Cancel

Open app

Search

La Mano Pottery

3.3 (69 reviews)
Closed 10:00 am - 5:30 pm

By appointment only

Updated 1 month ago

La Mano Pottery Photos

You might also consider

Recommended Reviews - La Mano Pottery

Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
Yelp app icon
Browse more easily on the app
Review Feed Illustration

Reviews With Photos

First time wheeling...
Karen H.

Purchased a Wheel Pottery 101 from Groupon for $37.20. - Upon arrival, there's a locker room where you can put your belongings. If too big, it won't fit. There's also an open closet for jackets. This is recommended as there's no area to put bag next to you during session. You will proceed to choose your wheel machine. I suggest you seat close to the instructor or facing them to get a full view and hear what they say. - 1 apron and a hand towel will be provided next to the machine. You'll find 3 pcs of clay look like buns once you seat. I do think that 1 small hand towel is not enough. Be prepared for mess :) - The instructor will demonstrate creating a bowl from beginning to end (20 - 25 minutes). It would be good to be on time so you don't miss it and will have a lot of time to practice. - You will be on your own after that. The instructor will be watching and walking around to see who needs assistance. - I understand now why you don't let to bring your own work because the work of art takes time to dry, but it would've been a nice touch if they let you bring home your work at your own risk (like paint night with byob). - The chair had no cushion. My behind was aching after the class. It's because I wasn't gifted on that area. - Our class ended 15 minutes earlier that includes 15 min of cleaning of the machine. I wish we were given more time to practice and end at exactly 2 hours. After finishing 3 clays, I wanted to do more, but we're approached to the next step which was cleaning the machine (rinsing them with water and wiping the areas). I didn't know that I can ask for more clay. The schedule was a little bit on the rough side. No Friday nights after work. I chose Friday at 12:30 pm. Had to take a day off for this. All worth it and definitely 5 stars for the experience!

Tiff C.

Had a Groupon for the Intro to Throwing workshop. It's a two hour course, and the time really flies by as your trying to get the hand of shaping and molding clay on the wheel. Easy to redeem the Groupon online/schedule the session. Instructions are very clear. Once you get there, you can put your things away in a locker, and the bathroom is large and pretty clean. The instruction/demo was brief, but there's only so much explaining the teacher could do. She was patient, and had no problem repeating her demo and she went around, observing who was having trouble, and helped everyone who needed additional assistance, or asked questions. She could also sense when someone was getting frustrated and she would come over and walk them through the steps. Each person gets 3 hunks of clay to work with, and access to the tools that would help shape their creation. After someone uses up the clay chunks they were given, you can always request more. The wheel/stations are small, and it's hard to be hunched over for so long. You have to allot time to at the end to clean up, which kind of eats into the learning part. That seems like something the staff should take care of, as the customer should have the most time to enjoy the experience, which could possibly lead to future purchases. At that point, once someone is a regular, clean up should be part of the deal. You don't get to keep any of your pieces you make. I think once you leave they consolidate all the clay once again. The things I made weren't good by any means, but for people who had a knack for it, it would be nice to have an option to come back for them, glaze them, even for an extra fee, etc. NOTE: Definitely a craftsy messy activity. Wear clothes you don't mind getting dirty!

The creations made at the Intro Workshop Handbuilding
Julie Ying X.

I got the Groupon deal for the introduction to hand building workshop class which was 50% off the regular price. It was easy to book the class online and I signed up for a Thursday 6-8pm class. They provided locks for the lockers which was nice. There were 12 people in the class which was quite large. There were only 5 small tables for 12 people. The tables were not large enough for you to really roll out the clay especially if you're sharing the table with 3 other people. Also, the instructor could not give that much attention to each student for a 2 hour class. However, the instructor did make an effort to help everyone and did give detailed instructions. I do think they should provide each student with more than one sheet of clay. I had a lot of fun though. It was something fun to do after work and quite therapeutic. Maybe I'll try wheel throwing next time since that looks fun.

Allison Y.

Did you arrive early?! Is the weather nice outside?! NO WORRIES! Across the street, there are chairs and tables by Holiday Inn that might be open to the public, so you can wait there! :D When you arrive, you have to check-in with the guy at the front by providing your name. After we checked into the pottery class, we were directed to put our stuff in the lockers provided-- there are coat hangers for you to use as well. We then gathered in the middle of the room where the wheels were. (The intro to hand building is located at the back of the same room.) We each chose a wheel station and sat down. The instructor, Daniel, sat in the middle and showed us a wheel demonstration for about 30 minutes. After the demo, everyone went to try out the wheel at their own stations. It's been awhile since I've used the wheel and knowing that I was going to use it again, I was itching to get my hands dirty! Everyone was given three small portions of clay. If you want more clay you can always ask for more. FYI, you do not get to keep anything you make... bummer. The last 15 minutes was used to clean up the wheel and instruments at your own station. TBH, I didn't think I'd have to clean up.. ha.. -looks away- PS. Daniel, Favoritism is no bueno. As a "teach" who is teaching an 'intro to wheel' class in which we paid for out of our own pockets, show some initiative with each and every student in your class. The Asians in front of me could've used some pointers/assistance rather than you giving out pointless compliments. Thanks. PPS: Two days after attending the intro class, you will get an email where if you choose to register for an 8-week course being held next semester, they will waive the corresponding materials fee (valued at $30). 051416

Abigail R.

Oh my gosh AMAZING!!! I literally had the best time! I've wanted to take a pottery class my whole life, no joke and I randomly got the day off so I was looking for something to do to fill my day. I booked this workshop online the night before and it was absolutely the best in bed online purchase I've ever made haha!! I was surprised at how well everyone in the workshop did! We all did a lot better than I anticipated because it's a lot more work than it looks on instagram! Our instructor was so incredible and easy to understand! I wondered if two hours was going to feel like a long time but the class flew by! Had just the right amount of time to catch on and do some pieces on your own but not so much that you get bored. It is messy! I would advise wearing old pants or bringing a change of pants. Overall absolutely amazing experience!

Instructor showing us how it is done!!
Stephanie B.

I have taken 2 different classes here and purchased both classes via Groupon. The first class was taken one year ago and it was the hand-building workshop. It was so fun and it was for a "just-because" date. You get to decide if you want to keep your pieces and have them glazed for a separate fee. The second class I took was a wheel-intro workshop. there is so much more to it, than I ever thought, mind you I took Pottery Class in H.S. And could not remember anything that would help me. My instructor was SO kind and patient. She would repeat 5x times if she needed to. Unfortunately for the intro wheel-throwing class there is no option to keep your pieces or decide them to glaze them. Which I wish there was an option for it, b\cus my class, including myself, definitely would've enjoyed keeping our pieces for memoir. Definitely wear something you don't mind getting dirty and fyi, the clay does not stain your clothes but you will leave there dirty from all the splishing and splashing. Definitely recommend it for adults and kids.

Finished product
Jessica C.

La Mano Pottery is a great place to get your hands dirty (like a kid can't stop playing with play-doh) whilst creating beautiful useful art pieces (now that you're an adult). What you get from the intro to hand building course: ($45-70 depending if you have a deal or not) 30 minute demo 2 hours in total: Demo + Working by yourself 15$ to bake and glaze one piece Just go crazy, don't waste anytime, ready. set. go. Grab whatever tools / props you need from the treasure chest, and get busy on the slab of clay! The slab is a decent size (if you put 2 standard printing paper side-by-side) and you can always ask for more clay if you need to from the instructor! My instructor was very helpful with the basic techniques and encouraging! I end up paying the extra $15 bucks to get my piece glazed and "baked". Unfortunately I cannot choose my own color, and you only get one solid color, so no rainbow cup. Also it took them about 1 month to be ready for pickup and some of the clay (brown bits) are showing through the blue glaze, perhaps they should've done a second layer on top. Overall, I am pleased with the process and final outcome. I am interested to join their workshops (8 courses) in which you can pick between wheeling or free hand-building and learn how to glaze your pottery and other more advance techniques. Don't hesitate to bring a date or come for a girls-outing!

See all

Photo of Joan F.
19
24
13

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

5 months ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 months ago

best community ever!!!! Such wonderful teachers who truly care about their students progress and enjoyment.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

2 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of B C.
0
40
1

2 years ago

Spotless clean pottery studio. Great staff. Very friendly vibe. So glad I landed here.

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

3 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Karen H.
11
133
837

8 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Yana B.
171
7
3

7 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 5
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 7
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 13
Thanks 0
Love this 13
Oh no 0
Photo of Abigail R.
147
23
19

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

9 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

6 years ago

Helpful 5
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Kate S.
162
887
11648

9 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Sam L.
1
73
2

7 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Rose A.
643
35
5

7 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

7 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of K M.
0
1
0

4 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

13 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Angie C.
40
61
26

14 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

15 years ago

Helpful 4
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0
Photo of Sasha L.
52
13
12

8 years ago

Helpful 3
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

8 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0
Photo of Erika L.
60
34
41

12 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

10 years ago

Helpful 2
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

16 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 0
Oh no 0

11 years ago

Helpful 1
Thanks 0
Love this 1
Oh no 0

18 years ago

Helpful 0
Thanks 0
Love this 2
Oh no 0

Page 1 of 2

Ask the Community - La Mano Pottery

Review Highlights - La Mano Pottery

There is a true community there, and you will bond with your peers in ways only frustrated novices trying to center clay can.

Mentioned in 24 reviews

Read more highlights

You might also consider

Verify this business for free

People searched for Art Schools 4,143 times last month within 20 miles of this business.

Verify this business

The Art Students League of New York

The Art Students League of New York

3.5(67 reviews)
1.6 miMidtown West
$$

The Art Students League will always have a special place in my heart. I can't speak to how they are…read morecurrently but I attended from 2015-2019 and made many friends here, and it was a great environment to create, whether I was learning wood sculpture or refining my vision as a painter. Most of the instructors were wonderful, offering guidance when I asked and space when I needed it. It is very reasonably priced and remains a true NYC institution. The only instructor I would caution against is Pat Lipsky. I found her conceited and negative, even spiteful at times. If your aesthetics do not align with Immanuel Kant or Clement Greenberg, you may not feel welcome in her class. After she asked me to help set up her studio for a visiting curator, I left the class. From that point on, she refused to acknowledge me when we crossed paths. Still, the overall experience was deeply meaningful. I am grateful for the time I spent here and the ways it shaped my work and friendships.

With a legacy of famous artists, this art school seems like a great place to study and take art…read moreclasses and be part of an art student community. Passed by this on my way from Columbus circle, and I plan on coming back to try an art class. They have evening and part time schedule of classes, from figure drawing, sculpting, painting, illustration, so there are a lot of options to choose from. Nice historical looking building from the outside.

Photos
The Art Students League of New York - Painting with a live model.

Painting with a live model.

The Art Students League of New York - Instructor showing drawings in our studios.

Instructor showing drawings in our studios.

The Art Students League of New York - Instructor demonstrates a pastel painting.

See all

Instructor demonstrates a pastel painting.

School of Visual Arts - Tile all over. It's beautiful! Madison Avenue photo taken 06/13/23 for Fashion Week 2023.

School of Visual Arts

2.9(54 reviews)
0.7 miKips Bay

A few years ago I wrote a Yelp review of the School. I finally decided this is the perfect time to…read morerewrite it. I'm a photography enthusiast that needs on going training. I enjoy the workshops at the school. I also like to see the exhibits. I need to attend more workshops to improve my photography skills even more. Their website now provides me with a valuable resource. The school was founded in 1947. They have a lot to offer including Art History another subject I've taken. I may not remember everything I've learned over the years but I do find it beneficial when I recognize an artist's work. I'm recommending you go to their website to see how they are handling the classes during the pandemic. I checked it out and they have virtual talks and exhibitions. I think you'll enjoy participating in any manner this school presents their educational activities. Zoom to your hearts content!

I took a visual arts class with Tommy Jose Slathes. He only talked about how he is a democratic-…read moresocialist and tried to convince students to join in. He is also is triggered by any student who goes against his beliefs, politics was a daily conversation with him. I learned absolutely nothing and as other students said, this school is a waste of money!

Photos
School of Visual Arts - Madison Avenue photo taken 06/13/23 for Fashion Week 2023.

Madison Avenue photo taken 06/13/23 for Fashion Week 2023.

School of Visual Arts - For Fashion Week on Madison Avenue. Photo taken 06/13/23 Beautiful details in tiles.

For Fashion Week on Madison Avenue. Photo taken 06/13/23 Beautiful details in tiles.

School of Visual Arts - Madison Avenue photo taken 06/13/23 for Fashion Week 2023. Tiny tiles!

See all

Madison Avenue photo taken 06/13/23 for Fashion Week 2023. Tiny tiles!

New York Studio School - Students during the Drawing Marathon

New York Studio School

4.5(6 reviews)
0.9 miGreenwich Village

Students here are hugely talented. Generally their work far exceeds what passes for student work…read moreat other schools I've seen. So there is a lot of inspiration here. Housed in a historic building filled with nooks and passageways that are beyond cool. You are fully immersed in an authentic artistic experience. I've taken art classes on both coasts, and NYSS has my highest recommendation by far.

The New York Studio School unfortunately relies way too much on it's past esteem. I would highly…read morerecommend participating in one of the many "Marathon's" the school is known for and offers each semester however I would discourage anyone contemplating the MFA or Certificate Program from doing so. Expensive and still not nationally accredited, this school has less than par studio conditions. Bad ventilation in many of the overcrowded work studios and several abusive long time staff members detract from any positive experience. Another problem is the atelier teaching method with few expceptions often corrupts individual talent resulting in work that looks very similar. If you are seeking studio space in NYC there are cheaper options and better MFA programs in the area. Despite all of this there are some extrordinary artists who teach there -- but in my opinion -- definitely not worth the price of admission.

Photos
New York Studio School - The Drawing Room

The Drawing Room

New York Studio School - Pre-College Programs for High School Students, during the Spring, Summer, and Fall

Pre-College Programs for High School Students, during the Spring, Summer, and Fall

New York Studio School - MFA Painting Students

See all

MFA Painting Students

New York Academy of Art - The "Tribeca Ball" at the New York Academy of Art honoring artist Neil Jenney, with Academy President David Kratz and Brooke Shields.

New York Academy of Art

3.6(11 reviews)
2.0 miTriBeCa

Stopped in to view a show of new graduates and also one of the teachers. Amazing to say the least…read more So glad my daughter picked this school for her Masters. Can wait to see what in store the next two years

I took a beginner's drawing & oil painting class here which took place on Monday nights - not a…read moredegree course, just an "after-school" type of instruction, from 6:30 to 9:30 pm over the course of 12 weeks. I really looked forward to my evenings at the NY Academy of Art. Adam Cross, the instructor, was phenomenal. He was an absolute expert on the matter, and provided constructive criticism, always in a kind manner, basically just giving you tips on how to improve and sharing ideas for things you can do to make your drawing or painting better. He made the class fun and interactive and was genuinely interested and passionate about teaching us art. I did not have prior experience coming into this class, and I didn't feel lost at all. It is slow-paced (in a good & most necessary way) and really teaches you the foundations. Homework is given for those who want it, and I was pretty impressed with the drawings I could make by Week 4! I highly highly recommend this class for beginners. You will be stunned at the work you've produced by the end of it. PS: we also took a tour of the actual degree students' studios -- their work is stunning!! Makes me want to go to art school :)

Photos
New York Academy of Art - Academy annual Summer Exhibition in Manhattan.

Academy annual Summer Exhibition in Manhattan.

New York Academy of Art - Ecorché at the New York Academy of Art.

Ecorché at the New York Academy of Art.

New York Academy of Art - The New York Academy of Art in Tribeca, New York.

See all

The New York Academy of Art in Tribeca, New York.

The Art Center - Painted by Camille, a student at The Art Center

The Art Center

4.6(5 reviews)
2.6 miUpper East Side, Yorkville

This is THE place on the Upper East Side for art classes, art summer camp, and art birthday…read moreparties! NYC families may have lots of options when it comes to creative activities for kids, but The Art Center is in a class by itself. Staffed by professional artists who find true joy in teaching kids, The Art Center builds real art skills while making learning fun. Just check out the display window at 423 E 75th...then imagine YOUR kid producing something that astonishing for your living room wall. The Art Center can make it happen!

It's a lovely way for kids to explore art. My daughter has attended for several semesters. That…read morebeing said, when COVID shut them down in March and we had just paid for a full semester which began in February, they weren't willing to work with us to find a fair agreement. Our daughter loves this place so our intention was to use our unused classes in the Fall when they re-opened but they were only willing to honor unused classes at 50% so we would have had to write them another large check with the risk of them getting closed again in the event of a second COVID wave. They said that they were struggling and not liquid enough and I feel for them I do but families are struggling too. These classes have always been a stretch for us. They said that they offered a summer option which was to cover unused classes but that didn't work for us schedule-wise. The Art Center a great place for kids but don't expect them to meet you halfway if an emergency pops up.

La Mano Pottery - artschools - Updated May 2026

Loading...
Loading...
Loading...