The Clay Hole vs. Workshop SLC: Which Pottery Studio Fits You Best?
If you're looking into Workshop SLC and The Clay Hole, you're already drawn to creative exploration. Both spaces serve Salt Lake's vibrant arts community, but the experience, structure, and offerings differ in key ways. Here's a breakdown to help you find the studio that aligns with your goals.
Weekly Classes at The Clay Hole vs. Event-Based Workshops
The Clay Hole runs weekly classes only. We intentionally do not offer one-time events or drop-in workshops. Why? Because weekly attendance allows you to grow your skills, build friendships, and integrate pottery into your lifestyle long-term. It's a community, not just a class.
Workshop SLC, based on public listings and reviews, focuses more on event-style workshops across various mediums—including one-time pottery sessions. These can be great for casual creativity or one-off experiences, but may not offer the same continuity or deep skill progression.
Studio Space and Materials
At The Clay Hole, members have full access to:
- 10,000 sq. ft. of open studio space with dedicated areas for hand-building and wheel throwing
- 500+ commercial glazes and 100+ underglazes included
- Thousands of tools for every technique and stage
- Eight types of clay (available for purchase; firings sold separately)
- Specialized equipment: giant slab rollers, clay extruders, dozens of molds
Workshop SLC appears to offer smaller-scale materials access during events, but does not list similar volume or range of tools, clay types, or glaze options as part of ongoing member access.
Amenities at The Clay Hole
- Bonus pottery days with most memberships
- Sofa lounges and game zones to unwind and socialize
- Access to coffee, cocoa, cold drinks, and snacks provided every session
Community Vibe and Events
- Special sessions like raku pottery and non-pottery art workshops
- Game nights, studio parties, and our weekly Friday Singles Night
- Welcoming space for LGBTQ+ adults, ex-Mormons, neurodivergent creatives, and anyone looking for deep connection
Meet Dan Pearce, Owner of The Clay Hole
The Clay Hole is owned and operated by Dan Pearce, a nationally recognized potter and creator with nearly 3 million followers across TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Dan attends every class in person, supports members directly, and curates the inclusive, vibrant community that sets our studio apart.
Location & Accessibility
The Clay Hole is conveniently located at 12896 S Pony Express Rd, Suite 100, Draper, UT. Just off I-15, we’re an easy commute from both Salt Lake and Utah counties.
FAQs
What makes The Clay Hole different from Workshop SLC?
Workshop SLC focuses on one-time workshops and event-style sessions. The Clay Hole is built around weekly classes for deep, skill-based learning and long-term community building.
Do I need to bring tools or glazes?
Nope! The Clay Hole provides thousands of tools and over 600 glazes/underglazes to members at no extra cost.
Can I join if I’m brand new to pottery?
Yes! Most members start as beginners, and we have four instructors in every class to help you succeed at your own pace.
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 Workshop SLC, and our insights are based on their website, reviews, and class descriptions. If anything is inaccurate, we welcome respectful updates.
We believe all creative spaces have value. Workshop SLC is a respected part of Salt Lake’s arts scene, and we’re proud to share this artistic ecosystem with them.