FAQs
What should I expect at a Two Ships Pottery lesson or date Night?
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Expect laughs and a chance to explore and play creatively in an intimate, low-pressure setting!
You'll have a fun and relaxed, hands-on session with me, Arias, a Charlotte ceramic artist with years of experience teaching beginners. You'll pick a glaze before you leave, and I’ll finish and fire your pieces afterward in the following weeks.
Do I need pottery experience?
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Not at all!
In fact, most people who book have never touched clay, and the lessons are designed to be accessible for complete beginners. I draw from my past experience as an elementary school teacher to break down the process and make it fun and easy for all skill levels. Additionally, because these are private bookings, you'll get my personalized instruction throughout, and you’ll never feel clueless or unattended like you might in a larger class setting.
What should I wear and How should I prepare for my Lesson?
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Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that you don’t mind getting a little messy! Bring a tie or clip to keep your hair from falling in the clay, and avoid wearing (or be prepared to take off) long necklaces and jewelry/accessories from your wrists and fingers.
Long nails don’t necessarily make working with clay impossible, but they can significantly increase the difficulty by preventing use of your finger tips, arguably your most important tools. I highly recommend trimming long nails, choosing shorter shape profiles, or utilizing press-on styles you can take off when preparing for a pottery class of any type.
Also, feel free to bring snacks and drinks to have during the 15 minute demo at the start of the class! Alcohol is fine. Please drink responsibly.
Where is the studio? am i coming to a residential address?
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Yes, and that’s the best part of what distinguishes Two Ships Pottery from other, less personalized clay experiences in Charlotte!
I am a bona fide ceramic artist here in the Plaza Midwood neighborhood of Charlotte, NC, and Two Ships Pottery is my home studio. That means you’ll be experiencing a friendly, comfortable, and intimate environment and learning with a real working local artist. When you come, you’ll probably see shelves of in-process work being prepared for local vendors!
For a more detailed view of Two Ships and my connection with the Plaza Midwood community, visit my Contact & Info page.
When I come, Where should I park?
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As you come to the address, simple look for and park directly in front of my sign on the street! Carpooling is encouraged. I’ll be waiting outside to greet you and your guests when you arrive.
Are the finished pieces food-safe?
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Absolutely. Your pieces will not only be food-safe, but also dishwasher-safe and microwave-safe, so you can use them every day without fear! As with all ceramic pieces, I recommend avoiding drastic temperature changes (don’t go from your fridge to a microwave or oven), and keeping them away from ledges!
When do I get my finished pieces?
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After your session, I will carefully dry your pieces to minimize the chance of cracking, trim away excess clay, glaze them in your choice color, and fire your pieces twice for a combined firing time of anywhere from 22-27 hours. In their final firing, they will reach a max temperature of over 2200°F!
This process is slow and careful to minimize chances of breaking, and it usually takes between 4-6 weeks. Once done, you’ll receive an email when they’re ready for pickup at the studio!
Is the studio wheelchair accessible?
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Because Two Ships Pottery is in a historic residential building, the studio is not currently wheelchair accessible. If you have any questions concerning disabilities, visit my Contact & Info page to reach out to me directly!
Who is a Two Ships Pottery Class good for?
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Two Ships Pottery classes are the most fun and unique pottery lessons and experiences in Charlotte, and they are perfect for dates, anniversaries, birthdays, and friend hangs, with private sessions for couples, groups, and anyone trying something new.
If you want a personalized, intimate, and fun pottery experience with a genuine local ceramic artist, then a Two Ships Pottery class is for you!