One of the Best Places to take Pottery Classes in Rochester NY!
Discover hands-on pottery classes in Rochester, NY — wheel throwing, hand-building, and open-studio time for all skill levels. Our bright, centrally located ceramics studio offers expert instructors, electric wheels, a large hand-building workspace, in a relaxed, supportive atmosphere. Affordable all-inclusive pricing covers clay, glazes, firing, and tools. Join pottery lessons for beginners, intermediate, and advanced students, drop into open studio sessions, or book private classes and group events. Learn new pottery techniques, improve wheel-throwing skills, and create unique handmade ceramics at Little Sparrow Ceramics — Rochester’s ultimate small studio for pottery classes, workshops, and creative clay experiences.
FOR OUR COMPLETE CLASS CATALOG CLICK HERE!
FOR OUR COMPLETE CLASS CATALOG CLICK HERE!
Wheel-throwing & hand-building lessons in friendly, fun classes!
This Week’s Featured Pottery Classes & Workshops:
Thursday Open Studio a perfect way for folks with previous experience in ceramics to experience making pottery in Rochester NY. Work at your own pace making pottery, whether throwing on the electric wheel or hand building with clay. Assistance is always available if needed. (Sorry, no production work is not allowed.)
Price includes 25lbs. of clay, glazes (including our own unique studio glazes) and firing. (Additional clay is available for purchase for $20/25lbs.) Up to 2 make up classes are allowed per session.
This raku workshop is designed for practicing independent ceramic artists who want to expand their skills, (but may not have ever done raku before). Experience the excitement of Raku firing in our hands-on, supportive workshop environment. The session will allow participants to explore traditional raku glazes and horse-hair application techniques. We will provide raku clay, a variety of raku glazes and bisque firing. Participants should plan to help with the firings in some form. Cotton or other flame resistant clothing is required. No sandals, etc. Ages 18 and up.
About the teachers: Christin Bentley has extensive experience in raku firing and leading rake workshops. Margaret Abell has attended in several raku workshops, including a 2 week summer raku session at Alfred University with Wayne Higby.
Place: Firing will take place outdoors at our 100 Boxart Street location.
We will be in touch as to when you can pick up your clay. Contact us if you need to schedule open studio time to make on your raku pieces (additional $40 for a 5 hour session). Greenware must be ready to bisque fire by September 8, 2026. Glazing will take place the day of the workshop, or you may come in on an open studio (Thursdays and Saturdays) day to glaze (no extra charge).
Teacher: Christin Bentley, Little Sparrow Ceramics
Refresh your pottery wheel throwing skills, or try the electric wheel for the first time. This pottery class you is suited for beginners and pottery students who want to polish up their basic skills on the wheel. Learn to center, pull up a cylinder, trim, and glaze your pieces. This class is taught by Christin Bentley, a Rochester potter and experienced wheel teacher.
Price includes clay, glazes and firing. (Additional clay is available for purchase) Limited to 6 people.
Looking for a comfortable place where you can develop your ceramics skills? The Saturday Open Studio is a perfect fit for folks with previous experience in ceramics who wish to work independently making pottery in Rochester NY. Whether you’re throwing on an electric wheel or hand building with clay — the tools, clay, equipment and glazes are all included in the class cost. Although there is no formal instruction in the open studios, assistance is available when you from an experienced ceramist when you need it. (Sorry, no production please.)
Price includes 25lbs. of clay, glazes (including our own unique studio glazes) and firing. (Additional clay is available for purchase for $20/25lbs.) Up to 1 make up class is allowed per 6 week session.
Cell phone policy:
We ask that all students wear headphones if they wish the listen to music, etc. during class. We also require phones be put on silent mode during class time. If you need to take a phone call, please step out into the hall.
Thank you, these policies ensure a relaxing experience for all of us!
Why Choose Little Sparrow Ceramics for your next pottery workshop or class?
Stellar reviews — consistently rated among as one of the best places to take a pottery class in Rochester NY
Small class sizes and individual attention max 10 students for most classes (except special workshops)
Expert, friendly instructors who guide beginners and support experienced ceramicists
All materials provided in class price: cone‑6 Laguna stoneware, glazes, and tools
Bright studio with ample work space, 7 electric wheels, and generous hand‑building tables
Beginning Pottery Classes
New to clay? Our Rochester NY pottery classes include both, hand‑building and wheel‑throwing courses that walk you through every step — from centering the clay to trimming and glazing. Perfect for first‑timers who want a supportive, hands‑on learning experience.
Open Studio in Ceramics
Prefer to work independently? Our 5‑hour Open Studio sessions give experienced students uninterrupted studio time with instructor support available as needed.
Clay Workshops & Private Events
We offer project‑driven workshops, gel printing classes, private lessons for groups of 6+, and corporate team‑building events. For private groups and special events, please contact us at least 30 days in advance of date of event. Call 585‑730‑0766 to discuss group bookings and pricing.
Our Studio Experience
Little Sparrow is a calm, creative refuge from daily stress. We keep the atmosphere relaxed and focused — please set phones to silent during class to help everyone enjoy a peaceful experience.
Purchase Ceramics
Our Gallery/Gift Store is open Thursdays and Saturdays, 11:00–4:00, or by appointment. Holiday hours may vary — PLEASE CALL AHEAD to confirm.
Sign up for a Pottery Class
Check our Rochester NY pottery class catalog for beginner and advanced wheel-throwing, hand-building, and workshops
Reviews for Little Sparrow Ceramics
Jennifer G.
I began taking one on one wheel lessons with Jonah… Flash forward, a year and Little Sparrows open studio is my weekly refuge. It has everything I would want to produce my colorful, quirky cups and mugs with cat decor and occasionally the more traditional piece. I share the time and space with an eclectic and kind group of artists and we all draw inspiration from each other. Margaret is both an incredibly talented artist and a fun and approachable person happy to share her knowledge. So thrilled I found this place!
Rene L.
I love my time in this bright studio packed with tools, glazes, help and camaraderie! Time goes by too fast! I can’t wait to go back each week. There is every level of talent and individuality is celebrated.
Erin C.
Margaret and Jonah are incredibly talented ceramic artists; they share their knowledge and experience generously. The studio is beautiful, the vibe is inspiring and extremely pleasant. I have had so much fun learning how to build ceramic sculptures with their guidance and encouragement!
John W.
I had no ceramics experience before taking classes at Little Sparrow and I had a great time and created some really beautiful mugs, bowls and other creations over the course of 6 classes with guidance from Peggy and Jonah. I really appreciated the freedom to experiment and play while having guidance available on request. I highly recommend this studio!
Meaghan Shields
Little Sparrow is a jewel, I am so glad I found the studio. It is a beautiful, light-filled space with everything available to students. I have been to open studio, Jonah's wheel class and a hand building class and they were all fantastic. While I am very much a beginner I saw people of all skill levels. Margaret is an accessible and supportive resource, and if my schedule were more flexible I would be there more often!
Do you have a question?
Please feel free to reach out to us anytime! We’re happy to provide information about upcoming classes, workshops, or purchasing art work. (You may also visit our FAQs for general questions)