Throw Clay LA is open Monday through Friday from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, Saturday from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM. The studio is closed on New Year's Day, July 4th, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day, and closes early on the day before Thanksgiving and New Year's Eve.

Can I bring my dog or pet to the studio?

Because studio work is fragile and moved frequently, pets are not allowed in the studio. Exceptions may be made for trained service animals with prior approval.

Where can I find pottery classes for beginners in Los Angeles?

Throw Clay LA offers pottery classes for beginners in a welcoming downtown Los Angeles studio. Our one-time and six-week courses introduce the basics of wheel throwing and handbuilding with step-by-step instruction from experienced teachers. Students learn how to center clay, create simple forms, and glaze their finished pieces using our cone 5/6 clay bodies. Classes are small, hands-on, and perfect for anyone curious to explore clay for the first time.

What makes Throw Clay LA the best pottery date night in Los Angeles?

Throw Clay LA offers one of Los Angeles’s most creative and relaxed date nights. Couples share creativity in a fun, informal studio setting while learning the basics of pottery together. Each person has their own wheel and creates their own piece, guided by friendly instructors. It’s a memorable, hands-on experience that blends laughter, art, and connection.

Do you offer one-time pottery classes for beginners?

Yes. Our one-time pottery classes are designed for beginners and anyone curious to try working with clay. In a single 1 hour and 45 minute session, you’ll learn the basics of throwing on the wheel, choose your glaze colors, and we’ll finish and fire your pieces for you. It’s a fun, no-pressure introduction to pottery in a welcoming studio environment.

Do you offer kids' classes?

Our classes and courses are designed for adults 18 and older. Teens ages 13–17 may join a One-Time class if accompanied by an adult booked in the same class.

What is the difference between throwing on the wheel and handbuilding?

Wheel throwing uses gravity and centrifugal force to shape clay on the potter's wheel, typically resulting in symmetrical forms like bowls. Handbuilding uses pinch, slab, and coil techniques to build pieces by hand, offering more flexibility and sculptural freedom.

When will my pottery pieces be ready for pickup after a class?

It takes 3–5 weeks to complete pieces made in class. Once they are ready, Throw Clay LA notifies you by email. Please pick them up promptly after notification to allow space for new work.

How long is a class or course?

One-Time Potter’s Wheel classes are 1 hour and 45 minutes. Six-week courses and One-Time Wheel & Handbuilding classes are two hours. Six-week courses are limited to 8 students for personalized instruction.

What should I wear to class?

Wear comfortable clothing you don’t mind getting clay on. Most clay washes out easily. Closed-toed shoes are recommended. Long hair should be tied back, and jewelry removed for safety.

What is your cancellation policy?

One-Time Classes may be canceled or changed with at least 3 days’ notice. Six-Week Courses can be canceled up to 5 days before the start of the session for a refund (less transaction fees). Private Events require 10 days’ notice for a full refund or reschedule. Cancellations made closer to the event may be partially refunded or ineligible depending on timing.

Are my pottery pieces food, microwave, and dishwasher safe?

Yes. All pieces made and fired at Throw Clay LA are food safe, microwave safe, and dishwasher safe.

How much do members pay for firing?

For one-time classes and six-week courses, firing and glaze fees are included. For members, glaze firings are $1 per pound for pieces up to 14 inches, and $2 per pound for larger pieces. Bisque firing is free.

Can I bring my dog or pet to the studio?

Because studio work is fragile and moved frequently, pets are not allowed in the studio. Exceptions may be made for trained service animals with prior approval.

From Clay to Creativity: The Importance of Creative Team Building for Your Employees

Throw Clay LA
Jul 4, 2024
3 min read

Updated: Mar 9

A team sitting in the wheel classroom as they learn to throw on the wheel. — Learning the art of pottery as a team.

Creative team building is a powerful way to bring employees together, strengthen relationships, and improve workplace collaboration. When teams step away from their usual environment and engage in hands-on creative activities, communication improves, stress decreases, and people reconnect in meaningful ways.

Pottery workshops offer a unique approach to team building. Working with clay encourages creativity, patience, and collaboration while giving participants the satisfaction of making something with their own hands.

Boost Morale and Motivation

There’s something inherently rewarding about creating something from clay. Team members who participate in pottery workshops often feel energized by the experience of learning a new skill in a relaxed, supportive environment.

Taking time for creative team building activities helps employees feel valued and appreciated. Shared experiences outside the typical work setting build stronger connections, increase job satisfaction, and contribute to a more positive workplace culture.

Improve Communication and Collaboration

Pottery naturally encourages conversation and collaboration. As participants learn new techniques and work through creative challenges, they share ideas, offer encouragement, and help each other solve problems.

These interactions strengthen relationships and help teams communicate more openly. The result is often a more cohesive group that works together more effectively back in the workplace.

Encourage Creativity and Problem Solving

Working with clay invites experimentation. Participants must adapt as the material responds to their touch, learning to adjust their approach and think creatively as they build their pieces.

This process strengthens problem-solving skills and encourages flexible thinking—qualities that translate directly into the workplace.

Build Trust and Stronger Relationships

Creative experiences allow colleagues to see one another in a different light. Outside of daily responsibilities, people often discover new strengths and perspectives within their team.

Working side by side on a shared creative activity builds trust, strengthens respect, and reinforces a sense of teamwork that carries forward long after the workshop ends.

A Meaningful Investment in Your Team

Organizations that invest in creative team building often see lasting benefits. Activities like pottery workshops improve morale, encourage collaboration, and provide a refreshing break from routine work.

By stepping into a creative environment together, teams can recharge, reconnect, and return to their work with renewed energy and stronger relationships.

Creative Team Building at Throw Clay LA

At Throw Clay LA, we host private pottery events designed specifically for team building, corporate gatherings, and group celebrations in downtown Los Angeles. These hands-on workshops give teams the chance to step away from the office, relax, and connect through the shared experience of working with clay.

During your event, our instructors guide participants through beginner-friendly pottery techniques while encouraging creativity, collaboration, and a sense of play. No experience is necessary, just curiosity and a willingness to try something new.

Pottery events are a memorable way to bring teams together. Whether your group is learning to throw on the potter’s wheel or exploring handbuilding techniques, participants leave with both a finished piece of pottery and a shared experience that strengthens relationships.

Plan Your Team Building Event

If you're looking for a creative and engaging team building activity in Los Angeles, a pottery event at Throw Clay LA offers the perfect combination of creativity, collaboration, and fun.

We host a variety of private events, including:

Corporate team building workshops
Company celebrations and retreats
Client appreciation events
Group gatherings and creative outings

Our studio provides a welcoming environment where teams can learn something new, unwind, and enjoy time together outside of the workplace.

Reach out to learn more about booking a private pottery event for your team at Throw Clay LA.

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