Beginner wheel-throwing 6-week course

New to ceramics? Start here! Our instructors will teach you how to use a pottery wheel and guide you through the ceramics process from start to finish.

Class days:

  • Mondays 6-8:30pm
  • Tuesdays 6-8:30pm
  • Saturdays 10am-12:30pm
  • Sundays 10am-12:30pm
Reserve a spot

Intermediate / advanced wheel-throwing 6-week course

Hone your craft through intermediate and advanced pottery techniques and forms.

Intermediate class:

  • Wednesdays 6-8:30pm
  • Thursdays 6-8:30pm

Advanced class:

  • Fridays 6-8:30pm

Prerequisite: Beginner 6-week course or equivalent prior experience

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Hand-building 6-week course

Learn to sculpt clay without the wheel. The instructor will guide you through the full process from raw clay to fired piece and teach you techniques such as coil and slab building. You can choose to create functional ceramics or abstract sculptures. All experience levels welcome.

  • Tuesdays 6-8:30pm
  • Wednesday 6-8:30pm
Reserve a spot

One-time private lesson

Learn wheel-throwing or hand-building in a one-time personalized class. You can book a 1:1 lesson, couple's class, or group session. This is a great way to try out ceramics if you are unsure about taking a 6-week course.

By appointment only.

Book a class

Studio membership

We offer 4 weeks and 6 weeks studio membership for individuals who want to make ceramics without enrolling in a course. Members have access to the studio's communal equipment and glazes during open studio hours (24/7, outside of class times). Includes a complimentary bag of standard studio clay collection.

Become a member

About YoLin Art Studio

We strive to create an inclusive space where our students can explore the art of ceramics and feel at home in our community. More than just an educational classroom, our studio is a place to experience the healing and transformative power of art. We seek to ignite artistic passion, foster personal growth, and build a vibrant creative community.

We encourage students to bond over common interests – ceramics or others – and many have formed lasting friendships. After each series of 6-week courses, we host a class potluck party, where students share tasty treats (our community has many talented bakers!) and partake in fun pottery challenges.

Frequently asked questions

How do I sign up for classes?

Our next series of courses will begin on June 8th, 2024, and will be open for registration starting on May 10th. 2024 . Email yolinstudio@gmail.com for course information packets and to reserve your spot on May 10th. 2024.

Course start dates:

  • Saturdays Beginner Wheel: 6/8/2024-7/13/2024
  • Sundays Beginner Wheel: 6/9/2024-7/14/2024
  • Mondays Beginner Wheel: 6/10/2024-7/15/2024
  • Tuesdays Beginner Wheel: 6/11/2024-7/16/2024
  • Wednesdays Intermediate Wheel: 6/12/2024-7/17/2024
  • Thursdays Intermediate / Advanced Wheel: 6/13/2024-7/18/2024
  • Fridays Intermediate / Advanced Wheel: 6/14/2024-7/19/202

What supplies are included in the courses?

Your course registration includes a bag of standard studio clay and access to communal studio equipment, such as the pottery wheels, water buckets, and studio glazes. However, you will need to bring your own set of pottery tools: a needle tool, a wooden or plastic rib, a clay cutter, trimming tools, and a sponge. You may also bring any additional pottery tools that you would like to use.

We have a limited stock of beginner tool kits available for purchase at the studio – please contact your instructor prior to your first class if you need to purchase a kit.

What should I wear to class?

Ceramics can get messy! Even though clay and glaze does wash out, we recommend wearing comfortable clothing and close-toed shoes that you don't mind getting dirty. You're also welcome to bring an apron.

If I miss a class, can I make it up?

Students are allowed to make up one class within a 6-week course. You must notify the instructor at least 24 hours in advance and make arrangements for the make up class. Some of our students record our class demonstrations, so you can also connect with your fellow classmates to catch up on class content.

Can I practice at the studio outside of class time?

Yes! We recommend coming to open studio hours to practice what you've learned in class. Studio time is available 24/7 (outside of set class times) and by appointment only. Please contact our studio managers to request studio time.

Please note: Open studio time is only available to students enrolled in a 6-week course series and to studio members.

Can I bring friends to open studio time?

Only enrolled students and current studio members are allowed in the studio during open hours.

However, if you are a student in one of our 6-week courses, you are welcome to bring a friend to the class potluck party at the end of the course series!

Cancel policies

  • Class fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
  • Refund or Credit (minus $20 processing fee) if a request for refund is received TWO WEEKS and only two weeks before the start of a class.
  • Class cancellations should be made via email- YoLinstudio@gmail.com
  • No refunds or credits after attending 1st class.
  • Classes missed due to failure to attend, planned absences, minor illnesses or vacations will not be credited for future classes.

Still have questions?

If you are interested in a course and have questions, feel free to reach out using the form below. We also welcome prospective students to make appointments to visit the studio and meet our student community.

Visit the studio

539 Athol Avenue
Oakland, CA 94606

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Studio visits / tours by appointment only.