I wanted to try something different so I purchased two "mini-sessions" which are private lessons as a claydate. This was such a cool experience and Meg (the owner) was such a fantastic instructor! She made the process really easy and gave us a bunch of insider tips and tricks on how to handle the clay. Process: -I ordered two certificates and dropped by to pick them up! Meg created them on super cute stationary! -She requests a week notice for the private sessions. -When we arrived we put our stuff down and sat down in front of the wheel! -Meg is down-to-earth, funny, and a superb teacher! -We did the "wheelthrowing" and handmade our own pots! -Meg gives you a choice of glazes as well! -You pick up your artwork in two weeks! All in all it was such a simple, yet different activity! Lincoln Square Pottery Studio also has a host of other pottery activities and you can even use the equipment (based on a fee!) They sell actual pottery and the place itself is non-profit and supports local artists which is another reason to check it out! Tips: -Plenty of parking on Lincoln! -Wear something you don't really care about. They have towels (to prevent clay from getting on your clothes) but when you are working with this type of medium, it's best not to be overly dressed. read more

Lincoln Square Pottery Studio- Learning Center - Art Schools Near Me - Chicago, Illinois

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DO patronize this place. I've been coming here for a bit over a year and have had a wonderful time doing so. I've learned how to make figures, mugs, bowls, vases, and how to glaze them in so many different ways. The owner Meg will be sure to show you physical examples and lend you books if you have an idea of a piece you want to do or a color you want to try, and she'll talk you through the steps but still say it's your piece to do what you want with! They also have a wonderful scholarship program that I've been able to utilize from time to time and if you buy a mug from their wall it goes towards that fund. I am so grateful to have found this community and to be able to learn in this kind and open space. read more

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After reading a recent review by Rianna D., I had to check out the windows. I must say I was QUITE disappointed by the terrible inaccuracies of Rianna's review. I did not see any violence and there was not a single ERECT PENIS to be found. What I did see was a most varied collection of distinct and unique art that clearly represented the artists that work from their most welcoming space! I have worked out of several studios, and have to say Lincoln Square Pottery & Learning Center has been the most welcoming, supportive and generous art space I have been a part. If you are looking for interesting gifts and unique ceramics, come on by. If you are looking boring, uninspired, slap it in a frame and call it art art, just keep walking. If you a re looking for ART, something that might challenge you, or perhaps a mug to give as a gift, there is both and everything in between. And a little advice for Rianna, look up St. Sebastian, that was the inspiration for one of the "pornographic" pieces you referred. And before referencing something you clearly know nothing about, BDSM, do some research on that topic as well. And by the way, YOU DID contact the Alderman to report the "debaucherous" display, and they did not have a problem with it AT ALL! You might want to check out that little thing called the First Amendment, it covers Freedom of Expression of which artistic expression is covered. read more

Run by a small team of passionate creatives, artists, and educators this is a very inclusive and intentional space!! They make every effort to provide accessible opportunities for artists to grow, show their work, and sell their work. I've wokred in many studios in Chicago, but nothin beats the community, knowledge, culture and resources Meg works to provide all of the artists and students. There are not many place where you can explore your creativity and have access to multiple types of glazes in a rainbow of colors and uses. Decals, supplies, and scholarship programs to help people access it all. There is a lot of joy, intention, and love in this space. I can't lie - I saw a review saying that the art displayed in the windows was too "sexual for children" and decided to write this. Becuase the same thing can be said about Roman sculpture, and for the record it is where I'm from. We don't get to learn about form or bodies or identity or queerness where i come from. I am glad the culture of this studio remains focused on uplifting artists voices and making incredible beautiful and labor intensive art. I wish people would stop trying to say that provocative art isn't safe for children's eyes when there are so many more important and directly harmful things happening in our communities. All this to say - Support local art/artists, especially if it makes you turn your head, stop and think. But maybe don't be lame about things that scare you and approach them with curiosity???? IDK read more

Don't patronize this place. We strolled in during a street festival and were yelled at by someone there with "didn't you see the sign about masks?" There were many signs on their windows and we would have gladly put on a mask, but just didn't see it. They were so negative that we didn't feel comfortable and just left. Just avoid it. Great products but we shouldn't reward awful people. read more

Yeah, been going here for like four years now. Never having an iota of artistic experience before (dropping out of high school art class) Meg (the owner) is absolutely WONDERFUL. Love the studio, love the people, it's great if you have never done pottery before and want to try, or if you have lots of experience and are looking for a place to get your clay fix. It's a smaller studio, so you can get a lot of personal attention (if you want); if not, you won't get lots of attention thrown your way. Class fees include all materials and open studio time Saturdays and Sundays. There are always enough wheels and table space for wheelthrowers and hand builders. You'll love it! read more

Avoid this unwelcoming space. The hours on the door stated the place was open so decided to visit. The two people working, instead of welcoming me, said "wear a mask" and second with "there's a sign". Ok, the sign is to the left of the double doors, and I always mask for respect if needed but unwelcome is not the correct vibe. Lock your door if you don't want anyone in your space. read more

The wife and I live in and love all that is North Center and Lincoln Square. She takes classes at Old Town School of Folk and I at Lincoln Square Pottery Studio (LSPS). One swell Saturday afternoon we stopped to peak in the window to admire the handiworks at LSPS while walking home from a day of shopping and gawking. A dandy little fellow named Ed spotted us and motioned us to the door. He took us on a full tour all the while spreading the gospel of clay. His pitch was so dead-on that we signed me up for a beginning wheel throwing class on the LSPS website no more than 20 minutes later. I couldn't imagine a grander ceramic experience this the third week into the beginners' class. Meg, the owner/instructor/ambassador/comedienne, makes schlopping mud on a buzzing wheel more fun than shooting McCaw parrots with blow darts. Walked in not knowing a plaster bat from a stick shift; am on my way to throwing my twenty-third tea bowl tomorrow night. Open another tab on your browser, register for a class, register for one right now. read more

I have always wanted to learn how to throw clay, and I am so glad I signed up for a class! As a beginner, I was pretty anxious the first night. But the vibe is so relaxed, Meg is a wonderful instructor, and the "veterans" don't mind when you ask questions. I'm half way through my first class, and I plan to take more! It's like "occupational therapy" to go in and just zone out while you play with the clay. Every week I look forward to the next lesson, and I go in during open hours on the weekend to practice. Considering what is included in the price (and the fact that I've already cranked out 8 pieces), the cost is very reasonable for the eight-week session. Now if only I could make a matching set of mugs.... read more

Lincoln Square Pottery Studio is one of the cleanest most beautiful clay studio's I have ever seen! 16 Wheels and a spacious hand building area means you never have to feel like someone's in your personal space and open studio on the weekends allows you a flexible schedule. You can pretty much always get your stuff into a glaze fire when you need to (i.e. Christmas/b-day presents;) and the glazes rock! Also fun to take advantage of the Raku fire field trips. read more

Good trend! Only five stars for this place. I have been there a couple times over the past two years. The last time was a couple weeks ago for one of their events. It was an opportunity to view some of their students work and purchase some great pieces. Now I have a set of bowls, a plant pot, and a randon artistic bowl. One thing that was missing this year was fruit and vegetable inspired tea sets! Hopefully next year I will be the proud owner of a apricot tea kettle. The only thing that could be improved upon is the number of classes. I would love to sign up for some, but my work schedule is in conflict with any beginner classes. I still plan on calling ot see if they have anything in the works so I can start creating my own clay objects. read more

Just finished the beginner throwing class this week. This place is fantastic. Meg is a great teacher and I had a great time. Everything you need is included in the price (expect for the $15 pack of clay-tools). You throw your own stuff, trim it, and glaze it. There was also a week that we learned about hand-building using slabs, etc. Class is one night a week and then you can come in and work on your stuff on the weekend hours too. Highly recommended! Check out the helpful informative website for more info. read more

Meg is a great teacher and the studio is a great place to learn about clay!!!!! I highly recommend the wheel throwing class!

1.) Meg, the owner/ instructor, has the patience of Job because 2.) This was on my bucket list, to try pottery. And I have the skill level of a toad...LOL 3.) Extremely accomodating and positive atmospher! Great, patient instruction with a super friendly vibe. No attitudes and for those of us with zero experience, a very nurturing environment. I cannot say enough on how much they want you to succeed and give you tons of times and opportunities to do so. Extremely flexible on working with you if you have to miss a class, etc. Just love it 100%. I will never be particularly good at this, but I do enjoy it and am so glad I am trying it. The only caveat, it is not particularly inexpensive. They do have couples/group discounts so I would definitely try for that. But again, it is a fun, no pressure, no attitude art space that I am comfortable highly recommending even if you have zero skill like me! read more

My time with clay started back in the fifth grade, and I was an avid potter through high school. After moving to Chicago in 2005, I tried taking classes at Park West Ceramics and LillStreet before finding Meg's studio. Having thrown pieces off and on for the last 15 years, I was looking for more than a beginner class. My first class, at Park West Ceramics was frustrating because the studio is limited and ultimately designed for beginners. My next bout with Chicago ceramics, at LillStreet, was disappointing with the overly corporate environment, which is not what I enjoy about art/pottery. When I sit down to throw, relaxation is my number one goal. The environment and staff at LillStreet, although boasted as sophisticated and professional, are rigid and inflexible. After my wife Megan and I withdrew from our class at LillStreet, my aspirations for continuing ceramics faltered. Fortunately my wife was not okay with losing the constant influx of new pots, the ones that decorate our house, and bought me a gift certificate to the Lincoln Square Pottery Studio. But because of our discouraging experience at LillStreet, my interest in starting another class was limited. Needless to say I let the gift certificate expire. When I finally came to my senses, I called the studio and Meg (the owner) said she would absolutely honor my certificate. Now on my third 8 week class at Meg's studio, I couldn't be more satisfied. Her studio perfectly balances the expertise needed to welcome a first timer into the world of ceramics with the relaxing atmosphere that I sought. Through Meg's studio I was even able to Raku for the first time since high school. For those reading that do not know Raku, it is a method of firing in which the results (in my humble opinion) are infinitely better than those derived by the electric kilns offered by the other studios in town. Once my son reaches an age where he wants more than to simply eat the clay, I am very much looking forward to taking him here. Without a doubt, best studio in the city. read more

I went by myself for the happy hour session and loved it. I enjoyed myself. The instructors are very amicable and helpful. I would recommend this place for everyone who is looking for a fun activity around Chicago. read more

I am having a blast taking the pottery course here. Meg is an excellent teacher and is very encouraging. The studio is well equipped with everything you need and considering how much clay you get, even the price of the class is very reasonable. read more

It is my favorite place to go on the weekends. It is an excellent community with great supplies and helpful people!

My friend has been going to this studio for a year or so now, and was constantly telling me how great it is, and how obsessed she has become with pottery. So, I decided to give it a shot and sign up for a beginner's class myself. I've just started, but already I love this studio, and can't wait to come back and get filthy dirty with all that clay! The cost of classes are very reasonable and include materials and open studio time on the weekends. And, when I walk in, everyone is smiling and friendly, and advanced students remind you that it's perfectly okay that half of your work turns into a big wet lumpy mess instead of the masterpeice you were hoping for. read more

i admit it: i haven't actually played with clay here... but my friend laura does, which she loves to pieces because they have awesome project runway potlucks, have halloween drag parties, and get to make a mess! what could be better? the place is large, with windows practically filling a wall. the prices are reasonable. plus, they are a non-profit and i have a sweet spot for such. read more

I took two 8-week sessions at LS Pottery Studio. The environment is warm and collegial. The instructor (Meg) is a seasoned and patient professional. I am decidedly clay-challenged and had a great time anyway. The classes are a great value because they include more than all the clay you'll use in a session and loads of open studio time on the weekends. I particularly found it to be great over the winter months when you really want to be inside anyway. read more

I absolutely love coming here. LSP is a great, relaxing and inviting place to learn how to build/throw with clay. Meg (the teacher) is AWESOME and makes you comfortable even when you mess up and helps without doing it for you. She is a great instructor and friend. I look forward to going every week and even signed up for a second session to be able to keep learning and playing with clay! And, a great bonus is you get to take stuff home to use and share. read more

Started taking wheel throwing classes here with Meg a couple of weeks ago and it's perfect. The studio space is large, beautiful, airy and calm. Meg is a wonderful teacher, funny and totally down to earth. When you meet her you'll understand what I mean by this, but she's has this vibe that makes you feel like you've been friends for years but you just haven't seen each other lately. She's great at explaining how to do things in different ways for different types of learners. I've taken a lot of ceramics classes (for hand building) and this is by far the best one. read more

Enrolled my son for the Saturday classes. He loved it!!! I was so happy to find something he took an interest in. The families of the other students were not that friendly, but, oh well....we weren't there for them anyway. read more

i took a mini session with meg in june of 2011. though the class was adequate (nothing worth writing home about), i did contemplate signing up for an eight week session because i did like the painting aspect. so anyway, meg calls me up and tells me that my 'art' was broken in half and that she was 'sorry.' WTF! thats it...sorry??!!!! no compensation, no coupons, no nothing but a sorry. i was devastated! so unprofessional and insensitive. i will never ever go back or recommend this studio or meg ever again!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! read more