Relevant classes can go a long way if you plan to embrace pottery as a hobby or for economic reasons. For instance, great courses in Abu Dhabi could help you master the art fast and excellently.
Thanks to its uniqueness, it is an art activity you will enjoy learning and engaging in eventually. It also helps you acquire rare yet crucial skills such as self-discipline, physical control, sensory development, and imagination.
That’s why it is ideal for people from all walks of life, including kids and adults. It is also known for reducing stress levels.
If you are a newbie, pottery classes in Abu Dhabi are a great place to start. They can also help those already doing pottery improve their skills.
Check out some of your excellent options.
Best Pottery Classes in Abu Dhabi
For the best pottery learning experience, consider the following classes.
Manarat Al Saadiyat
This place gives you all the guidance you need to become a great potter. It helps you start from scratch to the point where you have an earth pot you’ve made with your hands.
The beautiful workshop has the necessary equipment. It also accommodates kids, thus perfect for family moments.
If you don’t want to attend its Art Studio in Manarat Al Saadiyat, take advantage of its virtual pottery course. Isn’t it interesting that you can learn this art from the comfort of your home?
Its tutors are more up to the task given than highly experienced sculptors. Their global recognition speaks volumes about their ability to impart fundamental pottery skills.
The trainers are patient along the way. You receive all the necessary support and get a second chance, even a third or a hundred until you get it right.
Its learning schedule is as follows;
- Tuesdays, one learns Build & Sculpt from 4:00 pm to 5:30 pm
- Wednesdays, one learns Young Sculptors from 2:30 pm to 3:30 pm
- Wednesdays, one learns Hand-Built Ceramics from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
- Thursdays, one learns Pottery Wheel from 10:30 am to 12:30 pm
Abu Dhabi Pottery Establishment
Its establishment goes way back, having existed since 1994. About 3 decades later, the pottery studio remains a great place to learn how to become an excellent potter.
All its services revolve around pottery. For instance, its professionals can repair or sell your pottery equipment.
You can choose pottery classes, their ceramics counterparts, or both. It is suitable for adults and kids but only for those aged at least 5 years.
The classes you attend are affected by two factors which are your age and ability level. That leads to the establishment’s classes having 3 sections.
If you want to learn once or for a long time, you stand a chance to do so here. The maximum number of sessions is 12.
Learners get all the tools and equipment they need for the class. Interestingly the classes are cheap.
The price range is between AED 155 and AED 1980 if you are an adult. On the other hand, kids pay AED 120 and AED 1450.
Its location is Dabbas St. (Street 16) opposite Khalediya Garden, Abu Dhabi. Work hours are between 10 am and 9 pm, but it doesn’t open on Fridays.
Art Central
It is a perfect place for various art enthusiasts, including potters. It has seen ordinary people become incredible artists, helping them take their creativity to the next level.
It offers various services revolving around art, including pottery classes. Besides art classes, expect an ideal venue, framing store, and an assortment of great art supplies.
Its art classes include pottery, printing, drafting, drawing, and painting. Regardless of the course, the teachers are professionals and thus teach you the art excellently.
You can choose a private class if that’s what works for you. Alternatively, consider a group pottery class to add more fun to learning.
Group classes shouldn’t bother you since the teacher’s guidance never lacks, even in such settings. The rooms are also huge enough to accommodate several people all at once.
You also get all the necessary supplies, including the glaze, clay, and pottery wheel. You will learn how to prepare the clay, shape & design it accordingly, and glaze and fire your pottery product.
With a tutor like Christina Schweitzer, I don’t think that anything could go wrong. The teacher is highly skilled in the art and can guide the learners excellently.
Whereas a single class costs AED 295, you can consider a bundle of 4 classes for AED 1050. Classes are open daily between 10 am and 10 pm.
What Kind of Pottery Sells Best
As you strive to become a potter, knowing the best items to perfect would be great. They sell more than their counterparts, including the following;
- Bowls
- Handcrafted Mugs
- Plant Pots
- Plates
- Soap Dishes
- Sponge Holders
- Spoon Rests
- Teacups
- Vases
What Are the Various Techniques Applicable When Making Pottery?
There are 3 main techniques, and they are as follows;
- Hand-building pottery
- Slip casting
- Wheel-thrown pottery, where you use a pottery wheel
If you are a beginner, choosing one of the 3 first is advisable. As time passes and you master the necessary skills, you can proceed to the next.
Eventually, you will figure out how to combine all the methods. It has its advantage, which explains why most potters prefer the combination.
The essential equipment you need depends on the technique you choose. For example, slip casting requires plaster molds, whereas throwing pottery uses a potter’s wheel.
On the other hand, you don’t need any vital equipment to carry out hand-building pottery.
Which Tools Are Essential for Pottery
The list is long, but let’s focus on the basics. Your starter kit should include the following;
- Chamois leather
- Needle Tool
- Rib tools
- Shredder
- Sponge on a stick
- Sponges
- Trimming tool(s)
- Wire clay cutter
- Wooden bats
- Wooden tools
Various Types of Clay Suitable for Pottery
Your options fall under two broad categories.
- Air dry clay:Feels similar to plastic and is usually a polymer
- Pottery clayis ceramic since it is fired in a kiln and can’t dissolve in water. There are three types under the category, porcelain, stoneware, and earthenware.
