The Clay Hole vs. Pinch & Purl: Which Pottery Studio Fits You?
If you’re considering The Clay Hole or Pinch & Purl, you’re choosing between two distinct experiences in Utah’s creative community. While both studios provide pottery instruction, they differ significantly in class structure, studio size, and the overall experience. Here’s what you need to know.
Weekly Classes at The Clay Hole vs. Pinch & Purl
The Clay Hole offers weekly classes only, ensuring that members return every week to deepen their skills, develop their creativity, and form lasting connections with classmates. We don’t host one-time events or casual drop-ins, as our model is built around long-term learning and community-building.
Pinch & Purl offers a combination of pottery classes and knitting workshops. While they provide short-term pottery experiences, their focus on pottery is more casual compared to The Clay Hole’s consistent, skill-building weekly classes.
Studio Size and Materials at The Clay Hole
The Clay Hole provides over 10,000 sq. ft. of studio space, making it one of the largest pottery studios in Utah. Our members have access to:
- 500+ commercial glazes and 100+ underglazes
- Thousands of pottery tools—no need to bring your own
- 8 different types of clay available (sold separately)
- Clay extruders, slab rollers, and dozens of molds available for use
While Pinch & Purl offers a cozy studio, they are much smaller in terms of space and the variety of equipment they provide compared to what The Clay Hole members get access to.
Comfort and Perks at The Clay Hole
- Bonus pottery days included with most memberships
- Sofa lounges and game areas to relax and socialize
- Access to coffee, cocoa, cold drinks, and snacks every class
Community, Workshops, and Events
- Raku pottery workshops and non-pottery art sessions available
- Studio parties, game nights, and our weekly Singles Night on Fridays
- Inclusive environment welcoming LGBTQ+ individuals, ex-Mormons, neurodivergent creatives, and anyone seeking a creative community
Meet Dan Pearce, Founder of The Clay Hole
The Clay Hole is owned and operated by Dan Pearce, a well-known potter with nearly 3 million followers on social media. Dan attends every class, builds strong relationships with members, and creates an inclusive, welcoming environment for all artists.
Location & Accessibility
The Clay Hole is conveniently located at 12896 S Pony Express Rd, Suite 100, Draper, UT. Easily accessible from both Salt Lake and Utah Valley, right off I-15.
FAQs
What sets The Clay Hole apart from Pinch & Purl?
At The Clay Hole, we focus on weekly classes and consistent, long-term skill development. Pinch & Purl offers a great pottery experience but is focused on shorter, more casual sessions.
Can I join The Clay Hole as a beginner?
Absolutely! We welcome all skill levels, and most members started as beginners. With four instructors per class, you'll get plenty of support.
Is The Clay Hole LGBTQ+ and ex-Mormon friendly?
Yes! We are proud to offer a welcoming and inclusive space for all, including LGBTQ+ individuals, ex-Mormons, and anyone seeking a creative community.
Disclaimer: This comparison is based on publicly available information at the time of writing. We have not attended or participated in classes at Pinch & Purl, and our insights are based on publicly available information. If any information is inaccurate, we welcome your feedback and will update the page accordingly.
Every pottery studio has its unique benefits. Pinch & Purl offers a valuable creative space, and we respect their contribution to the Utah arts community.