Tribeca Clayworks at the Downtown Community Center
Tribeca Clayworks, the first clay studio in Tribeca, has been conducting ceramics classes for the past 30 years. Now housed at the Downtown Community Center, we offer classes for all ages from toddlers to adults. Our classes are taught by professional ceramic artists in our fully-equipped ceramics studio. With pottery wheels, slab rollers, clay extruders, electric kilns and lots of space to work, our classes are designed for all levels.
Our class sizes are kept small so that sessions can be structured around the individual student. Classes are specially designed for each age group and level. Depending on the class there will be demonstrations of new skills and fun projects. Beginner students are given simple projects ranging from functional items such as cups, plates, and bowls to sculptures large and small while learning basic skills. Adult students, that have more experience, can work on their own projects. Our instructors help guide students down whichever path they choose while introducing new techniques and processes to the whole class along the way. We would love to help you explore this very special medium.
Adult Classes:
In our fully equipped ceramic studio we offer classes in both the Pottery Wheel and Handbuilding that are designed for all levels. If you are curious about ceramics and new to the art, our 4 week workshops are a great introduction to working with clay. We also offer semester long sessions where you will have the opportunity to learn all the possibilties of working with clay. For more information on schedules and fees, please contact Susan Kay, Director of Ceramics: susan@manhattanyouth.org
Adult Ceramics Sessions
Spring 2026 Semester
April 12 - June 25 2026
Visit here to register
POTTERY WHEEL AND HANDBUILDING
This course will cover many aspects of working on the pottery wheel, handbuilding, glazing/surface and design. Whether you are interested in functional or sculpture work, you will get individual attention according to your skill level and interests. The classes are structured with demonstrations and information sharing. There will be plenty of time to work on your own during class, as well as uninstructed open studio hours for enrolled students. Students are required to have their own pottery tools which can either be purchased through Tribeca Clay and other ceramic supply stores. We use a variety of low fire clay. We have a large selection of dipping and commercial paint on glazes.
SESSION 1: Monday classes (All Levels) 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
10 Classes: 4/13, 4/20, 4/27, 5/4, 5/11, 5/18, 6/1, 6/8, 6/15, 6/22
Tuition:10 class session $600 Additional non-refundable minimum $45 fee towards firing.
TOTAL $645
Optional: Additional fee: $10 for basic pottery tool kit (all students are required to have their own tools)
** There will be additional charges for work done after minimum fee is used up, (priced at .06 cents per cubic inch per piece for 2 firings).
SESSION 2: Tuesday (All Levels) 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
11 classes: 4/14, 4/21, 4/28, 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 5/26, 6/2, 6/9, 6/16, 6/23
Tuition: 11 class session $660 Additional non-refundable minimum $45 fee towards firing.
TOTAL $705
Optional: Additional fee: $10 for basic pottery tool kit (all students are required to have their own tools)
** There will be additional charges for work done after minimum fee is used up, (priced at .06 cents per cubic inch per piece for 2 firings).
SESSION 3: Tuesday (Adv Beginner/Intermediate) 10:30AM - 1:00PM
11 classes: 4/14, 4/21, 4/28, 5/5, 5/12, 5/19, 5/26, 6/2, 6/9, 6/16, 6/23
Tuition: 11 class session $660 Additional non-refundable minimum $45 fee towards firing.
TOTAL $705
Optional: Additional fee: $10 for basic pottery tool kit (all students are required to have their own tools)
** There will be additional charges for work done after minimum fee is used up, (priced at .06 cents per cubic inch per piece for 2 firings).
SESSION 4: Wednesday classes (All Levels) 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
10 classes: 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13, 5/20, 6/3, 6/10, 6/17, 6/24
Tuition: 10 class sessions: $600 Additional non-refundable minimum $45 fee towards firing.
TOTAL $645
Optional: Additional fee: $10 for basic pottery tool kit (all students are required to have their own tools)
** There will be additional charges for work done after minimum fee is used up, (priced at .06 cents per cubic inch per piece for 2 firings).
SESSION 5: Wednesday classes (All Levels) 10:30 PM - 1:00 PM
10classes: 4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13, 5/20, 6/3, 6/10, 6/17, 6/24
Tuition: 10 class sessions: $600 Additional non-refundable minimum $45 fee towards firing.
TOTAL $645
Optional: Additional fee: $10 for basic pottery tool kit (all students are required to have their own tools)
** There will be additional charges for work done after minimum fee is used up, (priced at .06 cents per cubic inch per piece for 2 firings).
SESSION 6: Sunday (All Levels) 10:30 AM - 1:00PM
10 classes: 4/12, 4/19, 4/26, 5/3, 5/10, 5/17, 5/31, 6/7, 6/14, 6/21
Tuition: 10 class sessions: $600 Additional non-refundable minimum $45 fee towards firing.
TOTAL $645
Optional: Additional fee: $10 for basic pottery tool kit (all students are required to have their own tools)
** There will be additional charges for work done after minimum fee is used up, (priced at .06 cents per cubic inch per piece for 2 firings).
HANDBUILDING AND SURFACE
Handbuilding is an ancient pottery-making technique that involves creating forms without a pottery wheel, using the hands, fingers, and simple tools for a wide range of creativity.
This class will also explore many surface decoration and finishing techniques. Surface treatments can occur at any stage of the ceramic process. On wet clay creating textures with stamps, lace, shape aids etc. /leather hard stage you can carve, scratch and apply many underglaze techniques. Once your piece is fired and ready to be glazed going beyond dipping, pouring and brushing glazes onto your work, you’ll find the alternatives to surface decoration using glaze pencils, watercolor, image transfer, stencils, wax resist and more.
Students are required to have their own pottery tools which can either be purchased through Tribeca Clay and other ceramic supply stores. We will be introducing Terra Cotta Red Clay in addition to our white and mocha clay bodies.
Session 7: Thursday (All Levels) 6:30 PM - 9:00PM
11 Classes: 4/16, 4/23, 4/30, 5/7, 5/14, 5/21, 5/28, 6/4, 6/11, 6/18, 6/25
Tuition:11 class session $660. Additional non-refundable minimum $45 fee towards firing.
TOTAL $705
Optional: Additional fee: $10 for basic pottery tool kit (all students are required to have their own tools)
** There will be additional charges for work done after minimum fee is used up, (priced at .06 cents per cubic inch per piece for 2 firings).
Open studio hours for full fall semester enrolled students:
In the Art Studio: (no pottery wheels): Monday 6:30-9:00PM
In the Ceramic Studio (pottery wheels)
Thursday- 11:00AM-2:00PM
Thursday - 6:30PM-9:00PM
Friday- 11:00AM-2:00PM
Saturday (time slots)- 12:30PM-3:00PM, 3:00PM-5:00PM
Sunday (time slots)- 1:30PM-3:30PM, 3:30PM-5:00PM
Cancellation Policy
Full semester session
To request a cancellation and refund, you must email susan@manhattanyouth.org. Refunds requested more than one week prior to the first class are refundable tuition minus $100 administration fee. Refunds requested within one week of the first class are 50% refundable. There will be no refunds once the class begins under any circumstance, nor can we transfer you to a later semester. We cannot be flexible on this policy for any reason. Should a class not fill sufficiently, we may cancel it one week prior to the first class session.
MISSED CLASSES
We realize that you may have to miss a class from time to time, however, we do not issue reimbursements or provide make-up classes for those missed due to student illness or other circumstances that fall outside the Centers control. You may not attend another class as an alternate make-up class. We do not prorate for missed classes. We encourage you to make up your missed time during the numerous open studio sessions.
Handbuilding and Pottery Wheel Sampler
Handbuilding Sampler
Want to try out working with clay? In this class, you will get a feel for handbuilding, an important ancient technique. You will also have a chance to take a spin on the pottery wheel! Both techniques are important in understanding how to work with clay. Many clay artists use both methods to create all kinds of functional and sculptural work. This class will give you an iea of both options to see if it's for you without a long commitment to a full session. Ages 12 and up.
Please note that you will not create a finished piece to take home in this class.
Tuition: Single Class Session: $70
Register Here
Sunday 1:30 - 4:30PM- Choose one of the following dates:
4/12, 4/19, 4/26, 5/3, 5/10, 5/17, 5/31, 6/7, 6/14, 6/21
Wednesday 6:30PM -9:00PM- Choose one of the following dates:
4/15, 4/22, 4/29, 5/6, 5/13, 5/20, 6/3, 6/10, 6/17, 6/24
Saturday Pottery Wheel Sampler
Curious about working on the pottery wheel? For those with little or no experience you will have a chance to try it out or refresh your memory. There will be demonstrations and hands on guidance with one of our ceramic teaching artist.. Ages 12 and up.
Please note that you will not create a finished piece to take home in this class.
SATURDAY 10:00am-12:00pm
4/11, 4/18, 4/25, 5/2, 5/9, 5/16, 5/30, 6/6, 6/13, 6/20
Tuition: single class $70
CANCELLATIONS
Refunds requested more than one week prior to the first class are refundable tuition minus $15 administration fee. Refunds requested within one week of the first class are 50% refundable. There will be no refunds once the class begins in any circumstance. In the event you have a conflict you can reschedule up to 24 hours of your existing scheduled date.
Missed Classes
There are no make ups. Please schedule according to your availability.
*CANCELED CLASSES If Manhattan Youth has to cancel a class due to weather, emergencies, you can schedule a different date.
Family Ceramics
Family Clay Day
Spend an hour with your whole family in our ceramics studio. You can be led through a project or simply work on your own handbuilding project with access to our full ceramics studio. All pieces will remain in the studio to be fired and will be ready for pick up within two weeks time. All work is non-toxic and food-safe. All ages!
Saturdays in the Art Room
After School Classes
Please visit our Downtown Community Center After School Page for more information, and to register your child today!