Frequently Asked Questions
Preparing for Your Visit
What should I wear, and what do I need to bring?
Please come ready to get dirty! Wear casual, comfortable clothing (long pants or skirts are recommended). We provide the clay, tools, and materials you need, but you must bring an old towel or an apron to help keep clay dust contained. You are also welcome to bring snacks and non-alcoholic drinks.
Do you have free parking available?
Yes! We have free parking directly in front of the studio, as well as two dedicated lots on the north side of the building. See the parking map on the About page.
Can I bring my children?
We offer specific kids and family classes where children are always welcome. However, if you are working in the studio as a member or practicing during open studio hours, we ask that you do not bring children.
Can I bring my pets?
No, we do not allow pets or emotional support animals in the studio. Licensed, working service animals are always welcome.
Classes & Firing
Are there any other costs to consider besides the course registration fee?
No. We include all materials and firing fees in the cost of your class. Most multi-week courses come with 25 pounds of clay, which is typically plenty to complete the class. If you need additional clay, you can purchase it directly from us.
Are the pots I make food-safe?
Yes! We have specifically formulated our studio glazes to be 100% food-safe. They are also microwave and dishwasher safe.
I made some pottery at home. Can you fire it for me?
No, we do not offer a contract firing service for outside work.
Can I bring my own clay?
We do not allow non-members to use outside clay in the studio in order to protect our kilns and prevent firing mishaps. We use a light-colored stoneware clay for our regular classes. We stock three clay bodies that our members can purchase: Standard Stoneware 553, Standard Scott's Red, and Standard Porcelain 213. Members are allowed to bring in and use outside Cone 6 clay; however, they will need to pay $20 per 25 lbs of clay to cover the cost of firing. All studio work is fired to Cone 6.
I am enrolled in a class, can I work in the studio outside of class time?
Yes, if you are enrolled in a multi-week class, you can come and work in the classroom area of the studio anytime we are not having class. This does not include any one-project classes like the Bead Lizard class. You can see the schedule here: RCC Calendar
Memberships & Guests
Do I need to have experience to be a member?
Yes. Because our memberships are entirely self-directed, applicants should have taken at least one beginning class with us or have equivalent clay experience from another art center. You need to be fully comfortable working independently and familiar with basic studio procedures.
Can I bring a friend to the studio?
Yes! We offer one-time day passes for $20 so you can share the RCC experience with friends and family. Guests must use your clay allocation (they cannot purchase their own). We will happily fire what they make, but you will need to glaze it for them. If your guest wants to come back a second time, we highly recommend they sign up for a class! To purchase a guest pass, please email us at hello@richmondclaycenter.com.
Events, Retail & Gallery
Do you host private events?
Yes, we are happy to accommodate private parties and events! One-day private classes are a great way for folks to dip their toes into ceramics. It will be 2 hours on either the wheel or handbuilding. We normally do one-day thrown bowls or one-day handbuilt mugs, but we are open to other projects if you have a specific idea. Once the students finish their projects, they will pick a glaze, and RCC will glaze the work and let you know when it is ready for pickup. The price for a private one-day class is $70 per person, and it requires at least 3 participants. Private multi-week classes allow folks to go through the entire ceramic-making process and experience both handbuilding and wheel throwing. These classes are two hours a week, recurring weekly, for at least 4 weeks (6 weeks recommended). The price for multi-week classes is $60 per person per class, and each class must have at least 6 participants. Send us an email at hello@richmondclaycenter.com to book your private class today!
Do you sell clay, tools, or glazes?
While we sell clay directly to our enrolled students and members for studio use, we do not operate a public retail shop. For retail clay supplies, we highly recommend our friends at Richmond Clayworks!
Do you sell artwork or have a gallery?
Yes! Our retail gallery features ceramic artwork made by our incredibly talented faculty. RCC also hosts an annual open house and holiday sale showcasing the work of our members.
Do you sell gift cards?
Yes! Send us an email at hello@richmondclaycenter.com.