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 COME SEE THE STUDIO! OUR OFFICIAL GRAND OPENING IS APRIL 12th

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Text us with any questions!

385-241-5528

Clay Hole FAQs

Got questions? Here are Dan's answers:

What is The Clay Hole?

The Clay Hole is a brand new community and art studio that I built in Draper, Utah. Its focus will be pottery classes and workshops for other art forms. We launch in March!

 

I built The Clay Hole with two goals in mind...

 

First, I wanted to make the most kickass community pottery studio that ever existed. I think it's safe to say my team and I did just that.

 

Second, I wanted our main focus to be on community, even above the pottery and art. I wanted a place where anyone could come find new friends, a second family, or even... Dare I say it... Love?

 

In this social media driven world, and with community tricky to find, and dating getting more tedious, and friendships getting more difficult to make... I wanted to create a gathering place where you can come find your people and your people can come find you. It takes spending 200+ hours with someone, after all, to become true, good real friends with someone.

 

The Clay Hole is so much more than a studio. Besides its massive community work tables and vast amounts of pottery wheels, it also has cozy areas you can plop on the couch with friends to chat, play games, or just vibe all by yourself should you need to escape for a moment.

 

Pottery nights/classes start the first week of every month. Text us at 385-241-552 if you have any questions!

 

My team and I can't wait to meet you ❤️ The rest of your classmates can't wait, either!

When and where is the Official Grand Opening?

WHEN: April 12th

WHERE: At The Clay Hole! (12896 S Pony Express Rd, in Draper)

WHAT: Come join us to see the studio, learn about membership, and even give pottery on the wheel a quick go!

DEALS: The first 100 people (starting now, before the grand opening) who signup for May classes get 50% off of their first month! Use code GRANDOPENING.

 

COME JOIN US! We'd love to see you there.

How do I get a discount on my first month of membership?

May 2025 is our OFFICIAL GRAND OPENING month, and that means you can get 50% off of your first month of membership, so long as you join us starting in May!

 

Use the code GRANDOPENING when checking out to automatically apply the discount.

 

Text us at 385-241-5528 if you have any questions before signing up.

I'm a beginner. Do I need to have previous pottery experience? 

The majority of our members come to The Clay Hole with little to no pottery experience. 

 

Beginners aren't just welcome, they're encouraged to join!

What do I get to learn and work on while I'm there?

There are three main focuses that people tend to have at The Clay Hole...

 

1) Hand-building/sculpting - this is where you make anything you want by hand and with the thousands of tools we have available. Your imagination is your only limit.

 

2) Wheel throwing - This takes dedication to the craft and is so rewarding once you get the hang of it.

 

3) Molding pieces - We have dozens of molds that let you make pristine, beautiful (even giant if you want) pieces without having to learn the pottery wheel. This is the way the vast majority of our students make their beautiful bowls, platters, etc. 

 

We have instructors at every class who will help you learn everything you need to know in your pottery journey.

Where is The Clay Hole located?

We just secured a nearly 10k square foot building here in Draper, Utah, right on the frontage road near IKEA. That means it'll be easy to get to from just about any direction!

 

The address is:
12896 S Pony Express Rd, Suite #100
Draper, UT 84020

What time are classes?

Evening classes start at 6:30PM every weeknight.

 

Monday morning class runs from 10:30AM to 2PM.

 

We hope you're on time, but come whenever you can and leave early if you need to!

How do classes and memberships work?

Since community and everyone making new friends is my number one goal as I build The Clay Hole, I decided to offer only monthly pottery memberships.  No one-time date nights. No signing-up for a quick pot painting. No in and out and forget about it.

 

Pottery is a process that takes weeks to take a piece from the starting line to the finish line. There is so much to learn and do to make a finished piece of pottery.

 

There are also a thousand directions you can take your pottery, and for that reason, we don't have actual "classes." We have open studio time with excellent instructors ready to help you learn whatever it is you need to bring your vision to completion.

 

At The Clay Hole, you pay by the month. You can cancel your membership at any time.

 

There are three options for membership:

 

1) Have a set class to attend each week (Monday-Friday for now) so that you can truly get to know your fellow students/members.

 

2) Be able to come in once a week, but to any class you like.

 

3) Pay for an unlimited membership, with which you can attend any standard class as often as you like.

I have social anxiety. Is The Clay Hole somewhere I'll be comfortable?

So many of our new members feel that same social anxiety at first. What they have typically found is that their first day maybe was a little nerve-wracking (much like the first day at a new school), but within no time at all they find a groove and they find their happy place in the class.

 

You can sit and work quietly all by yourself, or sit surrounded by as many people as you like and gab it up. Go at your pace. We just want you here!

 

It takes a leap of faith to join something like this when you have social anxiety. We get it. Most of us have it, too. That's what makes our group so awesome. People just come as they are and nobody thinks anything of it if it takes a little while to warm up and feel safe!

Do you offer drop-ins or punch passes if I don't want to buy a full membership?

Nope. Our goal is to build community and friendships here, and so our business model involves coming to class every week and getting to really know your group of amazing, awesome people. 

How much are monthly memberships?

Monthly memberships depend on which level you'd like to purchase. These are the prices if you come the same night every week:

 

Green level memberships are $145/mo
Yellow level memberships are $170/mo

Purple level memberships are $200/mo

Black level memberships are $275/mo

 

It's worth it.

 

There are also options for slightly higher membership rates that include the ability to come to any class or to unlimited numbers of classes. For all membership prices, go to the sign-up page.

 

At The Clay Hole, you're paying for access to a giant state-of-the-art 9,500+ square foot studio, thousands of tools, more than 500 glazes, and a gathering place like no other. We don't try to compete on price with other studios because there is no other studio like The Clay Hole, and nowhere else will you find anything that gives you literally just about everything...

 

I've invested more than half a million dollars into this studio, and you're going to see why membership is worth every penny.

What are the differences in membership levels?

Green Level Membership

Current Price: $145/month

 

Available Evening Classes: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday (Singles Only Night) 6:30PM to 10PM
 

Available Daytime Classes: Monday 10:30AM to 2PM
 

This is the basic level of pottery membership at The Clay Hole. Bring your own tools. There are a few things you can use of mine, but for the most part, you’ve gotta supply your own. You will also have access to some of the basic pottery glazes.

Here's what you get with Green Level Membership:

  • Your own small private pottery shelf (24" x 12" x 8")
  • Attend studio during weekly hours (6:30pm-10pm on your assigned day)
  • Pottery guidance from our instructors
  • Use of our very basic studio tools (tools with green dots)
  • You’ll need to buy clay from us starting at $28 for a 25 lb bag. An average mug takes about a pound of clay to make.
  • Use of our pottery wheels
  • Use of our community worktables and slab rollers
  • Supply your own pottery tools (basic kits are fine)
  • Bring your own pottery apron (we recommend this one)
  • Use of basic glazes
  • Set price kiln firings ($0.05 per cubic inch)
  • No access to molds
  • No access to extra studio hours

TOOLS YOU WILL DEFINITELY NEED TO BRING: pottery sponge, needle tool, wooden pottery rib, metal pottery rib, wire cutter, fettling knife, paint brushes

OTHER TOOLS YOU MAY WANT: pottery trim tools, carving tools, texture tools, chamois, plastic ribs (MudTools), pottery calipers, long stick sponges, scoring tools, fan brushes, hake brushes, dust mask, fluting tools, etc.

 

 

Yellow Level Membership
 

Current Price: $175/month


Available Evening Classes: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday (Singles Only Night) 6:30PM to 10PM
 

Available Daytime Classes: Monday 10:30AM to 2PM
 

RECOMMENDED! This is the level you get to use a lot more of our tools. So many, in fact, you don’t even have to bring any with you. You also get access to a lot more kickass glazes. Still bring an apron.

  • Your own (slightly bigger) private pottery shelf (24" x 12" x 12")
  • Attend studio during weekly hours (6:30pm-10pm on your assigned day)
  • Pottery guidance from our instructors
  • Access to all green and yellow dot equipment and tools
  • Use of green dot glazes
  • Use of premium yellow dot glazes (dozens more options for colors and finishes)
  • You’ll need to buy clay from us, and you’ll get $2 off every bag
  • No need to bring your own basic tools, except bladed tools such as trimmers or pottery knives
  • Do bring your own pottery apron (we recommend this one)
  • Set price kiln firings ($0.05 per cubic inch)
  • Use of our pottery wheels
  • Use of our community worktables
  • Access to all yellow level molds.
  • Join us during one extra class night every month. Can't come one week? Make it up! Just want to come and get some extra pottery time in? That's okay, too!

 

Purple Level Membership

Current Price: $200/month
 

Available Evening Classes: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday (Singles Only Night) 6:30PM to 10PM
 

Available Daytime Classes: Monday 10:30AM to 2PM
 

This is the “make everyone jealous” package. You (of course) get all the green and yellow level stuff, as well as access to a ton of absolutely epic "purple dot" pottery tools, glazes, etc. Still bring an apron.

  • Your own private (way bigger) pottery shelf (36" x 16" x 14")
  • Attend studio during your weekly hours (6:30pm-10pm on your assigned day)
  • Pottery lessons and guidance from our instructors
  • Access to all green and yellow dot equipment and tools
  • Use of the basic green dot and premium yellow dot glazes
  • Access to all the thousands of purple dot equipment and tools (the highest end and some of the most fun tools)
  • Use of hundreds of ultra-premium purple dot glazes (incredible/expensive options for colors and finishes)
  • Basically, access to everything in the studio unless it has black dots or the ever mysterious red/orange dots
  • Do bring your own pottery apron (we recommend this one)
  • You’ll need to buy clay from me, and you’ll get $4 off every bag
  • No need to bring any tools at all
  • Set price kiln firings ($0.05 per cubic inch)
  • Use of our pottery wheels
  • Use of our community worktables
  • Access to all molds except black level molds (which are the GIANT bowls)
  • Discounts on community game nights, workshops, etc.
  • Join us during TWO extra class nights every month.
     

BLACK Level Membership

Current Price: $275/month
 

Available Evening Classes: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday (Singles Only Night) 6:30PM to 10PM
 

Available Daytime Classes: Monday 10:30AM to 2PM
 

This is our elite level package for the more serious and dedicated student. You (of course) get all the green, yellow, and purple level stuff, as well as access to a few black-level-only pottery tools, glazes, etc. Still bring an apron. Black Level spots are limited, so check first that one is available before you sign-up for this package.

  • Your own private (MASSIVE) pottery shelf (48" x 16" x 16")
  • Attend studio during your weekly hours (6:30pm-10pm on your assigned day)
  • Pottery lessons and guidance from our instructors
  • Access to all green, yellow, and purple dot equipment and tools
  • Use of the basic green dot and premium yellow dot glazes
  • Access to all the thousands of purple dot equipment and tools (the highest end and some of the most fun tools)
  • Use of hundreds of ultra-premium purple dot glazes (incredible/expensive options for colors and finishes)
  • Use of all black level glazes. These are among the most expensive and hardest to get glazes available on the market today
  • Use of all the black level tools. Certain tools are so expensive we can't let just any ol' level have access to them. 
  • Basically, access to everything in the studio unless it has the ever mysterious red/orange dots (owner only)
  • Do bring your own pottery apron (we recommend this one)
  • You’ll need to buy clay from me, and you’ll get $6 off every bag
  • No need to bring any tools at all
  • Set price kiln firings ($0.05 per cubic inch)
  • One free kiln firing every month (up to 14")
  • Use of our pottery wheels
  • Use of our community worktables
  • Access to all molds, including the GIANT bowls
  • Bigger discounts on community game nights, workshops, etc.
  • Join us during TWO extra class nights every month
  • Come work privately during non-class hours (when we are there, which is often), up to 4 hours per week

How do I know what I can use/access in my membership level?

Can I bring my own clay or glaze?

Absolutely no outside clay or glaze is allowed to be brought into The Clay Hole.

 

Pottery is more complex than people realize, and the truth is that having the wrong clay or glaze can greatly damage our kiln, our kiln shelves, or the surrounding pottery inside of the kiln. For this reason we have a zero tolerance policy for bringing in outside clay or glazes.

I have my own kiln at home. Can I take my pieces home to fire them there?

That's okay BUT ONLY IF... You take them home bone dry and do all the firings yourself. You may not get them fired by us in the free bisque firing and then skip paying for the glaze firing. 

Is one month enough to get finished pieces through the pottery process?

The easy and difficult answer is... Sometimes.

 

Pottery is a process, and some things take much longer than others to get from beginning to end. Some pottery projects can go on your shelf uncovered and be dry in 48 hours, others take a month or more to slowly dry. 

 

Each piece has to go through two kiln firings, and it's just not something that usually is done in a couple weeks. Kilns get fired when there is enough work on the tables to fully load a kiln. Sometimes this is multiple kiln runs in a week, sometimes it's once or twice a month.

 

As you get better and better at making ceramics, you'll move your pieces through more quickly. Quite honestly, though, you're probably going to want to plan on at least two months to see finished work come out of the final kiln.

 

The goal of The Clay Hole is not to attract people who only want to try it only a few times. Our hope is to find people who want to dedicate themselves to it at least weekly and really learn ceramics longer term. That being said, we know for many of our members they want to try it before they know if they'll love it, so we don't lock anyone into any contracts or commitments. If a month is all you want, that's okay too! Talk to an instructor at the beginning and make sure you're working on something that can be sped up a bit.

Do you have an option for me to choose any class/day I want every week? Or do I always have to come to the same class?

Yes, we have an option for you to choose which night you come in every week. It's $50 more each month than a regular weekly membership, and it gives you a lot more freedom to choose when you come in!

 

Simply choose the "ANY one class every week" option when you sign-up for membership.

Do you have an unlimited option that lets me come as often as I want and whenever I want?

Yes, we have an unlimited pass for each level of membership!

 

There are a few guidelines:

1) It only applies to our standard recurring classes. It does not apply to workshops, retreats, etc. 

2) You may only come to Singles Nights (Fridays) if you're single.

 

Other than that, feel free to come to any evening or morning class you like when you get the unlimited pass!

Can I switch membership levels after I sign-up?

You bet. You can always upgrade immediately or downgrade starting the following month. If it's mid-month and you want to upgrade, talk to an instructor and they'll help you get switched over early.

 

I've been running a smaller version of this business for the past three years and have never had a student downgrade. In fact, I never had a student stay at green level for more than a month, and 90% of my students have upgraded to Purple level within their first year. That's just how worth it the higher packages are.

Can I switch my chosen time slot/class after I sign-up?

Having a hard time finding the perfect mix of humans to hang out with at The Clay Hole? Or maybe you had other commitments happen in life and you no longer can attend the class of your first choosing.

 

You can switch nights once per month, max five times total. You also can only make the switch over to another class the first class of every month. 

 

Please give us at least two weeks notice that you'd like to switch.

How do extra days/make-up days work?

Purple and black levels come with two extra/make-up days each calendar month. Yellow level comes with one extra per month. Green level comes with zero extra days.

 

You can use your extra days however you like, either as make-up days or as bonus days. You can come to any other standard class that you like (with the exception of Friday night which you can only come to if you're single).

 

To use an extra/make-up day, you must text the studio number (385-241-5528) and let us know when you're coming so that we can mark it down and make sure we don't get too many extras any one night. Whatever night you choose is almost always going to be okay, and extra slots will always be first text, first serve.

 

Extra/make-up days cannot be used for workshops, non-standard classes, retreats, etc. Any unused extra days automatically expire each month (they do not roll over or stack up).

What is the minimum age limit?

The minimum age limit is 18, and 14 if it's a teenager attending alongside a parent or guardian (who is also a member).

We have a lot of fun in these classes. In the evening classes, people often bring alcohol, snacks, whatever. Not a lot of language filters. If that’s your scene, and you don't mind your teenager being in that scene with you, then you're welcome to enroll with them and enjoy learning pottery together!

 

Our daytime classes are more reserved and alcohol is prohibited. 

Do you have daytime classes?

Yes. We are starting with five evening classes (Monday-Friday) and one daytime class (Monday).  Text us at 385-241-5528 if you're interested in being part of either daytime or evening classes.

Who is Dan Pearce anyway?

I have one of the biggest pottery followings online (more than 2.7 million subscribers over three social media platforms). My team and I make social media reels about pottery and share them. Feel free to look me up on Insta, TikTok, or Facebook (@theclayhole)

 

I have been making and selling pottery online for about three years and running a very small version of this business in a very small (but loaded) studio for three years as well.

 

Before I was a potter, I had a popular blog called Single Dad Laughing with millions of followers. 

 

More than anything, I'm a lover of humans and the human experience. Truth is, I have been fortunate in life and don't need this business, but something has called out to me for a very long time to create the vessel that would bring so many people together in such an amazing way. It's my final hurrah before retirement, and I can't think of a better way to hit the twighlight years running...

What makes The Clay Hole special enough to spend that kind of dough?

Hmmm... Let's see... Our prices are actually AWESOME compared to many other studios and for what you get! Such as...

  • Thousands (and I mean thousands) of pottery tools
  • More than 500 different commercial glazes for you to use
  • More than 50 different molds and forms for you to use
  • Access to pottery wheels and the instructors who can teach you
  • Access to all sorts of epic pottery equipment (such as slab rollers)
  • Huge communities where you find your people and your people find you
  • Game tables and dozens of games
  • Lounge areas
  • Big fluffy, leather sofas
  • Vending machines
  • Your own private pottery shelf
  • Optional workshops
  • First dibs on workshop spots for other artforms (an entire section of our business will be non-pottery art workshops in a different part of the studio)
  • Raku workshops (probably the most fun and most adrenaline inducing pottery)
  • Community
  • Friends
  • Game nights
  • Parties
  • And so, so, so much more...
  • Heck, if things go to plan, we'll even have a room with a couple tattoo artists working every night

There is so much more than that. We could go on and on, but maybe just join and come see it for yourself! Here's a reel we made showcasing some of the things we have at the studio that aren't common to have at all, let alone all in the same place...

Are clay and firings included with my membership?

Clay and firings are not included in any membership.

 

Clay must be purchased through the studio, and your discount gets bigger with each higher membership level.

 

Firings are based on the size of your piece, and are factored at $0.05 per cubic inch (glaze firings only - bisque firings are free)

How big is each class?

Once we have all our licenses, classes can hold about 50 members at a time, and about 30-40 will show up on the average week.

 

If the numbers I've known the past few years hold true, about 20-25% of those people will be working over on the pottery wheels, and 75-80% of those people will be sitting at community tables hand-building, using molds, glazing, sculpting, etc.

I have a neuro-spicy brain. Is this a good place for me?

Hell yes it is.

 

In fact, the reason I love pottery so much is that it attracts so many neurodivergent people to it. I myself have ADHD (as do most of my students and instructors).

 

I designed this studio not just as a place to bring everyone together, but as a place people can easily escape when they need to. There are soft couches and chairs all over the place that you can go and let that spicy meatloaf between those ears of yours settle down a bit.

Is this a good place for socially and religiously conservative people?

I'm gonna front with you. In each and every evening class... 

 

There will likely be plenty of cursing. There will probably be plenty of "inappropriate" joking. Lots of irreverent laughter. People might bring drinks to share. Etc.  If you can handle that and enjoy environments like that, then this is the place for you! 

 

If that's not your cup of tea, that's okay! Come join our daytime class! No alcohol or cursing. I mean, my mom will be there, and we've gotta show her some respect! Text us if you want more details. LGBTQ+ friendly.

What is this Singles Night I keep hearing about?

Friday night is Singles Night. 

 

To be in the singles night class, you have to:

  1. Be single, obviously. And yes, if you get into a relationship you'll be asked to switch nights
  2. Be there to actually meet, mix, and mingle
  3. Be there with intention to maybe possibly meet someone to date

Listen, you do you, Boo. If you're looking for hookups or flings, more power to you. Just not here.

 

Singles night is a place where you can gradually meet and make friends with other singles. It's a place where you can step away from those dreadful dating apps and meet people in a no-pressure environment while you learn something together, play games together, and have parties together.

 

Singles Night is still a pottery night like all the others, but it's also so much more. I hope you'll join us.

 

PS. I'm single, too! And I can't wait to be in the class with all of you other singles. Here's the social media reel I recently published about it...

How does the "Bring a Friend" option work?

The Clay Hole has an AMAZING program to let you bring a friend or loved one with you to class. Here's how it works:

This has been a really cool, really popular program since we opened. There are two things that you've gotta do to bring someone to class:

 

1) You've gotta pay for them. DO THAT HERE

2) They've gotta sign the studio waiver. DO THAT HERE

Do you really kick people out of class?

Yep. I'm ruthless about it, too. 

 

If you're toxic, you're gone. If you're over-dramatic, you're gone. If you sexually harass people, you're gone. If you don't clean-up or help keep the studio clean, you guessed it... Gone. I will have no qualms about sending anyone packing if they hurt the experience for our instructors or fellow classmates.

 

These classes, while irreverent in nature, should also be safe and fun for everyone. Basically, don't be a Clay Hole A-Hole.

 

On your first day, we will share the studio commandments with you. But here they are if you want a sneak peek...

Dan, will you be part of the classes, too?

I will join in every single class here and there, usually often. Sometimes for the entire class, sometimes for just a pop-in. 

 

Most of my work time will be spent running this business, dealing with staff and payroll, keeping the studio running and inventory up, running retreats, setting up workshops, etc. 

 

I also spend a great deal of my time working on my own personal ceramic art, which I sell to my online followers. There's a good chance I'll be over in my own area of the studio working on this while classes are in session. 

 

I do intend to be a regular on Friday night Singles Night ♥️

What can I expect on my first day of class?

 

 

Everyone will get a Clay Hole first-day booklet. If you want to go through it now for peace of mind, that's a-okay by me...

View the First-Day Booklet

Do I have to sign a waiver or agreement to be a member?

Yes, all members must sign The Clay Hole's release of claims and membership agreement before they can attend their first day of classes. Refusal to sign the agreement will result in immediate termination of student membership without refund. You can view and sign the agreement here

 

All students must also initial every line item on the glaze checklist and sign the glaze agreement form before they may have access to any glazes. This is to keep the integrity of our nearly $100,000 worth of 500+ commercial glazes in place. You can view and sign the glaze agreement here

Is there a contract? Can I cancel any time?

At this time, we do not require a contract with membership!

 

While we hate to see you go, we understand life takes us in all sorts of directions and if you need to cancel, that's a-okay. We hope you'll join us again real soon!

 

All members who wish to cancel MUST do so by midnight on the 24th of each month. We do not ever cancel your membership for you so please don't message us for that. Sending a text or an email about canceling does not get the job done. You do have to do it yourself. 

 

Canceling is easy. Simply login to the member portal and with a few clicks of a button you'll be good to go!

What if I forget to cancel by the 24th?

We do not give refunds for members who forget to cancel their memberships (for any reason). This is because each month, a chain of events takes place as soon as that date rolls over, including shelf assignments and management, class/lesson planning, reach-out, and more. 

 

Canceling is easy. You have to do it yourself. Simply login to the member portal and with a few clicks of a button you'll be good to go!

What if I fall on hard times and can't pay for a month or two?

I get it. Sometimes life kicks us all in the ass. 

 

If that ever happens, I'm happy to do a trade for a month or two for your monthly membership fee. That might include helping me clean or organize the studio, or come help me glaze one of my personal collections, etc. 

 

I only have so much I can trade, so please only ask for this if you're truly in need.

I'm interested in being on The Clay Hole staff...

I'm occasionally looking for knowledgable and friendly staff who will really fit in with what we're doing. Text us at 385-241-5528 to inquire about openings and an interview.

 

There are two ways you can join my staff:

  1. You can be a part-time hourly instructor. Your job will be to help students on the nights you work. Each night I'll have one instructor who's very good at hand-building and mold making, and another instructor who's very good at wheel. Pay will be $16-$18/hour depending on your skill level and you'll need to be able to work all five weeknights 6pm-10:30pm (half an hour before class starts and half an hour after).
     
  2. You can be an in-class instructor who is also a member. I'll have a couple of these in every class as well. You will get to come and work on all your own stuff, but need to be at the ready to answer any questions your classmates might have should the main instructor be occupied. You will also need to fill in for the main instructor if they are sick or detained (without pay).

I'd love to have you on The Clay Hole Pay Roll (admit it, you like that rhyme)

There's no time like the present!

Sign-Up for The Clay Hole now!

Text us at 385-241-5528 with any questions