FIRST & THIRD MONDAY OF THE MONTH
3:00 - 5:00 pm or 5:45 - 7:45 pm

Register Now

  • $40/person

    • Includes 2 hours of instruction, clay, and tools needed

    • Starting January 2026: $40 cost will include Open Pottery costs to trim & glaze

    Registration must be paid online.

    • Learn the pottery wheel process by throwing a bowl

    • Instructor guides you through:

      • Setting up your workspace (wheel, clay, water, tools)

      • Centering clay on the wheel

      • Shaping the walls and finishing the rim

      • Cutting the bowl free from the wheel

    • Return visits:

      • ~1 week later (during Open Pottery) to trim your bowl

      • ~3 weeks later to glaze your bowl

      • Ask instructor about timing if you have questions due to firing

  • Beginner / Introductory

  • All supplies provided. Aprons are also provided as this can be a messy process!

  • Limit of 4 students per session

  • Pottery Studio

  • Mary Mertes

  • Once you complete this course, you will be able to reserve the pottery wheel during Open Pottery sessions

Young woman working on a clay mug, shaping it on a potter's wheel in an art classroom.

Day Studio (On Your Own)

TUESDAYS & WEDNESDAYS 10:30 am - 3:00 pm
THURSDAYS 10:30 am – 4:30 pm
Please call ahead to check the schedule and book a spot, as other pottery classes may be happening during these times.

Call to Register

  • $15/hour per person

    Includes:

    • Use of studio tools and equipment

    • Bisque firing in the kiln

    • Assortment of glazes

    • Glaze firing in the kiln

    Payment must be made at the front desk at time of arrival.

  • Must attend at least one 2-hour Open Studio with Mary and receive her approval to work independently “on your own” in the Day Studio

    • Attendees must use Olio clay or clay approved by an instructor (to protect the kiln and others’ artwork)

    • 25-pound bags available for $25

    • Purchased clay must be clearly labeled and stored in the studio

Open Pottery Punch Cards

A flexible and convenient way to enjoy time in the studio on your schedule.

Learn More

  • To help us manage studio space and materials, the following timelines apply to all pottery left at Olio, unless prior arrangements have been made with staff:

    • Greenware (unfired work):
      Must be claimed within 6 months. After this time, unclaimed pieces will be recycled.

    • Bisque-fired work:
      Must be claimed within 6 months. After this time, pieces will be donated or sold in the gift shop, with proceeds benefiting Olio.

    • Glaze-fired work:
      Must be claimed within 6 months. After this time, pieces will be donated or sold in the gift shop, with proceeds benefiting Olio.

    Olio is not responsible for damage or loss of work left beyond these timeframes.

    Olio Board of Directors Approved: 5/19/2026

  • Olio instructors and volunteers handle all pottery with the utmost care and respect throughout the forming, drying, glazing, and firing processes.

    Due to the nature of ceramics, damage can occur that is beyond our control, including but not limited to cracking, warping, glaze defects, or kiln-related issues.

    If a piece is damaged while in Olio’s care, the situation will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. When appropriate, Olio may offer the artist a number of studio hours equivalent to the time invested in creating the piece as a way to make it right.

    By participating in the pottery studio, artists acknowledge and accept the inherent risks of the ceramic process, including the possibility of loss or damage during firing.

    Olio Board of Directors Approved: 5/19/2026

All Olio Policies