If, like me, you are running out of ideas on how to spend your free time, a new hobby is trending in the city, and it is definitely worth your while. The art of pottery-making became fashionable with the movie ‘Ghost,’ and never entirely lost its charm and romantic appeal.
The idea of sitting behind a potter’s wheel and creating something beautiful from a humble lump of clay is compelling. When you combine this with the proper guidance, expertise, and the best pottery equipment, don’t be surprised to find yourself repeatedly returning to the kiln. This list of pottery classes in Singapore will get you started, help you hone your talent, and keep you creating elegant pottery long after the sessions are completed.
| 1. Gold and Behold | |
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| Location: | 48 Hillview Terrace, #05-02A, Singapore 669269 |
| Website: | www.goldandbehold.co |
Gold and Behold is a one-woman studio set-up with a mission: the founder and head potter, Winnie. W. spent years battling depression and found solace and recovery through art. Gold and Behold is her effort to help others with mental illnesses find healing through meditative art.
The pottery studio specialises in the ancient Japanese art of Kintsugi pottery. Kintsugi refers to creating beautiful objects from broken pieces using lacquer and gold. Using a unique modern method and upcycled ceramic ware, you can create your Kitsungi-inspired pottery ware during a session (or more) at Gold and Behold. In addition, you can book a kids’ pottery class and a session more suited for adults.
USP:
- All visits to the studio can be done by prior appointment only.
- To book your sessions, check the availability calendar on the website and email accordingly.
- The studio can be booked for private classes and corporate workshops as well.
- Closed on Wednesdays, weekends, and public holidays.
- Price: Range from $80 to $138 depending on the duration and type of class.
| 2. The Potter’s Pottery Studio | |
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| Location: | A’PostBizHub, 1 Yishun Industrial Street 1, #06-17 Singapore 768160 |
| Website: | www.thepotters1881.com |
Most of the reviews of The Potter’s Studio state, “This is a fun, chilled place to learn pottery in Singapore.” We have to agree. Whether you want to learn to hand throw a simple piece or work on the potter’s wheel, a class is designed especially for you at this studio.
The instructors are young, energetic, and extremely patient, and the workshop encourages openness to all. Visit The Potter’s Studio and Workspace for a hands-on pottery workshop in a stress-free environment.
USP:
- Classes are available in single sessions, for kids and parents, in packs of five and ten categories, and for senior citizens.
- Prices of classes include all materials, glazing, and firing.
- Price: Prices start at $70 for a single session and go up to $720 for a 10-class pack.
| 3. Urth and Phire | |
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| Location: | 2 Pereira Rd, #05-02A, 2connectt@TS, Singapore 368024 |
| Website: | www.uppottery.com.sg |
Alvin Leow, the resident artist and founder of Urth & Phire, is an award-winning potter and art educator. Under his tutelage, students at Urth & Phire can learn the traditional forms of pottery making in a relaxed and modern setting. If you are a complete newbie, opt for the wheel-throwing trial class. It will give you just the taste you need to decide if this is a hobby you want to pursue.
Alternatively, more in-depth courses teach you to make different ceramic ware, how to glaze and fire, along with various techniques and pottery ideas. You can also take home what you create, along with free glazing and firing.
USP:
- A vital advantage of signing up at Urth & Phire is that there are no fixed class dates. Choose your starting date and work according to your schedule without any strict deadlines and timetables – a boon when fitting sessions into your busy schedule.
- The studio has a subscription plan for students who have successfully completed their courses. This plan allows you to use the workspace and kilns at your own pace.
- Price: Prices start from $60 for a trial class to $400 for an entire wheel pottery course.
| 4. Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle | |
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| Location: | No. 85 Lorong Tawas via Clean Tech View, Singapore 639823 |
| Website: | www.thowkwang.com.sg |
Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle is a one-stop pottery destination equipped with three studios, twenty potter’s wheels, and an air-conditioned screening room and gallery hall. Famous for its Dragon Kiln – one of Singapore’s oldest brick-built kilns, the workshop space specialises in the dying art of wood firing. While there is also an electric kiln for daily classes, the Dragon Kiln is fired up twice or thrice a year with much fanfare and anticipation.
Customers are intimated of the occasion well in advance and encouraged to use this ancient kiln to fire their pieces. A visit to Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle is an educative experience about the traditions and practices of Chinese pottery and pottery painting, which operates as a centre to appreciate these disappearing techniques.
USP:
- All products created on-site and fired in the Dragon Kiln are available from the in-house gallery.
- Weekend workshops and children’s pottery classes are regularly held. Check Facebook or the website for updates.
- Thow Kwang Studio offers the only kick-wheel pottery classes in Singapore.
- Price: Prices range from $28 to $98, and admission to the centre is free.
| 5. Taoz Ceramics | |
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| Location: | 277 Orchard Road, Orchard Gateway #03-03, Singapore 238858. The branch is also at JCube. |
| Website: | www.taozceramics.studio |
One of the few pottery studios in the tourist hub of Orchard Road, Taoz Ceramics, offers classes for beginners and professionals. With equipment and raw materials included in the price, this is a great option to while away a few hours between your shopping spree. You can also opt to share a class or package with a friend. Classes are categorized into beginner, intermediate, and advanced, with the first session of the day starting at 11:00 am and the last session at 07:00 pm.
USP:
- The studio welcomes students of all ages and capabilities.
- To book a class, you must complete the enquiry form on the website. 24-hour advance booking of any class is recommended.
- Special rates are available for classes when booked via Klook. Check the website for more details.
- Price: Prices start at $45 and go up to $500.
| 6. 3arts Pottery | |
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| Location: | 394 JooChiat Pl, Singapore 428078 |
| Website: | www.3arts.sg |
If you are looking for a place to explore pottery-making but do not want to invest too much, 3arts Pottery is widely regarded as one of the best studios to offer cheap pottery classes. Of course, rates will depend on the class type and duration, but you can rest assured that your instructors are experienced and knowledgeable, and the workspace provided has the latest equipment.
Located with The Yards, the serene green environment of the 3arts Studio also contributes to its zen-like atmosphere. Classes include unique specializations such as electric wheel throwing, cup-making workshops, pottery glaze sessions, corporate workshops and master classes.
USP:
- You can shop the 3arts products from the website or at their regularly held pop-up sales. Check the website for updates.
- The studio is closed on Mondays. Check the website for daily timings.
- Trial classes are available for both hand-building and wheel-throwing.
- Price: Prices range from $98 to $550 depending on the number of classes and curriculum.
| 7. Studio Asobi | |
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| Location: | Blk 705 Hougang Ave 2, Singapore 530705 |
| Website: | www.studioasobi.com |
When Kenneth and Tajimi signed up for a couple’s pottery workshop in 2010, little did they know how it would change their lives. Now, full-time potters and ceramic artists, the duo run Studio Asobi. The workspace is a spiritual and creative zone that inspires rest and nourishment for the soul.
Heavily influenced by their Christian backgrounds and belief that faith and peace come to those who share their gifts, a portion of all studio fees are kept aside for special free workshops for migrant labourers. Apart from pottery classes, the couple also sells their sculptures and installations and conducts spiritual retreats at their home/workshop.
USP:
- Two cats reside at the workshop in case you are allergic.
- Classes are limited to six people at a time, usually over 6 hours. However, if you prefer longer or shorter courses, these can be designed according to your requirements.
- Price: Prices range from $80 to $240.
| 8. Arudio Studio | |
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| Location: | Nordcom II, Tower 2, 2 GambasCres, #06-26, Singapore 757044 |
| Website: | www.arudioceramic.com |
Mark your calendars because Pottery Date Nights are back at Arudio. The popular late-night sessions are held every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday from 07:00 pm to 10:00 pm. These are beginner-friendly classes run by a professional ceramic artist – Poh Sin Yong. Apart from being a great way to explore a new hobby, the courses at Arudio are also available for more advanced students. All classes include the cost of materials, glazes, and use of the firing kiln. The pieces you create can be picked up from the studio after 6 to 8 weeks from your course date.
USP:
- Children are welcome at the studio, but the minimum age for the wheel-throwing class is 12 years.
- Popular classes include the hand-building workshop that teaches you how to create simple cups, vases, or plates and the wheel-throwing workshop if you want to learn how to mould and throw objects correctly.
- Price: Prices range from $60 to $200.
| 9. The Potter’s Guilt | |
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| Location: | 195 Pearl’s Hill Terrace #01-03, Singapore 168976 |
| Website: | www.thepottersguilt.com |
The Potter’s Guilt (yes, you read that right – guilt, not guild) is a cosy, well-equipped pottery studio in Chinatown, Singapore. Run as a collective by a group of creative potters and artists, the studio is a space for beginners and experts alike.
Known for its hand-building pottery classes and courses conducted by visiting professionals, The Potter’s Guilt is the place to see if you love to immerse yourself in the arts. The classes are small, intimate, and designed according to your skill levels and age group. The workspace also retails Amaco glazes as well as pottery equipment and tools.
USP:
- The popular Do-It-All class runs for three hours and allows you to combine and learn techniques of hand-building pottery and pottery on the wheel. It’s a great introduction to the craft if you are a newcomer.
- The Own Time Own Target Programme (OTOP) is offered to any member who has enrolled and completed a course at the studio. Alumni members have access to studio facilities to continue to hone their art and work at their own pace. This is chargeable, but the timings are flexible, and access to high-quality materials and equipment is priceless.
- You can purchase the pieces you create at a flat rate of $10/piece.
- Price: Prices range from $60 for a single session to $535 for a pack of 8 sessions.
| 10. Sam MuiKuang Pottery | |
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| Location: | 22, JalanKelulut, Off Yio Chu Kang Road, Singapore 809039 |
| Website: | www.smkpottery.com |
What began in 1938 as a family-run pottery business is still going strong. Today, the Sam MuiKuang Pottery studio is helmed by the Chua siblings SooKhim, Soo Kim, and Patsy. The three are experienced potters, each with their distinctive style. Their elegant pottery pieces have been in various exhibitions over the years and can be found in the homes of the who’s who of Singapore.
In addition, they regularly conduct pottery classes for beginners and advanced potters and for school teachers to brush up their skills. With over 30 years of experience, you will be taught by the best and learn both traditional and modern pottery techniques in hand-building and wheel throwing. The studio also sells kilns and other pottery equipment with their servicing and repair.
USP:
- Advance booking for classes is necessary. This can be done via email through the website.
- Business hours for the studio are 09:30 am to 05:30 pm every day (Lunch break 11:30 am – 12:30 pm). Sundays, the workspace is only open between 10:00 am to 01:00 pm. They are closed on public holidays.
- For more details on any course, contact the staff via email.
- Kiln firing services for non-class members are available on request.
- Price: Prices available on request.
| 11. The 8th Floor Creative Space | |
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| Location: | 37 Lorong 23 Geylang, #08-03 Yu Li Industrial Building, Singapore 388371 |
| Website: | www.the8thflr.com |
Established in 2016, The 8th Floor Creative Space is a large workshop for pottery enthusiasts and artists. The ceramic and clay products created at the studio have a certain elegance and sophistication about them. But don’t be scared into thinking that these are courses only for professionals.
The studio instructors monitor each member’s ability and progress thanks to the specialised progress-monitoring system (the only studio to use one in Singapore). Your course is accordingly tweaked and personalized to match your pace. The workspace can also be used as a studio for course alumni and non-members (fees apply).
USP:
- Courses in hand-building and wheel throwing are available. However, if you are a beginner, moving through the courses in the proper sequence is essential.
- All new registrations receive cash credits if you sign up for a 10-pack class set. This can change, so please check the website for updates.
- The studio kiln is not available for firing for outsiders and non-members.
- The studio is available for corporate workshops and team-building activities.
- Price: Prices range from $98 to $599.
FAQS
What should I bring to a pottery class?
Get an apron, wear casual clothes and comfortable shoes, and ideally, keep your nails short.
How to repair clay pottery?
The straightforward way would be to use glue, but the more fun and creative method would be to enrol in a Kintsugi class. This traditional Japanese pottery form uses broken clayware and remodels them into new beautiful pieces with the help of lacquer and gold paint.
Where to buy pottery clay in Singapore?
Several hobby centres and outlets sell pottery equipment, clay and glazes. However, most pottery classes also retail these items at an extra cost.
Is a 1-day pottery class adequate for beginners?
A 1-day pottery class will introduce you to the basics of pottery. Spread over a few hours, you will learn how to handbuild or throw a simple cup, vase, or plate on a wheel. More complicated techniques like moulding and pinching will come with further practice.
Conclusion
There is something very primal and expressive about working with clay. As your hands mould the wet clay and it transforms from a shapeless lump to a beautiful creation, your mind and body are rejuvenated. It’s no surprise that with our fast-paced lives and constant stresses, more pottery centres are opening in Singapore. These offer spaces of zen and relaxation and opportunities to explore your creativity and imagination while creating something unique and fun.
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