Worried about showing up to The Clay Hole without knowing anyone? This page walks through what really happens on your first day—and why most people leave feeling connected, not awkward.

What If I Don’t Know Anyone at The Clay Hole?

You want to try pottery. But the thought of walking into a studio full of strangers? Kinda terrifying. You don’t want to feel like the outsider, the awkward one, the newbie in a sea of “real artists.”

We hear this all the time. And if it helps—most of our members started the same way: alone, a little anxious, and wondering if they’d find their people.

Good News: Nobody Knows Anyone (At First)

Our studio isn’t built around pre-existing cliques or closed circles. It’s built around clay. People come in with their own lives, their own vibes, their own stories. The glue that binds them? The joy of making stuff with their hands in a space that doesn’t expect perfection.

Whether you’re an introvert, someone starting fresh in Utah, or just socially unsure—there’s room for you here. And the weird part? You might actually end up making friends by accident.

Friendship Isn’t Forced. It’s Fired.

You don’t have to be loud, outgoing, or wildly confident to belong. Just showing up and working near other humans makes connection happen. Slowly. Organically. Over mugs, glaze buckets, and small conversations that turn into something more.

Still unsure? This page might help too.

Conclusion: Come Alone. You Probably Won’t Stay That Way.

It’s okay to be nervous. Just don’t let that stop you from starting. Clay brings people together in ways that words can’t always explain. Show up for yourself. The rest will follow.

Want to Try Us With a Huge Discount?

We know switching studios—or joining one for the first time—can feel like a big leap. That’s why we offer two powerful incentives to make your first step feel exciting instead of scary:

• MYNEWSTUDIO — Save $100 on your first month when you’re coming from another pottery studio. Just bring any kind of proof when you show up.
• NEWMEMBER30 — Not switching studios? No problem. Use this code to get 30% off your first month just for finally giving pottery a try.

We’re not here to lock you into anything. We just want to help you get in the door—and fall in love with clay in a way you’ve never experienced before.

What Our Members Say

“I moved to Utah and didn’t know a soul. The Clay Hole became my social life, creative outlet, and comfort zone all at once.”
- Lena W.

“I was so scared to come alone. But it took all of two firings and one party for me to feel completely at home.”
- Cruz M.

FAQs

Do most people come with friends?
Nope. Most members start solo. And many end up building strong friendships naturally over time.

Will I feel out of place?
Almost nobody does once they’re here. Our vibe is radically inclusive, open, and non-judgmental.

What if I just want to do pottery and not socialize?
Also valid! You can totally just focus on your art—we’ll support whatever rhythm works best for you.

See All FAQs

Find Us on Social Media

Follow @theclayhole on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to see real people walking in solo—and staying for the community they didn’t expect.

Find Us in Draper, Utah

Fine Print: Offer valid for first-time members of The Clay Hole only. To use MYNEWSTUDIO, you must show proof that you’re coming from another studio when you arrive. If not, you may use NEWMEMBER30 for 30% off. Offers may not be combined and are subject to change without notice.

Written by Dan Pearce, ceramic artist, author, and founder of The Clay Hole—a 10,000 sq. ft. community pottery studio in Draper, Utah. With nearly 3 million followers across platforms, Dan is known for his expressive pottery, inclusive studio culture, and commitment to creative connection.