The Clay Hole offers more than just wheel throwing. Discover slab building, molds, sculpting, and hand-building options that expand your creativity and let you work your own way.

Why the Wheel Isn’t Everything—And What Else You Can Do Here

When most people think of pottery, they picture the wheel. Centering clay. Pulling walls. That classic spin. But at The Clay Hole? That’s only about 30% of what actually happens.

The other 70%? Sculptors, slab builders, mold pourers, texture nerds, and creative weirdos doing things that don’t spin—and never needed to. If you’ve ever wondered, “Do I have to use the wheel to belong here?” the answer is a big, beautiful no.

Hand-Building Is Just as Legit

Pinch, coil, sculpt, slab, press—if your hands are on clay, you’re doing pottery. You don’t have to center to be centered. Many of our most expressive members never touch a wheel. And their shelves are full of art, not anxiety.

We provide dozens of molds, two slab rollers, extruders, hand tools, and full shelves of texture gear—plus instructors who actually teach non-wheel techniques. This is not a wheel-or-bust space.

The Wheel Is Welcome—But Not Required

If you love the wheel, use it. We’ll support you. But if you’re here to sculpt weird creatures, or build giant textured platters with slabs, or throw your feelings into a coil pot? That’s valid too. That’s pottery. That’s The Clay Hole.

Still unsure if you’ll belong? Check out What If I Don’t Fit In at The Clay Hole?

Conclusion: The Wheel Isn’t the Heart—Clay Is

You don’t need to spin to start. You just need clay, curiosity, and a space that welcomes all kinds of makers. That’s who we are. And you’re invited.

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 don’t throw. I sculpt. The Clay Hole welcomed me like a real artist anyway.”
- Mina J.

“I always thought I ‘should’ learn the wheel. Turns out I love slab work—and now I have a whole table to do it at.”
- Rachel D.

FAQs

Do I have to use the wheel at The Clay Hole?
Not at all. Many members never touch a wheel. We fully support hand-building, sculpting, and other forms.

What kind of tools do you provide?
Slab rollers, extruders, molds, dozens of hand tools, texture rollers, and more—plus guidance if you want it.

Can I switch between wheel and hand-building?
Yes! Most members explore both over time. You’re never locked into one style.

See All FAQs

Find Us on Social Media

Follow @theclayhole on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to see what our hand-builders and non-wheel artists are making right now.

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.