Common questions from first-time visitors and prospective members. Don’t see your question? Email us — we answer everything.
I've never touched clay. Where should I start?
A drop-in workshop is the easiest way in — you walk in for a single session, leave with a piece, and learn whether wheel-throwing or hand-building is your thing. From there, the multi-week classes are the natural next step.
What should I wear and bring?
Wear clothes you don’t mind getting clay on. Closed-toe shoes are best. Long hair is easier with it tied back. Tools, aprons, clay, and firing are all included — just bring yourself.
How long until I can take my piece home?
Most pieces need to be dried, bisque-fired, glazed, and glaze-fired. Plan on roughly 2–3 weeks before your work is ready for pickup. We’ll email you when it’s done.
Can I gift a workshop or membership?
Yes — Acuity gift certificates work for any workshop or class. For memberships, email us and we’ll set up a gifted subscription on your friend’s behalf.
What's included in a membership?
Open studio access during member hours plus a personal storage shelf at the Member Studio. See the Membership page for tiers and pricing.
Where are the studios?
We have two locations in Tucson — the School Studio is where multi-week classes meet, and the Member Studio is where members work and drop-in workshops happen. See Locations for addresses.
What's your refund / cancellation policy?
Workshop and class bookings can be cancelled up to 48 hours before the session for a full refund. After that, we can transfer your spot to a future date. Memberships auto-renew until you cancel. Flexible memberships can be cancelled any month; Committed memberships have a six-month minimum.
Are there age requirements?
Adult workshops are 16+. Younger potters welcome at family workshops and kid-friendly events — see the Calendar or email us about private group sessions.
Do you offer one-time classes?
Yes — we offer Play with Clay, Paint Your Own Pottery, and Private Lessons. You can book these from the Calendar or Classes page.
Do you have studio space for artists?
Yes. We have outdoor studio space available at our School Studio location and indoor studio space available at our Member Studio location. See the Membership page for tiers and pricing.
Do you sell glazes?
Yes. We sell Tucson Art Coop glazes in 4 oz, 1 pint, and 1 gallon sizes. Prices vary based on color. See the Shop page or contact the studio manager for details.
Do you offer outside firing services?
Yes — we offer firing by the pound. Bisque Fire: $2/lb. Glaze Fire: $3/lb. Glaze Fire for tiles, ornaments, and mosaics: $4/lb. Drop pieces off at Member Studio with your name, contact info, and a photo of each piece for our records.
Are the outdoor classes covered?
Yes. Outdoor spaces are shaded. We also provide portable swamp coolers in the summer and parabolic heaters in the winter.
When is open studio for enrolled students at School Studio?
School Studio open studio for enrolled students is Monday, Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday, 12 pm–3 pm.
Which classes are appropriate for beginners?
Indoor and outdoor “beginner” and “all level” classes are designed for newcomers. Intermediate is the next step after beginner.