POT Echo Park

POT Echo Park is an amazing little spot to try your hand at throwing clay. I had never done this before and my partner signed me up for a month long class where I could learn how to make a bowl. Starting from scratch I was really nervous, but the folks here are super kind and super helpful and made it so much fun. I can’t wait to come back and try it again, I highly recommend anyone who’s even remotely interested. Thanks so much, POT!

Ollin is an absolute gem - he is such a great teacher and made the classes fun and calm but also extremely informative. My brother and I had such a great time and would recommend POT classes to anyone looking for a creative way to spend your weeknights.

Absolutely loved my experience at POT! I took the 4 week beginners class and had a fantastic time. It was super fun and the instructor Ollin was incredible; he walked you step by step through the entire process and encouraged you so much along the way! I will definitely be coming back for more classes. Thank you so much for the wonderful experience!!

Wheel 1 Extendo was such an instructive and fun 6 week course. Ollin is particular adept at training people who are completely new to throwing (like myself and my partner who took the class together). The studio is welcoming, friendly, and organised. I ended up making 5 pieces total but other students managed 6-8! The endeavor was both more difficult and more fun than I had assumed it would be — and it was mostly the latter!

I adored POT studio and had the best time in my class. I took the 4week beginners class and my instructor was lovely all around. The studio has a great vibe to it and the members are all very friendly to students. Overall, just a fantastic studio with lots of kind people.

Disappointing First Experience Our first experience with this place was very disappointing. We booked our first-class online, but unfortunately, we were running late. We made multiple attempts to contact them—we called, emailed, left a DM, and even a voicemail at POT Echo Park—but never received any response. When we finally arrived, they refused to admit us to the class. While I understand that they have rules, had they answered our calls or responded to our messages, we could have simply turned around and avoided driving 40 minutes only to be denied entry. Additionally, be aware that they have a strict no-refund policy. Even though they didn’t allow us to join, citing fairness to other students, we asked if they could accommodate us in a future class or at least provide a partial refund—both requests were denied. The instructor claimed that letting us in would be unfair to others, which didn’t make much sense to us. They need to do better—either answer calls and respond to emails or reconsider their rigid refund policy. It’s unfair to take people’s hard-earned money without offering any flexibility or communication.

This is an amazing space. I took a four week wheel class with Olin and he was an incredible teacher. He is so detailed in his instructions and very willing to answer questions and help you through the process. Most importantly, this was so much fun! The space is welcoming and Ollin’s teaching style makes everyone laugh and feel confident. I highly recommend Pot and I am definitely going to return for more classes.

POT is so welcoming and a great place to find community. Even if you're a beginner, their classes are fun and engaging. I've taken several wheel throwing classes with great instructors and recently with the pandemic their zoom handbuilding classes have been a fantastic outlet of creative energy. Every teacher and employee makes this studio unique and wonderful!

Overall: great facilities, instructor and experience! We stopped by for the intro class. Justin is an amazing instructor and guided us through the process of centering and shaping. The class had an energetic vibe and he guided the students via a combination of verbal instruction and hands on guidance. For students who wanted to keep their work product, Justin helped firm up the work in preparation for firing.

The cleaning did not start at 4:00pm like you said the cameras show. I left the door at 4:05pm when we were all dismissed. Cleaning took 15-20 mins minimum. Please take ownership. Cleaning started around 3:30-:3:40pm.

Been here a couple times and I absolutely love the classes! The last time I was here I brought my cousin for her birthday and we took a mug making class hosted by Liz Navarro. Liz was amazing, she explained everything very well and would help guide each person. The studio is super cute! The music they play is always nice and gets you in the groove. I love the decor and they even have a small gift shop where you can buy their clothing and nice pottery pieces. They also have pieces all around the studio, it's perfect for inspiration. Overall class was $60-70 per person, and it takes about two weeks for the pieces to be ready for pick up. It has been a while but I am hoping to take some throwing wheel classes here in the future!

Completely disorganized and confusing when trying to pickup pottery. I was told the piece was ready on a shelf and after looking through every white paper bag with other people's names my piece was not in fact on the shelf but inside. Dealt with an extremely passive aggressive rude woman who was so unhelpful and made me feel like I was wasting her time when I was just trying to find the pieces. Do not recommend. GOT TO CLAYTIVITY ITS LESS EXPENSIVE AND MORE ORGANIZED only giving an extra star because I like what I made.

We paid extra to get our pieces shipped. Now I get an email that I have to pick it up? Can't reach anyone by phone. Very inconvenient and impossible to speak to someone. Never again! Update: I went to pick up my pieces, they weren't on the shelf. I asked the person there she said she doesn't know, I need to call. Such a waste of time and money.

This is an amazing space. I took a four week wheel class with Ollin and he was an incredible teacher. He is so detailed in his instructions and very willing to answer questions and help you through the process. Most importantly, this was so much fun! The space is welcoming and Olin's teaching style makes everyone laugh and feel confident. I highly recommend Pot and I am definitely going to return for more classes.

Attended the Wheel 1 class with Clarke; wasn't a great experience. Clarke didn't seem to have a structured teaching plan, or really any teaching experience. Class was more "learn by teaching yourself" versus instructor-led. I'd recommend Pot if you're just looking to have fun. Trying to actually learn pottery? Find somewhere else. Oh, and they removed my original review from their website. Kinda sketchy of them to do that.

It was fine! I took their 4 week class. Their previous reviews made it look like we were going to make multiple pieces. But we only made one very small bowl, which was a little disappointing since we had a LOT of time to burn and the class is $200. The last 2 classes were cut super short because we had very little to do. The instructor was fine, but I wish there was more structure to the class/ I wish I learned more.

IYKYK This place has a variety of classes workshops and visiting artist workshops. I've learned so much from this place and I am so lucky to have found it. Thank you for the great work that you do for the community

Took a sex pot class and I loved it. Never done pottery before but the instructor gave such great directions that any level of experience will still be able to create something nice. The class was so fun and I plan in taking it again.

I honestly can't recommend this place enough. I came here looking for a creative outlet and found the most incredible community of people. The classes are affordable and they offer workshops that you will never find anywhere else. Their mission is to make pottery accessible to everyone and they stand strong in that no matter what. Mandy and Ambar have created something so special and unique and I feel so lucky to have met them.

I love coming to POT. I love their mission and everyone is super friendly and helpful.

I LOVED pot! It was so much fun! My husband and I did the Ghost class. I booked it for his bday and everyone there was so accommodating with our schedule and religious needs (non alcoholic drinks, no men present so I could dress comfortably, etc.). It was super chill and the instructor was very fun, knowledgable, and friendly. There were times she had to get hands on with our clay but she'd ask permission and wasn't pushy at all. It took a month for our pieces to be ready but that's pretty standard. Note: it says you can bring snacks but the classes are so structured and your hands will be dirty the entire time so there really isn't any time to eat. I wouldn't waste time bringing snacks again.

I signed up for the month of POC classes to be involved more in the community and I'm glad I did because everyone in the class is amazing! We learn the techniques you need for a level 1 beginner and we get to keep what we make. Ambar is amazing and hands on when teaching, she makes sure that you have the correct positions for making pottery and trust me it helps a lot. TUCK THOSE ELBOWS! If you don't want to commit to a class package yet then I suggest doing a drop in class when they're available just so you can get a feel for it. That helped me to think about how to go about wheel-throwing when I signed up for classes. It's a no pressure environment and very therapeutic

Purchased the Ghost class for my husband and I. He has a slight background in ceramics and I had none. The instructor was kind, patient, fun and provided excellent instruction! I would definitely go back. It's a cool and relaxed atmosphere with friendly people. The ghost class also came with a bottle of wine and they let us hang out after the class to finish the bottle and chat with the other instructors. Highly recommend

I can not express my love for this establishment enough. Pottery is gift for the mind and soul. I never felt comfortable in other places as a queer woman of color, but having POT open up has changed my whole world. The warmth and inclusivity is beyond. They even have classes in Spanish. I recommend taking a class or any workshop. The teachers are incredible, kind and fun. I have taken several classes and a few workshops. Truly an amazing space run by brilliant people. Again I have to stress how important it is to have this safe space run by poc who have opened the doors to non-white communities so they too can have access to this craft. We need more businesses like this who have created genuine connections to their communities. Echo Park has been so gentrified that bringing honor back to those communities displaced is vital.

POT has been such a safe space for me in LA as a POC. Owned and operated by some amazing women of color, it's one of my favorite creative outlets to indulge in where I truly feel welcomed, appreciated and taken care of. I'd recommend this place to any and all POC who are looking for a space they can call their own and know they're supporting fellow POC in the midst of gentrification.

Always support women of color who are running businesses that benefit their local neighborhoods. Booked the beginner's wheel class, which I was super anxious about, but I was just being a dummy because it was awesome from the very start. Small classes may seem terrifying but allow for teachers to give you proper instruction, since there are so many ways to learn, and also give you time to ask questions. Dez was an absolute gem, filling in every awkward pause and guiding everyone through the initial weirdness. Maybe I'm making it sound too awkward, it wasn't awkward, maybe I was awkward (whatever). Class was well worth it - lots of instruction and tips, provided clay, beautiful selection of glazes, finished with four pieces. Nice to have instruction that covers off on multiple styles so you can experiment with what you feel most comfortable with. Easy schedule (I was four weeks 12-2p on Saturdays), lovely studio with a powerful mission. Highly recommend it. Will likely go back for the intermediate class so I can throw something bigger than shot glasses :)

I was always curious about pottery and decided that a visit from my Mom was a great reason to sign up for a class and do a mother/daughter activity. I chose POT because they offer a 2-person private lesson on the pottery wheel for a really reasonable price, and they said they were very welcoming and supportive of beginners - man, I'm so glad I did! My experience with Ambar as a teacher was so clear and specific and helpful, and my patient and helpful interactions with Mandy on the phone made me feel really good about supporting this business. They are BYOB which is great for chill/friendly vibes and getting those creative juices flowing, and I'm planning to start as a monthly member this summer so I can also learn handbuilding. Highly recommended!

Pot has become a place that is so close to my heart. My teenage son is really flourishing with the private classes he taking with the owner. Mandy teaches handbuilding with such passion and a flare comedic wisdom. She truly loves the community and ceramics. I have enjoyed taking the beginner wheel class with Ambar. She is incredibly knowledgeable, clearly loves and lives ceramics. If you are just beginning or want to take a test run at creating pottery, Ambar is a great teacher to take you on the journey. POT from time to time offers workshops from local ceramists. I had the pleasure of attending "Making it Wayne" with local artist Wayne Perry. The workshop was fun and informative. Wayne is also a great storyteller and gives beautifully descriptive history of Echo Park pre gentrification. Its been a pleasure visiting POT and meeting all their teachers and watching them work. If you can, catch a class with Sasha. I literally watch her in awe with my jaw dropped watching on the wheel. Make sure to stop by to check out the pieces of work for sale. They make great wedding and housewarming gifts. Also don't forget to pick up your pieces if you take a class. I enjoy looking at our pieces throughout the house. I look forward to attending more classes and workshops in the near future!

This place has changed my life. I have only taken one class of the 4 week beginners handbuilding and feel so inspired, encouraged, and like I may actually be good at ceramics.... I LOVE Isabella! She's an incredible, fun teacher and Ambar is a badass. I came here out of hearsay after a bad experience at Claytivity and thought I'd give ceramics just one last chance... thank god I did, because I finally feel like I can pursue my dream of ceramics whereas after Claytivity I felt so discouraged. Thanks for reigniting my passion!

Love this place! It's owned by WOC who are so fun to be around! I loved the class I took, although it's quite a drive for me coming from Orange County it's totally worth it! I can't wait to book more classes here! Atmosphere 10 Staff 10 Class 10 Instruction 10

Cute studio with a fun and inviting energy for beginners and newcomers! Ambar is a great teacher- so helpful and patient. Looking forward to taking another series!

POT LA is owned and operated by Los Angeles natives who also happen to be women of color. We are devoted to celebrating the cultures of all the communities that make our home so great, through one of the most ancient artforms that connects so many of our cultures. #Notadispensary

POT is amazing. My boyfriend and I recently purchased a 4 class deal for the month of September for the wheel. I have never done pottery before and I suck at it. I'm absolutely awful. And yet I come back, week after week. Why? Because of the sense of community and love from the two WOCs who run this studio. Ambar is a gifted teacher and makes me believe that I too can mold the clay like her and I completely suck at it, but that doesn't stop her from pushing me to be better. Our classes are nonstop laughs and good music and me not being ashamed that I've made a mess instead of a masterpiece. My boyfriend, however, is a natural at pottery and is getting a membership for October. He can't stop raving to me about how stress relieving it is to come to this studio and work with his hands. I'm excited to do hand building with Mandy next month and hope that it will be better than my time at the wheel, but even if it's just as disastrous, I know it'll still be a blast.

POT is a safe space where creativity blooms. I have taken clases and I always feel welcome. All the people in POT are inspiring artists with a special fire. Thank you for your dedication, hard work, and passion to uplift and empower our communities.

I attended a radical pottery class and had a wonderful time learning and connected with women of color. I'm so glad there's a safe space for creative POC women to come together and create some amazing art work.

I'm so happy to see this space in Echo Park and was eager to try out a class when I realized it was a pottery studio! Not many studios have Sunday classes so I was really happy to see them offer one. Ambar and Mandy were so helpful and made me get over my need to get it right the first time. The wheel is forgiving and these women were so patient and helpful. I'll definitely be going back. Side note: extra points for learning that Ambar and Mandy are also the owners and native to LA and women of color, and not some trendy urban outfitters look a like spot that are sprinkled all over the rest of the neighborhood.

Best teacher ever. I tried the bitter root (more like the bitter toot) a few times before this, and boy what a difference a real teacher makes. Ambar is patient, communicative, and actually cares about the student's experience and understanding. Could not recommend more. 10/10 will continue courses here

Just finished my 3rd beginner class! So much fun. Amber is a wonderful teacher. Very relaxed environment. I plan to take the next 4 week session. A glass of wine, a ball of clay and a nice group, nice way to spend an afternoon.

I've always wanted to take pottery class, but was always too self conscious to take one because I felt like I would fail immediately. Mandy and Ambar have made me feel so welcomed and at home from the very beginning. I never feel like I'm asking too many questions, and they're always more than attentive and eager to help in any way they can. I've been taking their beginners class this June and I'm so excited to take their future classes as soon as this one is done. I'm eager and happy to continue taking future classes. Thank you to the staff for continuing to inspire and give a helping hand to beginners!

Holy fucking shit. Excuse my language but I come by honestly. This space is amazing. Beautiful, serene, and beyond welcoming. It's not a dispensary haha but a pottery studio. Full of POC too!!!! Fits right into Echo Park's culture. Remember experiencing those nerve wrecking moments similar to the first day of school or a job? Those fears, they don't exist in this space. Walk in through the insane holographic doors and *BAM* you belong. I took the Beginners wheel throwing class with Ambar. She's fucking awesome. The best person to learn from. I am speaking from personal experience of taking art classes through the years. Not only is she knowledgeable she's incredibly supportive and patient. She believes in you and it feels like you have your own personal cheerleader rooting for you to learn comfort in your new skill. I learned about glazing my final pieces from Mandy, the owner. Let me tell youuuuuu she's a mf-ing rockstar. Glazing leads to spontaneous results. You can set your intentions painting but you won't know what your final piece will look like. Not until it's fired. As a perfectionist I struggled with this. Mandy assured me each piece is so unique there is nothing to worry about. It's the natural beauty of the craft. I had such a blast and wonderful experience. SO much that I'll be taking the Hand building class next month. Thank you Mandy and Ambar for all that you do! If I could give more stars I would!

I was introduced to the studio through a family member and I signed up for hand building classes in August 2017. I took the hand building class again in September and then I became a member in October. Since then, I have conquered my fear of wheel throwing and I have developed such a loving, supportive and creative relationship with studio members and the instructors. I love my pottery studio. Pottery has become one of my ways for self care and therapy. What started off as an interest has become a serious hobby. I am so grateful for POT and my acquired extended pottery family.

I looked forward to my classes at POT every single week and I am definitely going to sign up for more. Mandy and Ambar are stellar teachers and cool people to spend time with, in general. The space is gorgeous, they have all the finest supplies, plus we can bring wine to class to sip while we sculpt! It was so fun to make things with my bare hands - I planted a succulent in a little plant holder I made in class and it seems to be happy.

POT is a home, a community and a source of inspiration in so many ways. I received my first class here as a gift card and had such an amazing experience I have returned again and again. The classes are small enough that you get to know your teacher and classmates, the lessons are fun (BYOB!!), and there is no pressure to be perfect. It is unlike any other studio in LA. Cannot recommend this place enough!

Pot is a really special place. Ambar is a great instructor and both she and Mandy have created a space that made me feel comfortable to try my hand at something new.

I just started The Beginner's Pottery throwing class with Amber and I cannot get enough! Every week, I look forward to coming to the spot and getting my hands dirty. The ambience is perfect! even when I mess up, Amber is super supportive and helps with some tips to help revitalize all awkwardly shaped clay LOL. I can't wait to take more classes and acquire a new skill set! I highly recommend this spot, the people who work here are just exceptional human beings

This is a fabulous find in Echo Park for all the artistic hipsters who want to create their own pottery. It's a female-owner business, and Mandy, the owner, has created an inclusive environment that is hip, laid back, and professional all at the same time. Check it out!

5/5 hands on training, last time I tried to do ceramics I royally f'd up my "vase" and it was a literal pile of poop. Thank god for the amazing teachers here at pot, they showed me I was handling my clay wrong. Created an AMAZING vase that I gave to my mother in law. She was pleased, she though I had bought it at Nordstroms (I put it in a nordstroms bag) I'll have to go back more often and make more "designer" "nordstroms" vases. Makes me look dope AF during the holidays.

Mandy and Ambar have created the MOST welcoming, most inclusive space and it's like a little bit of heaven. I am so appreciative of what these ladies are doing and I sing POTs praises to everyone I meet. I've enjoyed several workshops and sessions here but my most favorite to date was the Spanish-speaking series I did with my mother-in-law. Later she told me it helped her connect with her homeland of El Salvador. Her family had a long history of being potters but she had never learned. Thanks POT.

This studio is the best!! I'm so happy there is finally a pottery studio in Echo Park! The women who run this place are awesome. Highly recommend taking classes here, especially if you are a newbie to pottery.

I can't wait to come back and live in LA so I can be a member of this amazing pottery shop. The teacher is hands on and you will learn so much! Everyone is friendly, welcoming, and it feels like home.

This place is so welcoming and I'm so happy it exist! The staff is so patient and willing to help you bring your pottery ideas to life. Definitely recommend for one one classes or pottery parties, like the one I went to.

POT is such an AMAZING pottery studio!! Originally went in for a ghost class with a friend (would highly recommend- it comes with free wine,too!) We has no prior pottery experience and had a great time! I enjoyed the ghost class so much that I immediately signed up for their beginners wheel throwing class with Ambar and just signed up again for their mixed level wheel throwing class for the month of May. Not only is it an amazing and welcoming safe space but it is run by incredible women of color too. If you wanna learn how to do some pottery, I would highly recommend checking out POT!

I took my first pottery class at POT and made pipes! It was very relaxing and cathartic to be able to create with my bare hands. The instructors were warm, encouraging, and so helpful! I'm looking forward to taking more classes here!

I had a great time here. It was super fun and something that I would love to do again. I highly recommend.

POT is AMAAAAZING! The instructors and owners are all POC who actually care about the community. I love taking classes there because it helps me stay woke!

POT is an amazing asset to the Echo Park small business community. I signed up for private classes at this pottery studio and I was amazed at both the quality of the instruction and the genuine warmth of the space. The owner, a LA native and woman of color, is committed to fostering a sense of community and having POT serve as a resource for POC in Los Angeles. So excited to continue to support this business!!

I went down to LA to visit some family and friends and a friend of mine took me to this place because we took a ceramics class together in high school. POT is on TOP, super chill and friendly vibes from Mandy the owner, she let us hop on the wheel for a few hours and we made some really cute bowls and teacups.