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Not Made in China Pottery Studio
915 Yale Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106, United States
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Kr
Review №1

Excellent experience all around, no complaints. Patrick was an excellent instructor for wheel throwing--our pots turned out beautiful and we had fun while learning a lot. Highly recommend.

Co
Review №2

Very nice and accommodating. We took a two hour class and enjoyed every second of it. The teacher is a true master and made us feel very comfortable with the clay wheel. Check out what someone with no experience made first try.

Me
Review №3

The owner stated they “welcome everyone “ in one of their comments to other reviewers. I certainly don’t feel it that way. And they’ve made that clear with their business name.

Is
Review №4

Saw some glass on Instagram that I was interested in. Texted one of the blowers and got me nice blue piece.

To
Review №5

Amazing Products, Customer Service, and Ambiance! Best prices Ive found for making/learning about ceramics and buying handmade goods!Dont come here if youre rude and nasty. Make sure to check your attitudes at the door. These people, at not made in China, do great work for the people. They do to much to deal with mean and nasty customers who have no personal responsibility.Not made in China is true gem and treasure. Make sure to check them out before theyre gone!

Al
Review №6

Seems like if you happen to interact with the man, you’ll have a good experience. He was nice and polite on the phone. The woman was so rude when we got there that people in my party chose to stand in the cold February rain rather than spend another minute with her. We never got to throw pots, which was my mom’s Christmas present. I never give bad reviews because I don’t want businesses, especially small local businesses, to suffer because of one bad employee (who knows maybe she’s an owner). This was in the .0001% of bad experiences though so had to say something. Unless you can guarantee that you’ll only interact with the guy, don’t put yourself in this woman’s space. Standing in the cold rain is preferable.

Ar
Review №7

We did the first-timers pottery class with Patrick (I believe?) and he was great. Laid-back, patient, good sense of humor, and Super great instructor. All of our pieces came out great and we cant wait to go back for the glazing class. Also love the water-saving methods, and buy local support/emphasis. Very green facility and love it.

Re
Review №8

So much fun, instructor super nice and amazing teacher.

Da
Review №9

We did the first-time pottery class (a two person price from Groupon). It was well worth it, our instructor was great at teaching the basics of pottery and emphasizing that this was only a beginners class and that there is much, much more to learn. I also really liked seeing their clay- and water-saving methods. The one star that is missing is that it is a bit easy to miss the entrance, so it would be helpful to have better instructions when sending out confirmation emails.

D
Review №10

Called Groupon and got my money back. Entire encounter was miserable from the rude staff to the cramped workspace. Instructor was put out with questions and did not appreciate individuality of technique on project.

Im
Review №11

I began my friendship with Not Made In China barely a year after they first opened the shop. It was monumental creation that seemed enormous for the way they put it all into one small space. They made it work! The same effort goes into their teaching of classes. People come in alone, or with friends. Maybe its the first time they ever touched clay, or a paint brush. The instructors are so forgiving and easy going with every student, whether they be 40 or 6 years of age. Patricks guarantee that you Will make a Pot, on the wheel still holds true. Since that first space opened up, they have move a door or two down the block and now have a large well lit arena for creativity. Its a great space to come in and do your own work, if you are a member...and you can learn a lot about how a good ceramics gallery is maintained to make it a great productive and creative environment. If you have always wanted to throw a pot or paint a picture, I cant think of a better place to start! Oh, and the cats are Always Happy to make new friends!

Sh
Review №12

Great experience! Marie is an excellent teacher and Patrick was also very helpful!

al
Review №13

I love this place! I highly recommend for couples, families anyone can participate. Marie and Patrick are super friendly and help you step by step to a beautiful piece of art work. They really make it easy to learn and create, and the environment is just super lovely!! If you are looking to try something new or just different try this place! Its so much fun!

El
Review №14

Amazing! These kids are creating something amazing and magical here in the city of Albuquerque! So Generous! I have never seen them turn anybody away who cannot afford to do pottery and art. They always find a way to work with people no matter what their income levels maybe. The instruction and quality of products exceeds much higher than most in University Systems.Not Made in China studios is a very special place! Please check them out! Do make sure you check your attitude at the door, for they are very busy people helping many, many persons and they dont have time for people with rude, nasty, or mean attitudes.These kids at Not Made in China Pottery Studios have created a very special and sacred place where everybody is welcome to come and create and learn about art. They have to curb peoples attitudes if they come in with nasty attitudes.They are not your personal therapists; despite how kind and caring they are. When people create, they are exposing a very sensitive and secret parts of themselves that they might not even be aware of; for most people have never even created art and they need this kind of place where people are not allowed to be mean and rude. This it might be disconcerting to some customers, who believe they should be waited on hand and foot, despite their poor attitudes. All around, this is a very amazing and special place. Love this place!!!!!

Ba
Review №15

I would recommend this studio for the creative soul who wants to get dirty and learn pottery.I go the not made in China for soul searching and when I need to just get out and create. They are very good at making you feel comfortable.And you had better love to get dirty.

An
Review №16

Ive been hanging out here for awhile. Patrick and marie are great teachers. Its a great atmosphere. Great taste in music! Just being here makes me happy, tranquil. That being said from someone with high depressive disorder. It helps with my therapy.Thanks,Angelica

Sa
Review №17

We booked a private class for six people and had a wonderful time! The six of us had never done the potters wheel and Patrick was wonderful. He helped all 6 of us as a group and individually, he was memorable, intelligent and kept everyone intrigued the entire class. We are planning on going back and I highly recommend Not Made in China!

He
Review №18

Awesome place! Affordable with incredible instruction. Patrick and Marie, the owners are knowledgeable, helpful and kind. Im glad to have found it. Ive taken other pottery instruction but really learned here. The place is also really clean as far as pottery studios go which is important.

Ju
Review №19

The instructor, Patrick, is really cool and very helpful. He definitely knows what hes doing and enjoys teaching you- not doing it for you, which I appreciate and respect. Ive gone a few times and would recommend it, especially for a date or if you wanna try something new. The chick that works the desk sometimes was less than friendly both on the phone and in studio but I wouldnt miss a fun experience just because of her bad attitude. Worth the drive (from far west side for me) :)

Je
Review №20

Im surprised by the negative comments. I havent had anyone there be anything but pleasant and helpful. If you want to learn how to throw on the wheel, this is the place to do it. I have been trying to learn to throw for 10 years with only minimal success. Patricks technique is much easier and he is a wonderful teacher.

Ca
Review №21

My sister and I recently took the dynamic duo discourse and it was amazing! I felt like I really learned the fundamentals of wheel throwing and have a knowledge base to allow me to continue to do pottery. Marie and Patrick (the owners) are just hands down great people. Patrick was our instructor and he explains things in a way that is easy to understand and really cares that you are grasping the concepts. You get to choose the forms that you are most interested in learning, and I came away with two beautiful vases that I still cant believe I made. This is a fantastic community space with a great atmosphere for learning.A note about some negative comments I read prior to taking the class:There are some mixed reviews regarding not made in china, and I think it has to do with peoples willingness to be taught. If youre looking for a place that will tell you youre doing everything perfectly or fix all of your mistakes for you then youre not really interested in learning, and will probably not have a great experience. If you do want to gain real knowledge about ceramics then you will love it here!Its not often you come across people like Patrick and Marie, so Im incredibly thankful to have had the opportunity to meet them and learn from them. Great job guys!

Al
Review №22

Great experience with everyone there. I am real happy and very PROUD to be a member of this community. I cant express how much I would recommend this place. Date night, play date with the kids and family. Try yourself I say!

Jo
Review №23

Came for a pottery class (on the wheel) and the entire class was treated like crap. The apprentice led the class and acted the whole time as though we were employees. I lost track of the number of times we were told to stop touching the clay before we ruined everything, followed by 3 of us getting nixed thats it, youre done.When we got there, he proudly showed the last two classes bowls and cups, all which looked almost the exact same. It wasnt until half way through that it dawned on me that the reason they were so alike was due to the apprentice continually coming over and asking you to stop touching the clay so that he could fix it. In the end, my cup was made with 2% my work and 98% the apprentices work. One lady asked multiple times to be told how to fix something and was told each time to instead get out of the way so the apprentice could fix it.This is why I ranked this place 1 star. This is aside from the fact that the shop was tiny, the chairs were 5 gallon hardware store buckets, and the manager/owner talked to us like we were stupid for forgetting something told to us about the taxes when we made the appointment 5 weeks earlier.That said, there was an elderly lady who was leading a class in hand sculpting who seemed rather nice (I found myself wishing to be in her class a lot over the 2.5 hours we sat there) and a younger girl who welcomed us who also was nice.All in all, I have pretty much no plans to even return for my cup. Just wanted to go have a good time, instead felt like a bad day at the office.

Ap
Review №24

Had an amazing time at Not Made it China!!! Decided to check it out for myself after reading some not so good reviews. The staff was extremely attentive to our needs, had seamless fun. Laughed, painted, laugh and painted some more. I plan to go here again and again!

jo
Review №25

If you want to learn how to throw Pottery on the wheel or hand-built pottery this is the place. Patrick is the best teacher. I had two lessons and now Im hooked.

li
Review №26

Clay Date for two, on the wheel...and were hooked! Patrick is a great teacher. We cant wait to glaze in a couple weeks!

Ma
Review №27

I have had a couple wheel throwing classes here so far and I dont think I couldve learned more about this craft better/quicker anywhere else. Patrick, the instructor, is skillful in his work and teachings. He is friendly, calm, and has a good sense of humor which is always a + when I take a class.This business also offers a work-study program where you can volunteer 6 hours a week and in exchange you can share the owners space, tools, and materials with them. I found them through Craigslist so thats where you can find more in depth info on this program. I will be coming back for this since I dont have space of my own for ceramics and the deal is sweet!!!! Perfect for artists trying to establish themselves.

an
Review №28

Neatly clean, loved the service and how the owners were very helpful and patient. I took pottery and art classes before and too tell you the truth I learned more in one Not made in pottery and art class than I have from previous instructors . I would recommend taking classes at Not made in China because of the detail, knowledge, and deep insight into the type of art and pottery that they create and teach .

Ma
Review №29

Awful. Completely unwelcoming to my daughter and I. I was visiting and eager to supporting the local artisan scene. I was rudely informed not to touch anything in the shop and lectured that there was a sign indicating no touching. I had gingerly handled a piece I was interested in prior to the reprimand. Meanwhile, 2 children were running wild throughout the shop. Shameful way to treat a potential customer. Couldnt get out fast enough.

La
Review №30

I encountered the owner of this place, Marie Gardner, at a local copy shop being extremely rude to one of the managers. After seeing the way the owner of this place acted in public & the way she represents herself & her business, would not recommend going here. The local copy shop, I frequent often, was very busy that day and the manager, who was obviously by herself, accommodated all customers fairly and was doing a great job under the circumstances. Ms. Gardners attitude was that of a bratty 2yr old. Rolling her eyes, sarcastic, name calling, demanding discounts, and clearly not even realizing that shes only making herself, and her business, look bad. The manager had to tell her to leave several times before she proudly strutted out the door. Unless you want to be treated like complete trash by Marie Gardner, I dont recommend this place whatsoever.Response to the response from the owner:To whoever wrote that response (or the owner writing in the 3rd person), I was there, so there is no need for me to review a video tape. Marie is childish and did not display any strength but rather weakness and immaturity. The only strong female I saw that day was the manager who got tired of Maries nasty behavior and told her to leave. You might want to try focusing your efforts more on your better reviewers because responding to bad reviewers only makes you look worse. Any decent business owner would know that.Reviews are here to allow people to have some kind of idea of what they will be getting themselves into before they use a business. I have every right to leave a review in order to do just that. I am in no way harassing anybody. By the owner consistently updating the response, the owner is not only proving my point but only opening herself up for more of my input. The only person to blame for the ruined relationship with the copy shop is Marie. Not me and my 1 star review, not the manager who told Marie to leave, or even the owner of the copy shop who sided with his manager. Pointing fingers and blaming others is obviously a desperate attempt to not only excuse Maries immature behavior but also to take absolutely no responsibility for her immature behavior, which is what children do and once again only proves my point. Marie and only Marie is to blame for the end of the business relationship with the copy shop. Marie needs to grow-up, get over it, and move on.

Ch
Review №31

Agreed, excellent date for two or double date of 4!! My wife and I have been 3 times and enjoy bringing friends to share in the experience of making our own pottery!! The Instructor is great and very entertaining!5 out of 5 star experience every visit!!

Sh
Review №32

This was our second visit here. The first time was a mug making class and this time a painting class. We had fun both times and enjoyed our finished product. One guy that works here is definitely to short for my liking but everyone else is great so we didnt let him ruin our fun.

Pa
Review №33

I have purchased several pieces of pottery as well as painting from Not Made in China and Im very happy with the collection I have and displayed them in my home. While at Not Made in China I was able to observe some of the classes and was impressed with the way the classes were conducted. I look forward to taking classes in the future.

El
Review №34

Pottery class was awesome. It focused on really becoming one with the clay. It was almost also a spiritual experience; the music playing, atmostphere and the process they teach of working with clay were all peaceful and mind-opening.

Kr
Review №35

My husband and I took an introductory to clay class this weekend. We were very disappointed with the way we were treated. The older woman that taught the class was grumpy and long winded to put it mildly. She scolded people like they were little kids and made our experience very uncomfortable. I am sure she is very knowledgeable but she was a terrible teacher and made us feel very unwelcome.

Al
Review №36

We were a group of 4 that went for a pottery class and all had a very good time. I was a bit concerned about the class beforehand after having read some of the reviews. However, we found everyone to be very pleasant and enjoyed our teacher. We are planning on going back for more classes.

Bo
Review №37

I absolutely loved the pottery classes and staff, amazing people and quit pleasant, my family has taken many classes (from kids to adults)its been a great experience. We learned lots and got to create, I hope to be sharing my art with, Not made in China.

M.
Review №38

The owners are extremely knowledgeable and courteous. This place is wonderfully creative and quirky.

Ma
Review №39

Wow, I have never experienced such rude people – I am shocked they are still in business.I am a huge supporter of the arts, own a business myself and would much rather write about the positive then the negative But the people who run (own) this business should go back to doing their art behind closed doors and hire someone else to greet people at the front desk.I bought the Living Social thinking it would be a wonderful way to spend an afternoon with my family. When I called, the lady was very cold. When I walked in, the place was filled to the ceiling with pottery and had a hoarder like feel. However, the way the people treated me was terrible. I was shocked. I walked out and called Living Social for a refund.Never going back and would advise that you save your money.

Le
Review №40

Took a class here a while back, the Instructor was very good we made coffee cups.

An
Review №41

Friendly owner and great tea! Can’t wait to try a pottery class.

Ta
Review №42

For a painting class, the instructor, who is also one of the owners, was very rude whenever a question was asked.I ended up leaving hastily due to her getting in my face and yelling at me because I didnt have the right brush and when I asked for help, she accused me of having given up and that having the right brush is just an excuse. (For the record, I was still working and stopped to talk to her when she asked if I had any questions.)I tried to leave to get away from being screamed at and she physically stood in my way, refusing to move though I kept saying excuse me as she was screaming at me. I was finally able to leave, but, left in tears.Ive been trying a few art instruction options around town to see which one I like best. I had hoped this would be it because they also have pottery instruction. After reading the reviews on here and on Yelp, its obvious that Im not the only one that has had problems with abusive behavior.

Ni
Review №43

Very rude people, especially the owner! Please spread the word and hopefully they will go out of business soon! Groupon was so nice they gave us our money back!

Pu
Review №44

Great place and friendly owners I highly recommend this place to my friends and family

Pr
Review №45

I was calling to inquire about classes and different options and whoever rudely picked up simply said were not open yet, you can call back later if you want and hung up. Thank you Google Reviews for saving me time and money when Im only in ABQ for 3 days!

Ni
Review №46

My first class was with Shianne and she was awesome and super friendly. I scheduled a second class for the wheel spinning 3/26/2016 and was running 15 minutes late, when I got there the door was locked with no sign posted indicating the class had started. I tried calling their office with no answer, so I could let them know I was outside. I was finally able to get a hold of someone by the name of Marie and of course she denied the door would be locked during business hours and she had been answering the phones. She took my name and phone number and hopefully someone will call me back. This a big discourage, now I know why they are getting bad ratings. It was a Groupon and all I wanted to do is reschedule, even if I had to pay another $20. But I did not let this get me down and I bought a 6 week class at New Mexico Clay (and they had excellent ratings!!!)

An
Review №47

We had previously taken a wheel pottery class and believe that not made in china did a far better job teaching the skills. Also the artwork for sale was very cool!

Me
Review №48

The owner of this place, Marie, is by far the most disgusting person youll ever meet, inside and out. She is rude, disrespectful, obnoxious, and even has horrible hygiene. Was there with friends and although the other owner, Patrick, was super friendly, Marie made it an awful experience. We will not be recommending this place and will definitely not be coming back

Pi
Review №49

This place was awful. We waking in imedently greated by hordes of pottery. A rude woman walks up and my friend asked where to sit and where the class would be held. She told us we were going to do the crafting class, which we had not signed up for. The woman immediately became distraught and aggressive when I said that was not what we siged up for. We were confused about the class because we had called multiple times and no one picked up, or called back. She told us we were welcome to leave and so we did, with a slammer door in our faces.

my
Review №50

Pat and marie have worked hard to make the place the way it is now. not only are the products on sale of a high quality, but im sure good things are in the future for their business and them.

Ty
Review №51

The woman who owns this establishment, Mary, is by far the most disrespectful person Ive ever met. Her self-entitled, rude, and ignorant attitude is absolutely unnecessary.

At
Review №52

The people there are very friendly and talented!!

Ma
Review №53

I bought a Groupon for some classes here, and the staff was very rude and inappropriate. When we came back to pick up the pottery, several of our pieces were missing. I would not recommend this place, even at a discount.

Sa
Review №54

Found through a Groupon... you get what you pay for :(

Information
100 Photos
54 Comments
3.8 Rating
  • Address:915 Yale Blvd SE, Albuquerque, NM 87106, United States
  • Site:http://notmadeinchinapottery.com/
  • Phone:+1 505-243-0228
Categories
  • Art gallery
  • Art studio
  • Art school
  • Pottery classes
  • Pottery store
Working hours
  • Monday:12–7pm
  • Tuesday:12–7pm
  • Wednesday:12–7pm
  • Thursday:12–7pm
  • Friday:12–7pm
  • Saturday:12–7pm
  • Sunday:12–7pm
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