Attention:  March pottery classes are full. Message us at 385-241-5528 to join us in April!

View our brand new state-of-the-art studio!

View our brand new state-of-the-art studio!

Get access to a $600K+ studio for as little as $145/month!

Text us. We'll get you signed-up!

385-241-5528

Clay Hole FAQs

Got questions? Dan's got answers...

What is The Clay Hole?

The Clay Hole is a brand new community and art studio that I am building 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 are doing 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, 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.

 

Classes start the first week of March. Text us at 385-241-5528. We'll make sure it's a good fit and send you the link to get signed-up along with a code to save $100 off your first month!

 

My team and I can't wait to meet you ❤️

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

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.

 

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

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. 

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 much are monthly memberships?

Monthly memberships depend on which level you'd like to purchase.

 

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.

 

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 it was 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 get 20% off my first month?

You'll just need to answer a few questions via the link below and we'll send you a coupon code!  Text us at 385-241-5528 if you have any questions before signing 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.

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. 

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? 

 

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

 

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

Can I switch membership levels after I sign-up?

You bet. You can always upgrade or downgrade to start the following month. If it's early in the month and you want to upgrade, talk to management and they'll help you setup a Venmo to 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've 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.

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 (@danpearceceramics)

 

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...

  • 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

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 is 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 included)

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. 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...

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...

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

I'm currently 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 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 $15-$17/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)

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?

I think it will be amazing? Haha. Remember, we're launching all of this the same week you're starting, so please be patient as we iron the kinks out.

 

That being said, I've been running much smaller classes for years, so it should go pretty swimmingly. 

 

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

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.

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

Let's do this!

Text us at 385-241-5528

Time to get this party started...