I took the 5-week pottery course here and absolutely loved it. I was able to learn at my own pace and could see improvements week to week! After the course I joined as a member and it’s been so great! The space is always clean and with limits on number of people at a time it is easy to work in your own space and keep everything tidy. This has become my favorite hobby and I’m so glad I joined! All the tools and glazes one would need are available and the clay is purchased right in the studio which is so convenient. Definitely recommend taking a course here!
I had a great time taking the beginners class with James as the instructor! I had thrown in high school - and really enjoyed getting back into playing with clay.What is even more awesome than the class - is being able to now be a member to go and throw during the day! Its saved my sanity during the times of covid - when you cant go many places.
Starting as a novice taking a 5 week course, I have been a member of Dongzhu pottery studio for almost 2 years. I have loved having the freedom to access the studio and improve my skills. The studio environment is very friendly and it is nice to see the community growing. I highly recommend a membership for anyone looking to improve their skills or looking for a creative outlet!
A great place to start pottery as a hobby, or improve your skills. Welcoming to potters all ranges of ability. Provides all the resources you need for throwing and glazing. Flexible studio hours, you can come in pretty much any time to work on whatever you want.
I did the five-week beginner course during quarantine, as an attempt to leave my house. They were conscious about mask-wearing and keeping everyone distanced, which I really appreciated. I came from zero pottery experience, but our instructor (James) was patient, explained everything clearly, and gave thorough enough demos that I was able to complete the class with five bonafide pieces of pottery that I absolutely love. They take you through everything from preparing your clay to glazing and firing, and they use professional terms and techniques so I feel like I could pick up pottery anywhere and feel at least partially assimilated into the art.Also, shoutout to James for bringing so much of the history of pottery-making into the class. It was a blast, and Im looking forward to learning more. If you have even an inkling of wanting to learn pottery, this is the place to start.
Ive been a member for over a year after taking a class. Awesome space! Everything I could ask for in a pottery studio!
We love Dongzhu Pottery studio! My husband and I took the four-week intro course and were hooked. Prices are very reasonable and the space is inspiring. As a member, one can be very independent and the studio almost feels like your own. The community at Dongzhu is also great and we have met so many wonderful friends there. Lejia has done a great job not only creating a great studio, but also building a thriving pottery community. We would highly recommend Dongzhu, whether you are a beginner just trying it out, an expert, or anywhere in between!
Very relaxing, plant-filled space. James knows when to help and when to step back and let students try stuff out for themselves, all while telling funny stories. Class was the highlight of my week, and will definitely be back!
My boyfriend and I took a private wheel class and it was very fun! I had done hand ceramics in high school and my boyfriend had no prior ceramics experience. Leija was an awesome teacher and was very patient with us. Our pieces turned out great! I would definitely recommend this studio.
Dongzhu is a lovely local pottery studio run by friendly, approachable people. Its easy to miss it because its downstairs from the ice cream shop, but well worth your time if you stop by! I initially took a class with Sam and then got a membership to the studio, which has been a fantastic experience. The studio itself is a very clean, well-lit and open space thats relaxing to visit. If youre at all interested in ceramics, stop by and browse their wares, or take up one of their casual Friday classes for an easy introduction.
I went to one of the Friday night classes with my boyfriend for a date nigh and it was such an amazing experience. It was the first time for both of us and we both really enjoyed working with the wheel and getting our hands dirty. Lejia was a very patient, helpful and informative instructor and made our time at his studio very fun and rewarding! We will definitely come back.
Super comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. Staff is friendly, encouraging, and helpful. I highly recommend Dongzhu Pottery if youre looking for a place with open studio time or if youre just looking to learn by taking one of their classes. Prices are very fair. Really a great ceramics studio for beginners and experts alike.
I took a pottery class with my boyfriend and a friend and had such a great experience! I used to take ceramics in high school and remember feeling a bit frustrated but Lejia was such a helpful/patient teacher and made me feel very comfortable and relaxed.I was really happy with the bowl I made (which has become the home for my favorite jewelry). I also kept and use my boyfriends bowl for my hairbands >:) (seriously need to come back so I can upgrade all my containers). I plan to take some of my friends here for a girls night out instead of doing our usual same ol same activities.I cannot thank you enough for the fun experience!!
Super cool studio with a relaxed atmosphere thats perfect for any skill level. The instructors are great and its a fun place to just hang out with other members!
Amazing studio! Very chill, great vibe. Tons of open space! Casual Friday was a super fun date night! Lejia was really attentive and provided lots of great feedback! Definitely going back soon!
This was a new and exciting experience! Instructor is very patient and laid back! Will definitely come back!
We had a great time at the wheel with the guidance of the skilled patient staff.
I did the friday date night with my boyfriend. We were both so nervous in the beginning since we had never done pottery before. Lejia made sure that we were comfortable. He is very nice. I made a bowl at the end and I was so happy with how it turnt out. Would def. recommend to everyone!
This is a new studio on the near westside of Madison just a stones throw from the popular Trader Joes store. If youre shopping there dont miss the opportunity to visit this place even in the evening Wednesday through Saturday or even Sunday. I have started private lessons with the owner Leja who is that true master who will teach you everything at your own pace and with the clearest of instructions as you go along. Hes very methodical and fully customizes his approach to ones needs. I am very impressed with the studio and Im delighted to have found it.