Clay Arts Vegas

I’ve been taking classes at CAV since the beginning of the year and it has been such a rewarding experience! The instructors (and other members) are knowledgeable, patient, and truly passionate about their craft. The studio environment is welcoming and encourages creativity at every skill level. I always look forward to my classes here and appreciate how much I’ve grown as an artist. Whether you’re a beginner or have some experience, this is the perfect place to learn and explore wheel throwing and/or hand building.

I'm new in town, so I had to check out the local Clay Arts place! I needed a few supplies for making my own pottery at home, and the owner/staff was super friendly! They also had an amazing gallery with clay arts on display. I look forward to returning for workshops in the future! Or maybe even a class! Loved this place!

The workshops are good. The selection of Laguna Clays is pretty extensive. The beginner's classes are really valuable and I'm thankful that I started there. Scott taught me a lot of fundamental lessons that have stuck with me. The truth about this place is somewhere in between all the bad reviews and all the good ones. Also, very telling and really weird doubling down behavior in their responses to reviews. 👀

I just stopped in for some supplies while I was in town. I like to check out local pottery Studios that have supply shops when I travel. The owner was delightful and they had a good selection of glazes and tools for sale. I love that there’s a gallery with member work on display. Also, some of it for sale.

I first walked into Clay Arts Vegas having had limited exposure to clay. The only thing I knew about throwing clay on the wheel was what I’d seen in the movie Ghost. I was nervous and really out of my comfort zone. The instructors were patient and encouraging, and I was able to successfully throw a small vessel by the end of my first class. After that, I was hooked. The atmosphere in the classes is relaxed but structured to allow all levels to follow along. The ages and experience level of class members vary as well which I enjoy. Class members are helpful with tips and tricks as well. The projects are thoughtful and unique. The workshops are amazing too! I have been taking classes off and on for over five years now, and I have learned so many skills and made awesome clay pieces as well as friends. It doesn’t matter whether you’re brand new to the studio or a veteran- everyone is welcomed with kindness. I highly recommend Clay Arts Vegas to those curious about clay or looking for a new hobby!

I took wheel throwing classes from October till April. Every other class I would leave thinking "man that guy really doesn't like me". I kept inviting friends to go with me and telling people about it constantly. The friends that did come with me all got run off and had a bad time. After having not seen one friend in a year due to covid, I was so excited for him to join me, and the teacher made us move so that we didn't sit next to each other. It just got progressively harder and harder to brush off as a misunderstanding after months and months of really pointedly picking on students. Tom just has countless of hidden rules that are never mentioned until he randomly decides to chastise you with it one day, and he gets irritated at questions, but also if you try to independently do things he gets irritated at that too. And more frustrating yet, he gives you assignments to make something, and then you have to let it dry and trim it at a later date, but you can't trim it on a different date because it's not the assignment for the day and staying on assignment is mandatory. But that means you can never trim it and your works stack up, then he is irritated at you because you're personal shelf is too full. So you finish the assignment and trim your previous work after and just get glared at the whole time. It just seems like you can't win, which is a unfortunate take away from a hobby you are paying to do. This it's not a graded class, and there are no credits to be earned. Peter and thelma are both wonderful and honestly if I could just take classes with thelma I would continue. But Tom who is the wheel throwing instructor is just.... Crabby and rude. Edit: The business has responded and honestly their reply is upsetting. They accused me of talking through the class with my friend and causing a disturbance, but they made us move seats apart from each other before the class even started. How could we have disturbed the class from opposite sides of the room? Then, I waited till AFTER the demo was over, but before I started on my work, and I asked the instructor to the side if I could move to be next to my friend and he told me no, so I didn't. I also did not typically show up late, which is a hurtful thing to say when I would show up early and try to chat, before Peter or Thom would take Marcus for the before-class walk. They also said all of the rules are clear in their handbook and available on their website. I had no idea they had a handbook at all, so I went to their website to see...only to find they have a completely new website. As you need to use the website every single week to book your class, I would have seen if there was any kind of handbook available, but there was not, and now they have a new website that included one and are retroactively chastising me for not following something that didn't exist....which is exactly in character for this studio.

My experience with Clay Arts Vegas was very negative. I found that the owners Peter and Tom were angry, mean spirited, and incredibly judgmental. I signed up, and paid for a full year’s membership but had to cut it short after 3-4 months of going because of all of the negative hostility I felt from them. For me, pottery is a great form of therapy, self expression, and art. It helps me focus and feel better, but during my time at Clay Arts Vegas, I ended up feeling worse than I had in a long time. So I took a break for a few weeks and when I got a call from Peter who told me that if I didn’t come back, I had to give up my shelf space, because it was only for “active” members (I paid for a whole year and was still an active member). I decided that was my cue to leave. I went in the next day and cleaned out all of my tools, and of course they never gave me a prorated refund for my unused months. So for my honest opinion, No. I DO NOT RECOMMEND Clay Arts Vegas!

My sister and I did the 8 week wheel throwing course. The only day that worked for both of us was Thursday evening, so Tom was the instructor. He’s pretty off putting. Constantly makes sexual references with a class that’s 90% women. His more tenured students don’t mind, they get his sense of humor. But as a new comer it’s uncomfortable. He has an attitude if you’re not working on whatever he demoed for the day, but also you never get time to finish your pieces unless you pay extra for independent studio time. So at the end you have a bunch of pieces that are bone dry that you never got to trim let alone fire or glaze. And if you don’t get them in the kiln before the 8 week are over then you pay to get them fired. Also, the instruction itself is limited. The class is mixed levels so you’re thrown into the deep end with little support. Tom does a 10-15 minute demo on whatever project he wants you to attempt for the day and that’s pretty much it. He’ll walk around “checking” on students, but won’t give direction if you’re struggling unless you ask, which is hard because as a newbie sometimes you don’t even know what is going wrong so you don’t know what to ask. Nancy, the instructor that helps the first couple of sessions for new students is great. She’s patient and takes the time to teach you different techniques if you’re struggling. But they constantly have newcomers so she’s stretched thin. To be honest, I learned more from the girl sitting next to me than I did from Tom. She had been taking the classes for 6 months and said she had the same experience where she felt lost until a classmate helped her. Funny enough, she advised me to watch YouTube tutorials and they helped so much more than the class, which at that point I might as well buy my own wheel and practice at home or find a place where I can just sign up for studio time. Also, yes they bring their dogs. The big one is a still a puppy so he’s a little wild but neither ever seemed aggressive. Overall, this place would be good for experienced artists looking for a wheel throwing community as the attendees seem to be generally good people. But I wouldn’t recommend this to anyone new to wheel throwing. I didn’t try the hand building class so can’t speak to that one.

I've been a loyal fan for 6 years and have made so many fun friends all while enjoying and learning the art of wheel throwing from a very talented teacher named Thomas B. I gain so much knowledge all while steadily improving my own skills under their guidance. As a senior I feel it's been invaluable for preserving my own cognitive abilities. I can learn and grow plus enjoy fun conversations: what could be better?

Wanted to give a review of Clay Arts Vegas. We ate at Esters Kitchen and fell in love with the pottery they use there. They referred us to Clay Arts Vegas and we purchased several pieces to take home. I believe you can take classes and rent studio time here too. Beautiful pottery!

Canʻt believe Iʻve waited 3 years to leave this review. CAV has changed my life! I started taking classes over 3 years ago knowing nothing about ceramics. After my 1st class, I felt extremely frustrated as I am usually a quick learner and such a perfectionist. Wheel throwing was not easy! I am not a quitter and clay was going to be a challenge. Challenge accepted! Thom and Peter have been such an inspiration to me and taught me not to give up and push myself every day! Has it been easy? Not in the least! But everything about this place keeps me coming back, wanting more: the people, the atmosphere, the learning experiences... Happy I found this place only wishing it had been sooner!

The worst. Just stay away! It's been over a year, but I'm still pissed about the whole experience. The rudeness, just being left in a corner, the cattiness. It was an email that triggered this pottery experience PTSD. Stay far away. You're better off playing with a blob of clay watching a YouTube video.

I came to this location because it was one of the first to pop up on my Google search and it was the closest to where I live. Had I gone to my trusted Yelp, I would have better educated myself. I should have known from my first experience that this wasn't going to be a smooth ride. The first thing that stood out to me was how the lady at the cash register was really adament about pushing me into their beginner clay. Every time I would point to a lighter, white colored clay sample that I liked a lot more, she would just redirect me to Greystone (WC-423). I didn't feel heard and I would pick out clays I was more attracted to but it became clear that she was only going to let me walk out with Greystone. I then worked on a few pieces myself, at home. I had read the instructions about getting my stuff fired. I knew it had to be dried out. I had to put my name on them. And, I needed to carefully put them in a box, that I would then take back with me. Upon arriving, she begins to inform me that each piece is $6 a piece (within a certain dimension). She also tells me I need to make my own clay tray and make individual slots for each piece... at least that's what she does. I was so overwhelmed and felt that the website did not explain any of that. She said she 'assumed' people would know that because sometimes the pieces get 'blown away' or move. I went back home, to review this very antiquated website. It said you can do a whole shelf for $35. I call back and she says the website must be out dated... I could have told you that. I tried to give them the benefit, even with the website looking as bad as it did, but I come to realize that working with them is as challenging as navigating their website. Go check it out.

Great studio I have learned a lot since I started taking classes Owners are great Met great people at the studio who are very nice, very helpful. They have different workshops that are great Seeing pottery pieces go through Raku firing is amazing They have so many options to attend classes Tuesday through Sunday They have different types of clay for purchase so you can experience working with different clay bodies They also sell different types of tools, underglaze transfers, underglazes and glazes that you can use. Definitely worth your money to take classes there You can also become a member so you can enjoy the many perks that come with the membership

During my practicum 2 I got placed into a ceramics classroom. I have experience in most mediums due to my degree from painting to metal but I never got the chance to learn ceramics. My semester started and I immediately needed to learn stuff about ceramics outside of the classroom. I was already full-time at the University and working an almost full-time job but I was determined to learn to feel somewhat adequate to teach it. I did the 7-week course with 3-hour classes. Firstly, I thought that yes it helped with consistency but life happens, and if you get sick or anything happens it's like I'm missing out on a class I paid for. I think my biggest thing about this place was the lack of information about time management. The first few weeks are just learning and not making good things but as you get down the course they just kept giving you assignments to make. And yes I understand that it helps build skills but in the end, it made it difficult to make a finished project. I also got called out to stop making a bowl because I had to do the project given but that's beside the point. In 7 weeks, I managed to get 2 bisque fired pieces and 2 things still in the greenware stage. I never got to glaze anything... I think making a separate class for beginners, intermediate, and advanced classes would best benefit everyone. So that those who need more help get it and the more advanced people can just make good conversation with Tom or each other. In the end, I'm still grateful for what I learned from this place. They knew what they were talking about but I just wished for a friendlier environment. I ended up going to Oasis Pottery because my mentor had suggested it and the owner was nice and welcoming.

My true rate is a 0 I did this class a while ago but still get upset when I think about my experience. I would look somewhere else before coming here. I chose this place because convenience. Please don't let that be the reason you come. I had 0 experience coming into this and they still seemed to push everyone into the same class regardless of their experience. I had 1 session with a teacher teaching me and a few other students for a "1 on 1" and the next class I was supposed to make 3 different sized bowls and keep up with everyone else? The dude walked around the class and talks to you for 5 seconds about your piece then tends to the 30 other students to make entertaining conversation with them. Horrible teaching I could've watched a YouTube video and learned more from this. Waste of a couple hundred $. Just for them to throw away my pieces when I told them I will be out of town and gave them my return date to pickup my unfinished items- because they don't guide you through the glazing and firing process They expect everyone to know what they're doing. They do this for their own entertainment. Completely unsatisfied they couldn't do anything to change my mind. I wish I would've written this sooner so someone reading the reviews would've known to not waste their time or money.‍

If you never try you will never know. Throwing is art. It's not easy, but it's worth learning. Learn from everyone who offers advice! There is a community of artists at Clay Arts that is inspiring to watch. It amazes me how in a class you can all be taught the same project,, yet no person replicates it the same way. The years of experience behind the instructors is so beneficial to learning and overcoming obstacles. I can't wait to continue creating.

Go to animal house pottery or oasis pottery and they are so much better and nicer and teach so much better. Anthony at animal house is the best!

Last Saturday I went to Clay Arts to buy clay and to see what glazes they carried. It was a very busy day with a class going on and many people working on the wheels. I have taken a class here before, and I thought you could go in the back to read what glazes were on the walls. Tom immediately yelled at me, in front of the class, asking me, "What are you doing?" and "Where do you think you are going?" I quietly (so as not to disrupt the class any further) told him I wanted to see what glazes they carried on the back wall. He rudely told me to go to the front of the studio and behind the register, I could see the poster of glaze colors. Unfortunately, Tom did not know that I have been in the business for 35 years, taught College Courses for 12 years and owned my own public studio in Arizona for 10 years. I have traveled to California to the Laguna and Aardvark Clay Factories and worked with and know the owners and staff there for over 10 years. I know what I'm talking about...I know Glaze Brands and could easily tell the colors that they carry on that back wall and not have to look at 1" squares to see the finished color. Then I went up front, like I was COMMANDED to do. The woman at the front was not much friendlier. She told me I had to carry the three 50# boxes out of the store by myself. I just did my best to pay for and load up my clay and get out of the store. If I could give 0 stars, I would! Stay away from these rude people! Tom take some classes on being polite to people! From other Yelps, looks Like I am not the only one you have offended! If I had ever treated my customers and students that way, I would not have been in business for so long. I will never return to this store again. I will drive to California or to St. George, UT, before I ever give this group another dime!

currently writing this review crying in the Clay Arts parking lot. i bought a package for me and my partner, we went to 2 classes, im a total beginner and there has been absolutely no guidance. we're somehow expected to know the throwing/triming/firing process, the clean up process, and where all the tools go. i told them i didn't want to come back and asked if my friend (who already is good at ceramics) if she could take my place and they said no. i could deal with the shitty instruction if the teachers/people were at least nice but they are not, i got in trouble for messing up multiple times but no one ever showed me the right way to do anything. im super bummed, i just wanted to make some pretty art.

I bought my 3 kids a birthday gift, of which I thought would be a great experience. The class starts at exactly 2pm, which is also traffic time. I live a bit away, and having to schedule so many things around this time frame was a lot to handle for a busy mom. my 1 of children had their birthday party to attend, I managed to get the other 2 to the class. I was often 10 min late, and I already knew my daughter was missing a class. As a parent who bought 600.00 worth of class time, I was sucking that up, on my end. 1 class, I was 20 min late, because I had to wait for washer and dryer servicing my washer in between the time, iw as lucky to get them there. But they didny leave until 4pm? which was exactly the time the class ends. i did my best to race over there. The teacher and my son were waiting outside for me, as if I was late on purpose. She walked up to my car, expecting me to be sorry, for the 600.00 class I was paying for. My reason for making a review was for the actions thereafter, the rude behavior towards me and the unexpected wheel messing up on my daughter 2 x. Which was a reason why she wasn't able to even make anything that class. The male, Peter was rude telling me that I needed to let the teachers teach, when I was praising my kids for being able to move their hands and pay attention to what was taught. Peter thought it was ok, to say something to me, because he didn't know the other mom was directing her child as the teacher w her child was teaching. i was just praising. and so I told him, I paid 600.00 I'm gonna praise and watch my kids, just like the other mom, which no one said anything too. but because I'm young, and a hands on mom, but also was late, he thought it was ok to speak to only me this way. In my whole life, I can say, most classes begin 10 mins later, to allow most students to arrive, and get all the information needed. This class starts exactly on time, but at 3:30, they start to clean up. and the kids sit around doing nothing until 4pm. I sat in 2 classes, the first class the lady, told me it was probably better I sit out of class. Mind you I have 2 twin boys, fresh out of boys and girls club, playing sports and whatever other activities they have planned that day. The first day I was helping my sons focus and hear what was being said, because having twins, they forget to listen as they work. I didn't mind that suggestion, i minded everything they did after that, to mess up my kids Birthday present from me to them, and their first experience in pottery. I'd say, as a parent it's a waste of your money, to go here. Theyre teaching isn't about the kids. it's about your money. They did not care about my kids experience.

I signed my 10 year old daughter up for the kids camp in the summer. Thelma was wonderful and my daughter loved learning and creating with the clay. As for the owner, my best advice is to completely ignore Tom. He is a jerk to say the least. Because of his manner and attitude, I opted to stay at art class with my daughter instead of dropping her off. I just felt like he might yell at her or something. I don't even give Tom any verbal response or eye contact when I come in and I tell my daughter not to make any noise when she come through the main area and to not stop even if he talks to her, just to keep going about her business. That's the only way to deal with him. Once he learned that I was not going to pay any attention to me, he quit trying to yell at me or insult me during each class. The first few classes he was so rude and insulting, using bad language in front of the kids, being rude about kids needing to use the restroom, or wash hands, etc. The last time I was in, Tom yelled at me for looking on a shelf for a missing piece of finished pottery, he told us to "get out of here and never come back." Well, we have never returned. It's unfortunate because my daughter really loves pottery, and I would spend a lot of money on classes for her to learn.

I started classes here about 6 weeks ago and could not be happier with the knowledge I've amassed so far. I leave every class feeling inspired. I am a total beginner when it comes to ceramics, I haven't touched clay since junior high. Needless to say, I was pretty intimidated when I showed up for instruction here. I felt like a total amateur in a room full of pros (I still do sometimes). However, Thom made me feel right at home on my first day and was very patient. The other instructors and members are all great and I've learned something valuable from every one I've crossed paths with. I should note - my ceramics journey began as a therapeutic suggestion. I'm currently in somatic therapy for trauma recovery and was told that channeling my grief into a creative endeavor (specifically one in which I'm using my hands) can have transformative healing effects. Admittedly, I didn't know what to expect. In fact, I didn't even think I'd stick with it (I have a hard time committing to new things). But, I'm glad stuck it out and am even more grateful that I chose Clay Arts. I look forward to more learning and creating in this space.

I took wheel throwing classes from October till April. Every other class I would leave thinking "man that guy really doesn't like me". I kept inviting friends to go with me and telling people about it constantly. The friends that did come with me all got run off and had a bad time. After having not seen one friend in a year due to covid, I was so excited for him to join me, and the teacher made us move so that we didn't sit next to each other. It just got progressively harder and harder to brush off as a misunderstanding after months and months of really pointedly picking on students. Tom just has countless of hidden rules that are never mentioned until he randomly decides to chastise you with it one day, and he gets irritated at questions, but also if you try to independently do things he gets irritated at that too. And more frustrating yet, he gives you assignments to make something, and then you have to let it dry and trim it at a later date, but you can't trim it on a different date because it's not the assignment for the day and staying on assignment is mandatory. But that means you can never trim it and your works stack up, then he is irritated at you because you're personal shelf is too full. So you finish the assignment and trim your previous work after and just get glared at the whole time. It just seems like you can't win, which is a unfortunate take away from a hobby you are paying to do. This it's not a graded class, and there are no credits to be earned. Peter and thelma are both wonderful and honestly if I could just take classes with thelma I would continue. But Tom who is the wheel throwing instructor is just.... Crabby and rude.

Great shop for clay, tools and supplies, just don't ask any questions. Tom can get rude and will say condescending comments like "that's why you take classes" or "I will have to charge you a consulting fee". I had heard this from other friends who shop here, too bad. Nice store, no love for the art. Just go in, get what you need and pay, soup nazi style etiquette.

We tried the hand building class and it was such a better experience than wheel throwing. In the hand building class, the instructor shows you step by step how to complete a project. She started with one simple step and gave you time to complete it before moving on to the next step. The project was simple enough for beginners, however more skilled students could incorporate more complex details per their personal preference. Since everyone worked at a different pace, the instructor came around to give personal pointers and suggestions along the way which I thought was helpful. Although everyone builds the same project, all pieces end up looking different in the end. You can also bring your project home to work on it if you like. This is the creative outlet I was looking for when signing up. I would recommend the hand building class for anyone at any skill level.

Very complete shop and very friendly staff. The selection of clay art and clay pottery ranges from Whimsical to stunning.

I took a wheel thrown pottery course taught by Thom at Clay Arts Vegas. It was an 8 week course meeting every Saturday from 1:00 until 4:00. We started with the basics like wedging, centering and making cylinders. From there we learned to make bowls, pull a handle, trim our pieces and glaze our final products. I finshed the class with some fun pieces. Some I am very pleased with. Some less so. Regardless of the quality and level of success on each, they are all my own creations. How can I be mad at that? One thing I am mad at, or at least disappoined in, is that one of my first pieces went missing and has never been found. Whether it broke or was taken by mistake is a mystery to me. Its frustrating to think about. Not that the piece was any good. It was just my first. I did end up with many other pieces and much of the success is thanks to Thom's early guidance. He explained how to correct my improper form by first saying his hand were the clay and asking me to show how I was holding my hand to center on the wheel. Then I was the clay and he showed me how I should be pushing. From there I took off. He came back by over the next couple of weeks to give me more tips in technique. Thom missed the last few weeks of the course due to a scheduling conflict. I feel I did my best works in his absence. Without trying to copy the piece he was demonstrating each week, I was free to do my own thing. It was more relaxing for me. But he did set the foundation. I glazed most all of my pieces while in class. There was one, however, that I saved for a special session outside of class. I saved it for the 2nd Saturday Raku Party. Raku is a different glazing process that produces some unique finishes to pieces. It starts by brushing on a special type of glaze and bringing it up to 1750 degrees in under an hour. When the pieces are up to temperature, they are taken out of the kiln and placed under a trash can full of newspaper. This is where the magic begins. After the pieces cool enough, they are removed and the often metallic sheen is revealed. There is also a varient that burns horse hair and feathers on to a piece. Fascinating. I glazed my own piece under the trash can and tried the horse hair on an extra piece from the studio. The results are amazing. Clay Arts Vegas is a hell of a place to learn a new skill. The people there are funny and knowledgeable. I enjoyed my time there and look forward to the prospect of taking another class in the future. Maybe a hand building course.

I'm really disappointed and upset by the way I have been treated here. I have come 4 times total and every single time I left feeling horrible.(the new lady is wonderful) I always hoped it'd be different every time I went back and it wasn't. I believe the guy who is so rude is named Tom. He is so unfriendly. I asked for advice when I was dropping off my pottery one time and he snarkily responded "I don't give free advice, take a class". LOL! I was caught off guard because I wasn't asking him to show me his life secrets. A quick response of "oh maybe make your foot a little higher" was all I was looking for. Then when I went back in today full of nerves hoping I wouldn't have to interact with him he comes up and gives me two broken pieces of my pottery and says "you owe us 20 dollars, my kiln guy cut his hand because of your pottery". Like okay dude sorry I feel bad but i didn't do it on purpose. I'm learning. I do not know how you run a business speaking to customers the way you do. I happily will pay if I mess up or ruin anything (which I did pay)I work a lot and am unable to take a class like you would prefer. I feel defeated and my fire to learn to be a better potter has been dimmed due to his rudeness. I wish these were the only instances of him being rude but unfortunately there were more. I'm sure he will be happy to hear I will never be returning to this place again or recommending it to anyone.

Well, I started here though THE UNLV continuing education program. The beginning was great. After my class, I joined the studio and spent more time here. I started observing the owners being mean and making passive aggressive comments to the patrons and members. They would gaslight them and even cuss members out if things weren't done properly. It became such a toxic environment for me I had to stop attending. I spoke to the owner, Thom, and he put his finger in my face and screamed insults at me after I told him he was unprofessional and a hothead. I guess he proved my point one last time. It's a shame, because this could be such a great space for artists, but the energy is just no good.

I've been here 2 years and this is an excellent school for people who are serious about learning pottery. Thom is an excellent teacher for wheel throwing and hand building. Each class is directed to building skills, even the most experienced potters can always find good challenges. Beginner potters build basic skills, wedging, centering, opening and pulling up a wall. Peter makes hand building a serious and creative under taking, from goblets to complex boxes with lids. There are workshops with potters who share special techniques and years of experience. Pottery is complex, there is the science behind clay, glazes and firing; and technique, skill. I've potted for over 30 years, 10 years in the States, 20 years in Japan. I can say with complete confidence that if you really want to learn pottery there's no better place than Clay Art Las Vegas.

I have taken my students on field trips multiple times to this studio over the last 10 years. I will NOT be returning in the future after my last experience earlier this week. The staff, specifically Tom, was extremely rude. In the past I have taken his negative attitude as a form of humor. This time, it was hard to move past how condescending he treated me and my young students. He even walked away during our initial conversation and would not make eye contact or engage with me for the next 3 hours. My school paid for a 3 hour workshop for 20 students to have a great experience and it was far from that. I wanted to leave immediately after being greeted with such a snarky attitude. I do not recommend taking a class here.

I decided to take a class in December. I had never done pottery before. I love art, but I haven't really had that spark. So I signed up for a class before the studio closed for Christmas. Everyone there was very close. You could tell the people who had been there, had been doing pottery for a long time. As a newbie, I didn't really know what to do. There was a guest there, and he spent time helping me and teaching me more so than the actual instructor. The actual instructor was a little snarky, very sarcastic but I figured that's just his personality. All in all, I had fun. Since December there's been multiple deaths in my family, I'm going through a divorce. I just haven't been in a good place mentally. I just started to rebuild myself. So I called the studio to see if I could get a refund since I only took 1 class. At least a partial refund or maybe I could continue the classes. Nope. Fun fact: You pay for 8 classes continuously. Oh life happens? Too bad. And no. There's no refunds. I think I paid about 300 dollars for the class and materials just to go once because life happened. 300 dollars for one 3 hour class. Now if it was just the policy, and that was explained to me I'd be more understanding. But no. The man on the phone made it clear that he did not care. If you read other reviews, people complain about the bad attitudes here. So, if you want to do pottery somewhere: find people who are actually nice and considerate. And for the owners: maybe yall should have it to where people pay for each class. ‍

I started taking classes here as a non-member about two months ago and don't plan on stopping anytime soon! The hand building class led by Peter is easy to follow and he pays attention to the new people in class to help them learn the techniques. The two owners are all around just very kind, funny and want to help you be the best artist you can be. They often have things outside of class going on, like workshops, gallery exhibits and Raku firings which are all great opportunities to see amazing work and get inspired. They also offer an amazing selection of clay, glazes, tools, kiln services and classes. As a beginner, it is nice to learn what tools can help me and being able to buy them before/after class is super convenient. The staff is very helpful and the overall community is supportive of one another! I highly recommend coming here if you have ever thought of starting to work with clay. I've yet to try the wheel throwing class but their instructor Thom also seems great and attentive, and the work he does is phenomenal! Wether you want to hand build or throw- this place is definitely a welcoming start!

I was really looking forward to purchasing some items from this place but, although his card said he opened 11:00 am the owner said he opened at noon. I explained we were here for the day and I asked if he would kindly let us view some pieces he became aggressive and rude and told me to go f*** myself. Nice way to treat customers and tourists. The owner is rude, aggressive and threatening. He also said he didn't want to sell me anything. The work may be nice but the owner needs some etiquette classes. Not worth the trip for such a terrible owner.

Pretty disappointed in this place. My boyfriend & I visited on a Friday afternoon so he could have three hours of studio time to throw on one of their wheels they have. They really want you to pay $145 for eight weeks of unlimited studio time, when I asked if we could maybe just do a trial day of studio time, a very reasonable $35 was paid for three hours. Thank goodness I asked for a trial run before giving these people upwards of $100!! Nevertheless, upon entering, a wonderful woman named Beth assisted us. She was friendly, helpful & in no way a reflection of the unfortunate man that seemed to own this place. She is the second star of this review. It took trying three different wheels to find one that was actually functioning, firstly. Secondly, EVERY SINGLE PALLET that we looked at or tried to use was warped beyond repair. Couldn't throw a damn thing without the clay becoming extremely wobbly despite all efforts to center it. No one helped us with that which we thought was a little strange. So, after nearly three hours, a bit disgruntled, we packed up to leave. Very politely upon leaving, my boyfriend said, verbatim, "Hey man, I feel like i need to tell you that all of your pallets available for use are seriously warped." & then, to add insult to injury, this man said, "ya I know. Those are community pallets so it's really just whatever is there. People that come here buy & bring their own." I'm guessing these are the pallets they use for their classes. So if you spend over $100 on classes, that's a HUGE waste of your money. You'll end up not being able to throw a centered piece even if you were already experienced, so keep that in mind. Soo..pretty much took our money KNOWING that the supplies they had available were literally unusable. What a freaking waste. It's not like this place is in a great location either. With all of the traffic that comes with downtown & the 15, this place is not worth it! Also, on our way out I felt like I had to be honest & tell him that we felt pretty cheated. He shouted at us, in a VERY sassy tone, "Have a nice day!" We didn't feel the need to stoop to his level, we were polite & walked out to leave knowing it would be the last time we'd ever step foot in this pretentious atmosphere. Hopefully there are friendlier places in this valley, but heed my warning about this shop. They might be good for the purchasing of clay or glaze, but if you're not in with their "in" crowd, they will make you feel SUPER uncomfortable. Too bad.

On a recent visit to Las Vegas my friend, who is blind, and I, went in search of some art he could get his hands on. This studio was a real find! The owners happened to be there and, along with a young resident artist, were so welcoming that it made our stop a real pleasure. They allowed us to take time and explore. There was an exhibition of cups from a recent juried show -so many wonderful samples of creativity, it is well worth your time to check it out. We left with a magical piece by Shaun Fera -a celedon glazed porcelain cup with a delicate praying mantis perched on the lip. It is a fairly good sized studio with a dozen or so wheels for classes, kiln and pottery supplies of all kinds. If I lived in Las Vegas, I'd be a regular there.

So happy to have found Clay Arts Vegas! I'm a potter from LA and was feeling the need for some clay time (you know how it is). This studio made it happen. Great studio hours for experienced potters; lots of clays for purchase to choose from; enough wheels, work tables, bats, plastic etc. I was able to borrow some basic tools, but there are also tools and tool kits to buy. Casual atmosphere, great parking, friendly knowledgeable owners and helpers. Can't say enough good things. You Las Vegans are lucky to have a place like this! If you haven't played in the mud yet but want to give it a try, I'll bet the classes will get you off to a good start.

The owner got my car towed after asking about classes and I went to get something to eat at Jack and the Box next door. My car was towed in 5 minutes. I will not support this business and this owner as being part of the Las Vegas community. The owner is plainly a disgrace to this growing community.

My first day in class at Clay arts and I am impressed. They have a lot of interesting art work along with a very nice array of supplies for the clay artist. There are many wheels. The owners are extremely helpful and make you feel at home. Our instructor K.D. Matheson was superb! He has patience and also a good sense of humor. I highly recommend this place for the beginning artist to the professional artist. Great for small kids too when they have kids art going on.

I had a Monday free, and they let you drop in. It was so much fun. And a great experience. Clay dries faster here when you are throwing.

This is exactly the type of establishment Downtown needs to help advance the Arts District. Great place with friendly people that is useful to beginners, fans, or even the advanced clay-worker.

A lovely studio with warm, welcoming people! It's a great place to visit and looks like a wonderful place to do pottery.

The best studio in Vegas. They have classes and a gallery! The teachers are awesome and you learn a lot. They have a Raku once a month also.

My father is a regular here. He loves his new community of artists at this well-run establishment. This place is set up so you can pay a membership to come in regularly and work on your pottery pieces. From what I can tell, everyone learns from each other and stays motivated and engaged. He's told me that the classes are great, there's plenty of tools and equipment too. My father has been working in various pottery establishments around Las Vegas so he's pretty aware of these things. The two owners have been very kind and welcoming to him. They know a lot about the area's various events, venues and share that info with their community. My retired dad talks a lot more about entering his pieces into shows and such. He's become a pottery craftsman and it gives him great confidence to introduce himself as such. It's a wonderful outlet for him and being at a community studio space is certainly more social and far less expensive than setting up a shop in his garage.

I took the 4-week date night class with a friend. I took pottery in high school and loved it then and Clay Arts rekindled that love. Thom and all of the staff are wonderful. I paid for my membership so I can take advantage of the open studio and classes. Thom is a gifted teacher. His passion for his art and his pure enjoyment of people is contagious and creates a fun supportive atmosphere. I highly recommend!!

I have nothing but wonderful things to say about this place. My husband purchased a package for both of us to go 4 times and try wheel throwing. We had never done pottery before, so we went in completely clueless. It is a nice studio. The place is airy, and the people nice. We were given clay, tools and lessons each time we went in. There were group lessons each time, but Tom and the other staff gave us tons of individual instruction. I always felt he was willing to help and he would jump in to try to remedy any disasters that were about to happen. We feel like there is a lot of value in the classes they offer. Wheel throwing is a lot harder than it looks, but by the end of the 4th class, I felt like I got at least the basics. I would need a lot more classes to become proficient, and we will return for regular classes. They give you a place to store your work from week to week, and offer sculpting classes as well as items to purchase. I highly recommend you try them!

What a wonderful atmosphere. It's a great place to be productive, creative, and social, all at the same time! Instructors are always ready to help bring you to the next level of ceramic artistry. All of the people there are willing to show you their work and share their techniques - from novice to professional. Everything you need - clay, tools, glaze, classes, and special workshops - is there.

We took our Boy Scout Troop to work on their Potter Merit Badge. Clay Arts Vegas was so awesome!!! Tom, Peter, and Brandy were very good with the kids, so patient, friendly, and knowledgeable. I could tell they truly love doing what they do.

Clay arts Vegas carries Laguna clay I use Laguna B Mix with grog and they had 1000 pounds in stock. There is a big gallery and a teaching area with 11 wheels and huge handbuilding area out back there is a kiln yard with all different kilns including raku kilns. They fire raku every second Saturday.

Awesome staff... Well equipped studio. Had a great time doing Raku pottery glazing. It is every 2nd Saturday evening. Buy your pot, paint your glaze, and sit back and enjoy socializing and watching the pots come blazing hot from the kiln. Looking forward to joining a pottery class here soon.

This review is for the gallery section of CAV. The gallery is small but has a lot of interesting work. Work ranges in size from cups/mugs all the way to really large vases. The makers of the ceramics are around to chat as well. Definitely worth a look.

classes great art and more stop in today