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Spend eight Tuesday evenings shaping clay into functional tableware with instructor Corinna Cowles at Blackhound Clay in West Philadelphia. This small-group handbuilding course supplies tools, glazes, firing, and 25 pounds of clay—sign up for the waitlist to be notified if a spot opens.
Spend eight Tuesday evenings shaping clay into functional tableware with instructor Corinna Cowles at Blackhound Clay in West Philadelphia. This small-group handbuilding course supplies tools, glazes, firing, and 25 pounds of clay—sign up for the waitlist to be notified if a spot opens.
Book with Black Hound Clay Studio West
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Operated by Black Hound Clay Studio West · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
On a Tuesday evening in West Philadelphia, Blackhound Clay opens its studio at 715 South 50th Street for a small, hands-on handbuilding class led by instructor Corinna Cowles. This eight-week course meets from 6–9 p.m. and guides makers through the tactile process of turning clay into functional tableware and independent projects. The studio hums with low conversation, tools clink against workbenches, and shelves display bisqued pieces awaiting glaze. The focus is on handbuilding techniques—pinch, coil, and slab—so you can craft mugs, plates, and vessels without a wheel. Clay, water, and your hands are the primary materials: raw earth shaped and later transformed by the studio kiln into durable work. Tuition includes all instruction, tools, glazes, firing and 25 pounds of clay, plus one free open-studio session to practice between classes.
Class size is capped at ten people, which keeps instructor feedback direct and bench space comfortable. The studio is wheelchair accessible and welcomes students aged 16 and up. Corinna Cowles leads demonstrations, offers one-on-one troubleshooting, and helps students translate personal design ideas into technically sound pieces ready for firing. What sets this offering apart in Philadelphia’s maker scene is its emphasis on independent projects: rather than following a rigid syllabus, students pursue their own concepts while learning fundamentals and finishing techniques.
For travelers and locals alike, this is an approachable urban craft experience—no outdoor gear or travel logistics beyond Philadelphia’s streets. You’ll learn about clay as a material, see glaze chemistry in action, and finish with pieces that reflect the practical craftsmanship of the class. Practicalities matter: bring old clothes or an apron, plan on three focused hours per session, and know that the waitlist is a flexible system—the studio will contact you if a seat opens, but joining the list is not a guarantee. Questions can be sent to [email protected]. Whether you’re a curious beginner or an intermediate maker seeking studio time and instructor attention, this Tuesday-evening series offers concentrated practice, clear feedback, and the quiet satisfaction of turning earth into everyday tableware.
Joining the waitlist registers your interest; the studio will contact you if a registered spot becomes available, but waitlist membership does not guarantee enrollment.
The class is open to ages 16 and up.
All instruction, tools, glazes, firing and 25 pounds of clay are included, plus one free open-studio session; additional clay can be purchased.
Yes—location at 715 South 50th Street is wheelchair accessible.
Groups are limited to about ten people to ensure focused instructor feedback and manageable bench space.
Email [email protected] for questions about availability, the waitlist, or class policies.
Black Hound Clay Studio West is a ceramics studio offering a broad schedule of pottery classes, workshops, open studio sessions, summer art camps, and members-only events. The studio presents structured multi-week series such as Wheelthrowing 101 and Wheelthrowing 102, short-format workshops like Make Your Own Holiday Mug and One Day Wheel Workshop, and skill-focused courses including Handbuilt Tableware for Beginners and Intermediate Handbuilding options. Classes emphasize hands-on instruction in wheelthrowing, slab and coil handbuilding, surface decoration, glazing, and functional tableware. Several class listings note small, supportive settings and instructor-led guidance; named instructors appear in class descriptions, including Frankie Iadarola, Corinna Cowles, and Caroline Hayes-Charuk. The studio also runs open studio sessions for students, member-focused demos and refreshers (kiln, glaze, reclaim, slip, extruder), and bookable private workshops. Seasonal programming includes Mid-Summer Open Studio Sessions and Black Hound West Summer Art Camp sessions scheduled for August 2025. Multiple offerings show waitlist status for popular time slots, indicating high demand. Membership-only entries provide additional hands-on opportunities and technical demos. Black Hound Clay Studio West’s program mix supports beginners through intermediate students, offering repeatable class sequences and specialty workshops for makers seeking practical skills, creative play, and finished functional work. The studio lists explicit class names, waitlist entries, and member events to help prospective students find a right-fit experience.
Book with Black Hound Clay Studio West