Frequently Asked Questions

  • Not at all! The beginner wheel throwing classes are designed for people who have never touched a pottery wheel before. Our instructors like Lauren Woods welcome students with some prior experience, meeting each person where they are. If you're just curious, the One Night Wheel class is a low-commitment, fun way to try it out.

  • The Pottery Den offers several options for getting started with pottery in Bozeman, MT. Right now, beginner wheel throwing courses run 4 or 6 weeks with sessions once a week, taught by different instructors across various days and times—so there's likely something that fits your schedule. There's also a one-night intro class for those who want to dip their toes in before committing to a multi-week course.

  • Pricing depends on the format. The 4-week beginner wheel throwing courses are $275 per person, the 6-week course with Lauren is $350, and the One Night Wheel intro class is $110. All of our pottery classes include one bag of clay, and multi-week wheel classes also come with access to open studio times.

  • The monthly membership is $225/month and gives you a lot to work with. You'll have 24/7 studio access via a secure mobile app, use of up to 8 wheels at any time (16 when classes aren't running), access to 18 Coyote glazes, hand-building materials and molds, and a dedicated personal storage shelf. There's a 3-month minimum and a 30-day written cancellation policy.

  • Yes—one of the biggest perks of membership at this Bozeman community pottery studio is round-the-clock access. Members can come in any time, day or night, using the studio's secure mobile app for entry. It's worth noting that wheel availability is slightly higher when classes aren't in session, but 8 wheels are always open to members.

  • The Pottery Den provides access to 18 Coyote glazes for members, and glaze firing is part of the class experience as well. For the One Night Wheel class specifically, staff will handle cleanup, firing, and glazing after your piece dries—finished pieces are ready for pickup 4–6 weeks after class. If you have specific questions about community kiln scheduling, it's best to reach out to us directly.

  • Both are beginner-friendly and cover wheel throwing fundamentals, but the 6-week course with Lauren goes deeper. In addition to centering, cylinders, and bowls, Lauren's class includes surface design techniques like carving, sgraffito, mishima, and underglaze inlay—plus instruction on food-safe glazing so your pieces can actually be used daily. The 4-week courses are a great starting point if you want to learn pottery in Bozeman; the 6-week is ideal if you want a more thorough introduction.

  • Yes! The Pottery Den offers youth classes alongside adult options. The beginner wheel throwing classes are open to ages 16 and up, and we also host youth throwing classes, ages 11-15, and kids hand building, ages 6-11. For the most current youth class schedule, it's worth checking the Pottery Classes [LINK]  page or reaching out directly.

  • Start by reviewing the Membership Policies on the website, then fill out the application form. Before you can get started, you'll attend a required orientation—scheduled Monday through Friday—where you'll receive your clay, get assigned your personal pottery shelf, and tour the studio. When you apply, include a few dates and times that work for your orientation.

  • It does! Special and private events are accommodated on a case-by-case basis—just send an email to inquire. The studio also features guest artist workshops from time to time, which are a great way to learn new techniques and connect with the wider MT pottery community. Keep an eye on the class schedule for upcoming workshops.

  • Wear something you don't mind getting clay on—because you will get clay on it. Comfortable, form-fitting clothes work best at the wheel since loose sleeves have a way of ending up in your piece at exactly the wrong moment. Closed-toe shoes are a good idea too. Think of it like a relaxed, creative version of a messy cooking class—dress for the process, not the outcome, and you'll have a much better time.

  • Open Studio is dedicated practice time included with our wheel throwing multi-week classes. It gives you the opportunity to come into the studio outside of class hours and continue working on your pieces, practice techniques, and build confidence at your own pace.

    Open Studio is non-instructional, meaning there won’t be a teacher present. This time is intended for you to practice independently using the skills you’ve learned in class.

    Open Studio access runs for a set duration based on your class length:

    • 6-week classes include 5 weeks of Open Studio

    • 4-week classes include 3 weeks of Open Studio

    This structure allows time for your pieces to properly dry and be fired before your final class. All work must reach a bone dry stage before it can be bisque fired. This typically takes 2–3 days to dry, followed by about 2 days for the bisque firing process, ensuring your pieces are ready for glazing during your last class.

    Open Studio hours vary each week based on scheduled classes and events, but we guarantee at least one weekend time slot every week.

    Please note: Open Studio is a shared, self-guided space. You are responsible for cleaning up after yourself and returning all tools and equipment to their original places at the end of your session.

  • No, hand building classes are structured a bit differently than wheel throwing, which is why Open Studio time isn’t included.

    In hand building, most projects are completed during scheduled class time using guided techniques like slab building, coils, and molds. Because of this, there isn’t the same need for additional independent practice time outside of class.

  • The Pottery Den operates a little differently than a traditional retail space. We don’t have set public hours—our schedule is based around Bozeman pottery classes and workshops, while members enjoy 24/7 access to the studio. If you're planning a visit, the best way to see when the studio is active is to check our current class and event schedule.

  • At this time, we don’t offer day passes. Pottery in Bozeman, MT is a process that takes time—from shaping and drying to firing and glazing—so we focus on multi-week classes and monthly memberships to give you the full experience. If you’re just getting started, a one-night class or beginner series is a great way to try it out before committing to a membership.

  • Yes—hand-building is an important part of what we offer at our Bozeman pottery studio. These classes are scheduled throughout the year based on interest, so availability may vary compared to wheel throwing classes. To see what’s currently available, including hand-building, wheel throwing, and other MT pottery events, visit our classes or events page for the latest schedule.

  • We do! Our Bozeman pottery classes include options for younger artists, with hand-building classes for ages 6–12 and wheel throwing classes for ages 11–15. Adult classes are open to ages 16 and up, making it easy for individuals and families to find a class that fits their experience level and interests.

  • Yes—private lessons are available and can be tailored to your experience level or specific interests, whether you're brand new or looking to refine your skills. Because each lesson is customized, we recommend reaching out directly with details about what you’re hoping to learn so we can create the right experience for you. This is a great option for those looking for more focused instruction in pottery Bozeman.

  • Absolutely—private events are a fun, hands-on way to experience Bozeman pottery with friends, family, or a team. Events start at $550 for up to 8 people and run for approximately 2 hours, with the option to extend time or add participants. Wheel throwing events are capped at 8 people, while hand-building events can accommodate larger groups depending on the project. For availability and planning details, reach out directly and we’ll help you create something memorable in our Bozeman community kiln studio.