Clay Clubhouse

I went to Clay ClubHouse with a group of 9 co- workers for a team building outing. It was a fantastic experience! Jo was our instructor and they were knowledgeable, friendly, and attentive to our group. They were also humorous and non-judgmental about our creations (for the first timers - it’s harder than it looks!). Can’t wait to go back!

My partner and I were students in Jo's 5 week introductory course to ceramics and we had an AMAZING time. Jo's a great instructor who is patient and enthusiastic about supporting your growth as a ceramics artist. We came in with no experience and left with some really extraordinary and perfectly imperfect pieces. It's been an amazing adventure having her at the helm and we now have a hobby that we're both excited about.

Clay Clubhouse is a a beautiful pottery studio, a warm & inviting place in a convenient location in the charming Dimond District of Oakland. I took the 5-week "Intro to Wheel" class which was super fun. I'd never thrown before, but in just five weeks, Jo taught us to throw clay on a wheel, trim our pieces, add slip, carve them & add glaze. They are a fantastic teacher to learn from, with beautiful pieces of their pottery lining the walls. Even when I messed up my pieces, they very very supportive and gracious. The class had just 4 students, so I was glad to receive very personalized instruction. That small class size was important to me, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Everyone in the class wore our masks, and we were able to stay socially distant. The front and back doors remained open to provide good ventilation. In the end, my pieces have turned out beautifully, and the entire experience is relaxing and a nice creative outlet. I would highly recommend this class for pottery students of any age or experience level.

Jo has created the cutest little space to make art. They are a queer owned studio and I appreciate the safe space they have worked so hard to create. I can’t wait to go back!

Jo is not only an incredible talent, but more importantly a wonderful person. This spot is an extension of their passion for ceramics and community, go get your hands on clay!

Love this place! Thank you for sharing your talent Jo and for giving folks a safe space to be creative. This studio is really special!

Love clay clubhouse, I always feel welcome here, the music is great, and the vibes are right. I wish they had membership capacity because I would love to join. It's also tough getting into classes because how in demand they are but I can see why. Always get the day pass but it's a great time either way.

Two family members had a great time making clay projects under the helpful guidance of friendly nstructors. Studio was clean and comfortable. Each person made 4 projects in the alloted time and within a few weeks had their glazed and fired pieces to enjoy, This studio is highly recommended for both inexperienced and experienced potters.

I don't even know where to start with Clay Clubhouse, Jo and Denise. 1.5 weeks ago, my friends and I randomly decided to throw a friend a surprise bachelorette night. We landed on ceramics and it was so fun! Jo was so kind given our short notice. Other places couldn't accommodate us because of the later time we needed (6-8pm), they don't do private events and it was simply too short of notice. Jo was able to make our dreams come true given all these factors and was so kind and chill about them! I asked if we could bring some light drinks and bites, and not only was it a yes, she actually provided the champagne flutes!! So easy to work with her. So we get there yesterday and Denise was our instructor. She greeted us, let us settle in and just had the best of vibes. Once we were ready to start, she explained very thoroughly what to do. I'll be honest, I was really bad! Like in the 1.5 hours we got to make stuff, my friends used probably 1-2 clay balls while I got close to 10 bc I just kept failing! Denise was so supportive though and tried to help without hovering or taking over. I never felt judged or like I was frustrating her, even though, wow, I was like such a toddler about it! I wasn't able to make myself anything, but she made me a bowl and I just thought that was so kind and sweet of her. She's really funny and so good at what she does, both creating ceramics and teaching it! I don't have all of their packages memorized, but it's very clear on the website. We did the private for 4 people and added 1 person. 2 hours and you can make whatever and however many you want. It was $465 total and so worth it! You get to choose your glaze, which are all gorgeous options, and it will be ready in 4 weeks. I loved this experience and even though I struggled, I would do it again, especially at Clay Clubhouse. I recommend wearing clothes you don't care about or bringing an apron or baggy tee you don't mind getting splashy. There's a really cute Mexican place next door. We didn't go because it was packed but you'll probably have the best night doing some ceramics and then celebrating at Bombera! Go do this, have so much fun, get messy, support local artsy businesses and enjoy!

Earlier this summer, I ventured to the Try It Wheel Throwing class and I am so happy I signed up! Jo is an amazing, patient, and knowledgeable instructor. Having this be both a clay and queer space is amazing. I made three awkward bowls and love them dearly. The class included an overview, instruction, guidance, and supplies. Jo also did all the clean-up afterwards, along with the glazing, etc. I've been meaning to sign up and finally signed up for the classes in October! I noticed someone gave a negative review and only want to emphasize: 1) we are in a global pandemic; 2) professionalism is full of bias and reinforces the white supremacist, cis-het-normative, ableist, patriarchy; and 3) to assume emails are being intentionally ignored is *eye roll*. I've sent emails and sure the response times are slow, but also, this is a small business and people need to live their lives without having to constantly bend to the whims of capitalism.

The experience here was cool. I think it's fun. Ceramics is always a great time. I made some niece pieces.

Bought my partner a 6 pack of classes and she really enjoyed the space and class! The owner is very inclusive and makes a point of ensuring the space is welcoming for all. Now that my partner has finished classes she's been enjoying popping in for evening drop in classes and I've been enjoying the great pieces she's been bringing home. There's also local art shows that happen time to time and it's a really incredible community gathering. Highly recommend.

The clubhouse is one of the best, most inclusive places in the entire Bay Area! Jo is a sweetheart and so knowledgeable- plus they make incredible work! I took a few of their Zoom pop up classes during Covid and have been to the studio a few times, despite being from a few counties over! 10/10 would recommend going in for some classes!

I have been coming to the clubhouse since the very beginning and love this space so much ! Jo is so kind and very helpful and knowledgeable about all things clay. Initially I took the intro to the wheel class and Jo was so much fun to learn from. They are patient and great at sharing their knowledge and techniques. The space has such a lovely atmosphere and every time I have dropped in the club is buzzing with diverse creatives. It's hard not to fall in love with this space!

I started at CC with a private lesson with a few friends which was awesome. Jo is incredibly patient and such a good instructor. We loved it so much we ALL signed up for the beginners course, and after that, beginner plus! We couldn't get enough so we each ended up with a monthly membership! Now we're in there two times a week and what a relaxing and fun and cathartic time it is. An escape from the world to play with clay and make fun things and spend time with kind and interesting people. 12/10 strongly recommend.

Bought a beautiful piece online from clay clubhouse and felt so taken care of. Jo communicated well and gave an estimated completion date as it was custom made, and mailed it before the estimated date. Love their work and energy. I hope to visit one day in person

I signed up for a 5 week class here and throughly enjoyed every minute of it! Jo is such a good instructor and truly makes you feel welcome. There are so many friendly and talented people who are part of this studio, and I HIGHLY recommend taking a class here. Also a + when little Omar is in the studio

I found this business opening during my darkest days of the pandemic, and it quickly became one of my 'silver linings' of the lockdown. The owner Jo is knowledgable, PATIENT, and an incredible artist themselves. I own two small pieces that I love from their line of nature inspired pieces. The gallery is an all inclusive space that is open to all who are of like-mind. The space is airy, light, and often comes with an adorable pup. I look forward to becoming creative in the studio soon!

such an amazing studio. I love the open studio time. I've made many friends and I have learned so much as a potter.

My partner and I were student's in Jo's 5 week introductory course to ceramics and we had an AMAZING time. Jo's a great instructor who is patient and enthusiastic about supporting your growth as a ceramics artist. We came in with no experience and left with some really extraordinary and perfectly imperfect pieces. It's been an amazing adventure having her at the helm and we now have a hobby that we're both excited about.

Started going to CC midway through the pandemic after being starved of a creative outlet and almost instantly applied for a monthly membership because it felt like home. Jo is a warm, open and extremely caring owner who puts their clients first and pours everything they have into this space. All of the frequent visitor and members are just as welcoming and encouraging. If you're looking for a place to start up your pottery hobby or to continue creating work surrounded by great people, this is the place for you!

Had my first throwing experience here. The space is well organized, clean, and the folks here are really friendly / helpful. Will definitely be back!

Clay Clubhouse is such a special place! I've been using the pottery studio since it first opened, and it's my favorite studio I've ever used because it feels small and intimate but there's still a great selection of clay types and glazes. Jo is extremely sweet (and talented!) and they are always answering my questions and giving me advice when I ask for it. I recommend Clay Clubhouse to anyone who is looking for a studio where they can work on their own stuff or to anyone who's looking to take a class and get started with a new hobby!

My mom and I took an online hand building class with Jo during the pandemic and we both absolutely loved it! Jo was warm, patient and engaging and we both learned so much throughout the class. After the class, my mom and I both purchased some of Jo's beautiful pieces and have them displayed in our homes. Jo is an amazing artist and it was truly a positive experience to learn from them. I haven't been able to take any additional classes on site at CC, but when we've visited the space it is always clean, organized and very inviting. Thank you, Jo, for being such a thoughtful teacher and for creating such a beautiful space for anyone that wants to learn!

I had an amazing experience with a hand building zoom class led by Jo from the Clay Clubhouse. Jo was a great instructor and provided patient and fun guidance as I built my first mug. They were also kind enough to personally deliver all the supplies needed for our class mid-pandemic! So grateful to have this resource in our community- and really that's the value of the Clay Clubhouse, they're creating and enriching our community.

Clay Clubhouse is a really magical spot. I have taken lessons from Jo the owner on and off for years and am so happy they finally have their own studio where I can come in and use the wheel and do projects without needing a lesson. Jo's space is inclusive and has a wonderful energy. I can't say enough good things about this space. I am so happy to finally have a ceramics studio that feels like a space I am welcome in.

As a neighbor and fellow creative, I am so thrilled that Clay Clubhouse is now part of the community. In addition to their incredible recent exhibition, "We Are Everywhere," featuring many talented queer artists, their regular programming is high quality and the space is beautiful. My sister and I took a private class with Jo (owner), and they are a thoughtful, patient, and kind teacher, not to mention and accomplished ceramic artist in their own right. I love this place and everything it represents for making arts accessible, inclusive, and fun. Will be back for open studio hours!

I've been coming to clay clubhouse for about 9 months now, and it's easily now one of my favorite places to spend time. The owner and community are so supportive and kind, and the studio itself has all the equipment you could ask for and a great firing schedule.

A beautiful, loving, queer, very welcoming art studio!! They make magic happen in there :)

This a a very special studio. It's a safe space for community. Jo has created the cutest space to make art. I can't wait to go back!

Incredible work. Super professional and really cares about community and sharing their knowledge of ceramics.

Clay Clubhouse is a fantastic, welcoming, one-of-kind place. If you're looking for a clay community in the Bay Area, especially one that is queer-focused, this is the spot.

Jo's virtual handbuilding class was a dream for a creative during the pandemic! They put together these well-planned and thought-out kits which contained all the supplies and clay you would need for the four-week Zoom course. Planned projects included a mug with coffee pour over, planter with saucer, creamer, spoons, and a free-form object. I have always been intimidated by hand building and I really enjoyed learning new skills and working with Jo and their small classes. Easy pick up and drop-off of kits and pieces to their Oakland studio were an added bonus! I would 1000% recommend Jo's studio to anyone looking to learn new things or hone in your skills.

Absolutely love clay Clubhouse! Jo made us all feel so welcome and was so patient with us in using the wheel for the first time. My husband, my niece and I had a great evening and will absolutely be back.

Had the joy of taking a zoom handbuilding class with Jo during covid. Both my partner and my 9 year old joined in as well. We loved the class, the instruction, and our pieces. Jo was so kind and encouraging and I would take another class with them in a heartbeat. Highly recommend.

I have loved watching this business start up and start to flourish in the middle of the pandemic. They provided some really creative class options to participate in from your home- including clay and material delivery! It was the perfect Christmas gift for my friend that had wanted to try ceramics but was feeling intimidated about starting out. I really appreciate how accessible and affordable this studio is for beginners.

clay clubhouse rocks!!! My partner and I started doing virtual classes during lockdown, where all supplies were delivered to our door. When things opened again, we stared in-person wheel classes with such wonderful instruction that I ended up making 5 nice bowls! Highly recommend this cool queer spot to anyone looking to learn about ceramics.