Claydate
at Drawing Room
A beginner-friendly ceramic workshop. Guidance, supplies, and firing services included.
Why Claydates at Drawing Room?
-
Make your dream ceramic objects
Feel the earth, play with clay, and get your hands a little dirty! We provide everything you need to create exactly what you’re dreaming. Create your own functional or sculptural ceramic piece.
Unlike many other ceramic workshops in the city, we provide 9 different ceramic underglaze (paint) colors in addition to unlimited clay. Make as many pieces as you want during the workshop!
We’d recommend coming with some inspo or designs of what you’re hoping to make so you can hit the ground running after our demos!
-
Professional instruction, materials, & care
All Drawing Room workshops are designed and instructed by practicing artists! Each person has their own style, techniques, and energy…we encourage you to meet them all!
Instruction is beginner-friendly. In Claydate, we learn to hand-build with clay – this is a method of making pottery that does not involve a pottery wheel. We think the learning curve is much gentler and you’ll definitely make something you want to keep even if it’s your first time touching clay!
All pieces go through 2 kiln firings, and are hand glazed with love. Finished pieces are food-safe, microwave-safe, and even oven-safe!
-
Emphasis on connection
Claydates are more than just clay workshops. At Drawing Room we’re all about connection through creativity. These are great to come to solo or with friends; we all gather around shared tables to chat and have a great time.
Our team of ceramics instructors
Instructors at Drawing Room are all practicing artists who are passionate about sharing their craft and building community. They have distinct ways of teaching, and we think there’s always something to learn from their distinct styles and practices!
Aubrey Aiese
Aubrey teaches workshops, intensives, and leads our ceramics department at Drawing Room! She makes pots with playfully illustrated faces and feelings.
Ivy Weinglass
Ivy teaches ceramics workshops and intensives. She’s inspired by the natural world around her—check out her work!
Ayaka Takao
Ayaka teaches ceramics workshops. She works in ceramics, painting, and written word.
What’s included
-
15-20 mins of demonstration on basic clay hand-building techniques. These include slab building, pinch pots, and coil building. Then you’re free to build whatever you’d like with provided clay.
Hand building is a super versatile way of working with clay – you’re not restricted to only round objects, as you might be on a wheel.
The instructor will be available to help, answer questions, and show any custom demos you’d like (for example if you are trying to build something specific).
-
Unlimited white stoneware clay to make as many pieces as you’d like to keep. Time is your only limitation!
Variety of shared tools
9 colors of ceramic underglaze paints (these are specialty paints that survive high temperature kiln firings, great for adding patterns, illustrations, text, etc.)
Glaze application services (choose among several great glaze colors to add the final custom touch to your art piece!)
Bisque firing service and related fees
Glaze firing service and related fees
Unlimited white stoneware clay to make as many pieces as you’d like to keep
-
Enjoy our loose-leaf tea station! Additional beverages and snacks are available for purchase.
This workshop is available as a drop-in—but if you’re craving creative growth within a supportive community, consider joining our Cohort Program.
We believe well-designed experiences can create a certain magic—one that fosters connection and joy. With repeated touchpoints, group projects, and thoughtful instruction, the Cohort offers a steady rhythm to deepen your skills and relationships, all within an environment designed to spark inspiration.
Want to book a Claydate for your private event?
We can offer any of our workshops or events as private events. Fill out our intake form and we’ll be in touch!
FAQs
-
Claydate is a beginner-friendly ceramic hand-building workshop in NYC hosted by Drawing Room. Whether you're looking for a creative date night, a solo reset, or a fun group activity, this welcoming class offers a tactile introduction to clay in a cozy, inspiring setting.
-
Because we are a small business that relies on accurate headcount in order to hold events, we are unable to guarantee refunds, credits, or reschedules at this time. Please double check your calendars to ensure you are able to make it!
-
Not at all! Claydate is designed for complete beginners. No experience? No problem. We’ll walk you through everything step-by-step.
-
Drawing Room has two locations, one in Midtown Manhattan, and the other in Williamsburg (N 10th and Berry St.). See the exact event listing for the address.
-
Each Claydate focuses on basic hand-building techniques—you’ll shape and sculpt your own small ceramic piece. Think mugs, planters, candle holders, or totally abstract forms. It’s all about playful exploration, not perfection.
Each workshop is usually themed or focused around a particular project, usually one that aligns with our Cohort themes!
-
Your ticket includes:
All tools and clay
Glazing and firing of your piece (we’ll take care of that after class)
Warm, welcoming instruction
A creative, communal vibe
-
Absolutely! Many of our participants come solo—and often leave with new friends. It’s a perfect creative reset after a long week.
-
Definitely. It’s hands-on, lighthearted, and way more memorable than dinner and a movie. Whether it's your first date or your fiftieth, Claydate makes for a unique NYC date night.
-
We glaze and fire your piece after class. You’ll receive a pickup notice (or shipping option) within 3–4 weeks.
-
Wear something comfortable that you don’t mind getting a little messy. Aprons are provided, but clay can splash—especially when you’re having fun.
-
Yes! We offer private workshops for birthdays, team events, or custom group sessions. Email us to start planning.
-
Click any of the “Book” buttons above to see available dates and reserve your seat. These sessions tend to fill up quickly—early booking is encouraged!