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.
Family Clay Day Now Open to Afterschool Families!
For questions please contact susan@manhattanyouth.org
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
FALL September 13 - December 17 2026
Register HERE
For any questions email Susan@manhattanyouth.org
POTTERY WHEEL AND HANDBUILDING
This class covers wheel throwing, handbuilding, glazing, surface decoration, and design. Whether you're interested in functional pottery or sculptural work, you'll receive individualized instruction based on your skill level and creative interests. Classes include demonstrations, technique instruction, and plenty of time to work on your own.
Enrolled students also have access to uninstructed open studio hours for additional practice. Students are required to bring their own basic pottery tools, which can be purchased through Tribeca Clay or other ceramic supply stores. We work with a variety of low-fire clay bodies and offer a large selection of dipping and brush-on glazes.
Session 1: Monday 12 classes (All Levels) 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
9/14, 9/28, 10/5, 10/19, 10/26, 11/2, 11/9, 11/16, 11/23, 11/30, 12/7, 12/14
Tuition: 12 class session $720
Additional non-refundable minimum $45 fee towards firing.
TOTAL $765
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 13 classes (Adv. Beg/Intermediate) 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM
9/15, 9/22, 9/29, 10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27, 11/10, 11/17, 11/24, 12/1, 12/8, 12/15
Tuition: 13 class session $780
Additional non-refundable minimum $45 fee towards firing.
TOTAL $825
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 13 classes (All Levels) 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
9/15, 9/22, 9/29, 10/6, 10/13, 10/20, 10/27, 11/10, 11/17, 11/24, 12/1, 12/8, 12/15
Tuition: 13 class session $780
Additional non-refundable minimum $45 fee towards firing.
TOTAL $825
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 12 classes (All Levels) 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM
9/16, 9/23, 9/30, 10/7, 10/14, 10/21, 10/28, 11/4, 11/18, 12/2, 12/9, 12/16
Tuition: 12 class session $720
Additional non-refundable minimum $45 fee towards firing.
TOTAL $765
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 12 classes (All Levels) 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
9/16, 9/23, 9/30, 10/7, 10/14, 10/21, 10/28, 11/4, 11/18, 12/2, 12/9, 12/16
Tuition: 12 class session $720
Additional non-refundable minimum $45 fee towards firing.
TOTAL $765
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 13 classes (All Levels) 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM
9/13, 9/20, 9/27, 10/4, 10/11, 10/18, 10/25, 11/1, 11/8, 11/15, 11/22, 12/6, 12/13
Tuition: 13 class session $780
Additional non-refundable minimum $45 fee towards firing.
TOTAL $825
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
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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. Students will also learn a variety of surface decoration techniques throughout the ceramic process—from impressing textures into wet clay and carving leather-hard pieces to working with underglazes, slips, wax resist, stencils, image transfers, glaze pencils, and other finishing methods after firing.
Students are required to bring their own basic pottery tools, available through Tribeca Clay or other ceramic supply stores. We work with both white clay bodies and Terra Cotta red clay, along with a wide selection of glazes and decorative materials.
Session 7: Thursday 13 classes (All Levels) 6:30 PM - 9:00PM
9/17, 9/24, 10/1, 10/8, 10/15, 10/22, 10/29, 11/5, 11/12, 11/19, 12/3, 12/10, 12/17
Tuition: 13 class session $780
Additional non-refundable minimum $45 fee towards firing.
TOTAL $825
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 6:30-8:45PM
In the Ceramic Studio (pottery wheels)
Thursday 11:00AM-2:00PM
Thursday 6:30PM-8:45PM
Friday 11:00AM-2:00PM
Saturday (time slots) 12:30PM-3:00PM, 3:00PM-4:45PM
Sunday (time slots) 1:30PM-3:30PM, 3:30PM-4:45PM
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 Center's 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.
One-Day Clay Sampler Workshops
Curious about ceramics but not ready to commit to a full course? Our One-Day Clay Sampler Workshops offer a relaxed, beginner-friendly introduction to working with clay.
Each workshop includes demonstrations, hands-on guidance from a ceramic teaching artist, clay, use of studio tools, and clear glazing and firing of one selected piece. No previous ceramics experience is required.
Wednesday Themed Handbuilding Workshops
Explore a different theme project for each month while learning fundamental handbuilding and surface-decoration techniques. Workshops offered during the same month will follow the same general theme while allowing participants to personalize their creations.
Ages: 16 and up
Time: Wednesdays, 6:30–9:00 PM
Single workshop: $95, includes one selected piece. (Additional pieces may be kept for a firing fee of $15 per piece.)
September: Flowers and foliage Decorated Coiled Vases
Dates: 9/16, 9/23, 9/30
October: Fall-Themed Slab Building
Dates: 10/7, 10/14, 10/21, 10/28
November and December: Handmade Holiday Gifts
Dates: 11/4, 11/18, 12/2, 12/9
Saturday Pottery Wheel Sampler
Curious about working on the pottery wheel? This beginner-friendly workshop offers an opportunity to try wheel throwing for the first time or refresh skills learned in a previous class.
A ceramic teaching artist will demonstrate the basic steps of centering clay and forming a simple piece, such as a small bowl or cup. Participants will then receive hands-on guidance as they experiment with the wheel and create their own work.
Ages: 12 and up
Time: Saturdays, 10:00 AM–12:30 PM
Single workshop: $95, includes two selected pieces. (Additional pieces may be kept for a firing fee of $15 per piece.)
Dates: 9/19, 9/26, 10/3, 10/10, 10/17, 10/24, 10/31, 11/7, 11/14, 11/21, 12/5
For more details, please visit our website: www.tribecaclayworks.org/workshops
Policy
Cancellation and Rescheduling
Cancellations requested more than one week before the scheduled workshop will receive a refund of the tuition, less a $15 administrative fee.
Cancellations requested within one week of the scheduled workshop are eligible for a 50% refund.
No refunds will be issued once the workshop has begun.
If you have a scheduling conflict, you may transfer your registration to another available workshop by contacting us at least 24 hours before your scheduled workshop.
Missed Workshops
Makeup sessions are not available for missed workshops. Please select a date that works with your schedule.
Studio-Canceled Workshops
If Manhattan Youth must cancel a workshop because of weather, an emergency, or another unforeseen circumstance, participants may transfer their registration to another available 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
Now Open to Afterschool Families
After School Classes
Please visit our Downtown Community Center After School Page for more information, and to register your child today!