The Clay Hole vs. Salt Lake Pottery Studio: Which Is Right for You?
If you're deciding between The Clay Hole and Salt Lake Pottery Studio, you’re already on the right track—both studios offer a chance to get your hands dirty and discover clay. But depending on what you’re looking for, one may be a better fit for your creative goals. Let’s explore the differences in space, structure, community, and experience.
Why The Clay Hole Offers Weekly Classes Only
The Clay Hole specializes in weekly pottery classes, not one-night events or date-night drop-ins. We believe consistency creates the deepest growth—in both skill and community. You’ll come back week after week, build muscle memory, meet classmates you actually get to know, and create work you’re proud of over time.
Salt Lake Pottery Studio, by contrast, offers primarily one-time events and short sessions. While great for a casual experience, this model is built for quick exposure, not long-term learning.
Studio Size and Available Materials
At The Clay Hole, members enjoy one of Utah’s largest creative spaces with over 10,000 sq. ft. of open studio. We provide:
- Over 500 commercial glazes and 100+ underglazes
- Thousands of tools—you don’t need to bring your own
- 8 types of clay (clay and firings sold separately)
- Giant slab rollers, clay extruders, and dozens of studio molds
Publicly available info about Salt Lake Pottery Studio suggests their space is much smaller and tool access is more limited. Their offerings are designed for brief interactions with pottery, not long-term access to studio-grade materials.
Comfort, Perks & Member Perks at The Clay Hole
- Bonus pottery days included with most memberships
- Sofa lounges and game spaces for relaxing before or after class
- Access to drinks and snacks (coffee, cocoa, cold beverages, premium snacks)
Workshops, Events & Community Vibe
- Access to raku pottery firings and non-pottery art workshops
- Studio parties, game nights, and our legendary Friday Singles Night
- A creative space that welcomes LGBTQ+ adults, ex-Mormons, neurodivergent artists, and anyone who values community and creativity
Meet Dan Pearce, Owner of The Clay Hole
The Clay Hole was founded and is run by Dan Pearce, a nationally known potter, writer, and artist with nearly 3 million followers across social media. Dan attends every class, creates alongside members, and personally helps build the inclusive, vibrant culture the studio is known for.
Location & Accessibility
The Clay Hole is located at 12896 S Pony Express Rd, Suite 100, Draper, UT. We’re right off the freeway, easily accessible from both Salt Lake and Utah County.
FAQs
What’s the main difference between Salt Lake Pottery Studio and The Clay Hole?
Salt Lake Pottery Studio focuses on short-term and one-night events. The Clay Hole focuses on weekly classes for long-term growth, stronger community, and skill development.
Does The Clay Hole welcome beginners?
Absolutely. Most of our members had never touched clay before their first class. We have four instructors per class and a warm, encouraging vibe.
Is The Clay Hole LGBTQ+ and ex-Mormon friendly?
Yes. We are proudly inclusive of LGBTQ+, ex-Mormon, neurodivergent, and all creative adults—so long as they respect the Clay Hole Commandments.
Disclaimer: We’ve done our best to present an honest, respectful comparison based on publicly available information at the time of writing. We have not attended or participated in classes at Salt Lake Pottery Studio, and our insights are based on their website, customer reviews, and public listings. If any details are outdated or incorrect, we welcome respectful corrections.
We believe there’s no “wrong” place to try pottery—only the place that fits your learning style and goals. Salt Lake Pottery Studio serves an important role in the community, and we’re grateful to share Utah’s clay space with them.