Hi friends!
The first real rain hit Belmont Street last week and the studio is feeling extra cozy. Wheels are humming, the kilns are toasty, and our shelves full of pots are cooling like fresh-baked treats. If your brain’s been full (politics, life, everything), come sit with us for a few hours. Clay is basically a permission slip to be still and breathe with your hands. Let’s ditch the doomscroll together, get cozy, and make some art this fall.
This month, we’ve lined up quick wins (one-day workshops you can finish in an afternoon), deeper dives (our fall classes start the week of Oct 6), and playful Date Nights that made the “Best of Portland” list for a reason. Plus, if you start now, you’ll be gift-ready by December, so future you and all your special someones will be pleased!
If you’re searching for cozy fall pottery classes or ceramics workshops in Portland, Radius Art Studio has something for every clay lover this October.
Stay Crafty,
Rin & the Radius crew
Fall Session is Here
These longer-format classes are designed for folks wanting to dive deep into clay craft. Fun for beginners and supportive growth for experienced makers, they come with everything you need- expert instruction, clay, tools, and firing. You’ll also get extra studio time to practice and play during our weekly open studio hours.
Rin Noelle is known for being a kind and supportive instructor for beginners and inspiring returning learners to experiment and push themselves in their clay play. In this class, you’ll make bowls and other vessels, learn several glazing and decorating techniques, and leave with pieces you’ll actually use (or gift).
Center Yourself at the Pottery Wheel
Turn your big ideas into solid sculptures! Paige Wright‘s many years of experience and supportive coaching will guide you through solid, coil, slab, and section building, along with kiln-friendly planning and glazing demonstrations. No experience, no problem! Beginners and returners are welcome- Paige will meet you where you’re at.
Calm your Mind and Hand Sculpt Clay
Maker’s Tip: Your hands will remember before your brain does.
Slow breath = calm and centered.
Weekend Warrior Workshops
These shorter workshops are fast and fun- get a taste for clay or learn a specialized skill to add to your creative toolbelt.
Skip the multi-week bootcamps- this one-day intensive with master mold maker Brett Binford gets you from idea to finished plaster mold, ready to take home the same day! Bring a few objects from home (fruit/veg, a favorite cup, or a small sculpture) and Brett will help you pick the winner.
Why would one want a mold, you ask? Good question- having a mold allows you to easily make multiples for quick gifts or matching sets.
Then pour, set, release, repeat! You’ll leave confident (and probably a little obsessed) with the possibilities after taking the slip casting workshop. Use the mold you made or cast from one that Brett will bring to share.
Make a Mold or Learn to Cast, These classes are fun on their own and great as a pair!
Special Guest Raku Workshop
Dive into the hot world of Raku and fire up some pieces! Join us for a hands-on Raku experience that will be fast, fiery, and fun! You’ll finish pieces in a single magical session to take home at the end of class. Don’t have experience or any bisqueware ready to fire? No problem! Add on a premade teacup made by special guest instructor Chris Pate to glaze and participate in the fun.
Play Dates and Community Events
Are you coming to Haunted Hues? We are so excited to host this spooky sweet event! Come haunt the halls with us for the Radius October gallery opening and special pop-up market presented by @nowwhatpotteryworks and friends!
Haunted Hues Gallery Opening
Friday, Oct 10 // 4–8pm // 2324 SE Belmont
40+ artists and vendors
Free, all ages
One Time Wheel Classes are a super fun and low-stakes way to get your hands dirty with us, and the cutest date night in town if we don’t say so ourselves- oh wait, you said it, Portland! See why we were finalists for Best Of Portland this year and make a piece to take home and cherish forever!
Last but not least, because this is our very first blog post, we wanted to say thank you for reading! We’re excited to use this space to highlight the events and people who make Radius feel like home.