I learned a lot from Mark! The studio is organized and very well kept/ equipped, there's no where else (except my home) I would trust to fire my pieces than here. Glad to have started my ceramic journey at Throwing Mud Gallery! read more

Well, I just came here to warn people, but it looks like other people see this behavior from the owner. My Partner and I decided to take the six week course and she was extremely excited about learning pottery and throwing. Immediately, the instructor had such a condescending tone with us and made multiple disparaging side comments. It made the class extremely uncomfortable. The instruction was very limited and I think perhaps the only people that succeed in this class are people who've had prior pottery class experience. When I finally felt like I was learning, he would come over and take over the piece and really diminish my confidence. I had prior experience with pottery and throwing, and I left this course with zero confidence in my ability. His expectation were that you came in outside of class hours to learn on your own. As full-time working people this is nearly impossible for us, and that was not explained at all as far as the expectation to grow in the class. We got to the point where we dreaded going to class because it was just being berated and demeaned. One time, there were other people in the studio who were doing their own time because they already knew what they were doing and called him out on his behavior and how he was speaking to the learners. I DO NOT recommend this studio for anybody trying to learn. There's really no reason to treat people like that and we actually ended up terminating our course early. What a disappointing experience. read more

Instructor is WAY too controlling. I had second hand embarrassment lol. There's no reason I should have clay past my elbows from you trying to "instruct me." He's way too intense and is chasing business away. Almost ruined date night. :/ read more

Eilleen greeted us as soon as we walked in the door, and she was very attentive answering our questions the whole time we were there! My friend and I went to paint pottery and there was a wide selection of pieces to choose from! All of the paints are clearly labeled and there's displays to show you how the paint will look after being fired as well! Our pieces were ready to be picked up within a couple days and turned out beautiful! read more

Throwing Mud Gallery - Painted gnome - Art Galleries Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

I did one of their one off try it classes where you made a bowl. They lost or gave my bowl to the wrong person. They gave me the wrong bowl and when I noticed I went back in to let them know and return the bowl. And instead of owning up to their mistake they took it in the back, sorta sanded off the engraved name and sharpied my name onto it and came back and said they found the right bowl when it was clearly still the same wrong bowl. I understand they probably didn't lose it on purpose but to not acknowledge or apologize for their mistake and try and pass it off was disappointing. Also the male instructor for the class was really pushy in an uncomfortable sort of way, he talked down to me and my partner, it was odd. The other staff members were nice. I would not recommend and do not plan on going back. (Photo shows the still visible engraving of "Karen" next to my sharpied name) Edited to add: I just want to say now that I've seen others reviews regarding the male instructor for the try it class I completely agree with what the other reviews have said and can confirm that was the same behavior me and my partner experienced. The other instructor was very nice. read more

Throwing Mud Gallery - Art Galleries Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

Throwing Mud is a wonderful place with friendly and helpful staff. We were quite the artists today, making our creations and memories. Awesome experience. read more

Throwing Mud Gallery - Salad Bowl - Art Galleries Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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Looking for Pottery Boot Camp? Look no further! I have been wanting to try pottery for years and this was the only place we could find near us that offered pottery classes that would fit in our schedule. My husband and I had some reservations after doing the Try It class, but we still signed up for the pottery class because I really wanted to try it on my own. We were hoping that the actual class would be better, but somehow it was even worse. After the Try It class, we both came away not feeling like we had a very solid understanding of the process and that he had merely used our hands as tools to make two $75 bowls. We were hoping that we would feel differently after trying it ourselves. As a retired naval officer, I can certainly understand the need for good order and discipline, as well as the need to keep things tidy when lots of people are using the same space. Since I spent most of my career operating nuclear reactors on aircraft carriers, I can also understand the need to learn certain techniques in certain ways. However, I felt like I had more freedom and autonomy when operating those nuclear reactors. In all of my years of school, with a multitude of instructors, I have very rarely felt hesitant to ask questions. However, in the oppressive and controlling environment we encountered, neither of us found ourselves wanting to ask questions. We came in for open studio time to practice on our own and enjoyed ourselves until Mark arrived and proceeded to tell us how we had done everything completely wrong. We made it through the second class and tried the hand building, hoping we would find a more permissive environment to explore our creativity. Somehow, the hand building was even more tightly controlled than the wheel. He alternated between telling us that we can do whatever we want because it's our creation and also becoming extremely irate if we touched the clay in any way that he didn't expressly dictate. I found myself feeling like I was back in the military with an extremely overbearing, micromanaging boss, only worse, because I had paid for this experience. We considered trying to tough it out, but I have already spent way too much of my life having to endure unpleasant situations in the military. I have zero desire to pay money to endure unpleasant experiences. Even though we knew we would not get any refund, we decided that we valued our time, energy and peace of mind more than trying to rescue some sense of value for the money we paid for this class. It's obvious from the other reviews on here going back a decade that many other people have had similar experiences, so I doubt that anything will change. Some people seem to respond to his rigid, militaristic teaching style, but as a combat veteran looking for an enjoyable, creative and fun experience, I did not. Also, if you have any history of back pain or spinal injuries, pottery requires long hours of sitting in a position of spinal flexion that can seriously aggravate it, so please keep that in mind. read more

Great little studio. Teacher can be a bit too direct, siding on mean territory. I felt like I was being judged and watched the entire time. During open studio, when I'd come in to experiment, I would get criticized. I followed all of the rules and took great care cleaning up after myself but I constantly felt nervous there! His way of talking can feel demeaning. I took classes in Mexico, and when mentioning this he kept saying "Well I don't know what they use over there, but here..." It felt superior and a bit ethnocentric, whether he meant it or not. Sir, Mexico is an art oasis. I assure you what they use over there is top quality. I am sorry I could not translate the materials I used. Anyways, I did end up taking 2 courses. Pros -- well equipped. Lots of open studio time. Very helpful and wonderful teacher assistants! Competitive prices. Cons -- main teacher chokes out creativity and makes you feel nervous of making mistakes. read more

My sentiments will echo those of previous negative reviewers going back 11 years. The fact that he still regularly gets the same complaints shows that he will never change. I was so excited to take a pottery class and was so disappointed in my experience here. Mark is extremely militant and narcissistic. If you so much as flinch or try to touch something while he is talking, he will scold you like you are a child. I only attended 2 of my 6 weeks before deciding it wasn't worth it to come back. I couldn't believe I was paying to be treated this way. He is like a child that wants to show you his toys, but doesn't actually want you to touch them. He explains the same things over and over, eating up nearly the entire class while you just stand there are aren't allow to do or touch anything. While we were there to learn, we weren't 5 year olds. We were all capable of grasping the concepts and ideas that should have taken only 10 to 20 minutes of instruction max before we were allowed to try. He also constantly makes remarks and tells what he thinks are funny jokes and then when the class doesn't laugh, he will stop and say things like "I need audience participation" and "you could at least pity laugh" He will do this every time he makes what he considers to be a joke and doesn't get a response. For the minuscule amount of time that we were actually allowed to touch the clay, he would scold us, tell us we were doing it wrong and instead of instructing us on how to do it better, he would just shoo our hands out of the way and reshape our clay. I left my second session feeling so disappointed and defeated. He honestly has no business teaching. I didn't even want to go back to pick up the tools and clay that I paid for because I knew he did not have enough emotional maturity not to confront me about not wanting to return. So not only did I waste money on the class, I wasted money on supplies that they will just resell to the next person. What a huge let down. read more

We dropped by Throwing Mud to do paint your own pottery with friends. We appreciated that they offer a unique walk in activity that isn't shopping, eating or drinking. For one price you can pick your piece of white pottery and paint it however you like. They glaze and fire it and you can pick it up later that week. There was a decent selection of items to choose from. We wished there were a little more quality supplies and guidance provided for us newbies. Otherwise we had a nice time! read more

Such a great spot for a date , a hangout, or a little self activity. Great customer service , super sweet. Very welcoming and walk ins are allowed !!! Don't worry super affordable and great for all ages. read more

Throwing Mud Gallery - $25 mug - Art Galleries Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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Just in town for the weekend to deliver a kid to the university and we popped in while in the neighborhood. I wish we had time to create or paint a piece. Maybe next visit. Super cute shop offering a gorgeous variety of pieces. Fun little other things too like soaps and clever little vinyl stickers. Very unique designs. Loved everything!! read more

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This place has been slipping under my attention for a review long enough! Throwing Mud has pottery classes for adults which is awesome but when we went here we went with the option of picking out existing pottery and then painting it the way you want. It is a fun activity that can take up maybe about half a day. Some friends of Steve and myself treated us to going here so we could catch up and chat away the afternoon. It was a very fine gift they offered! Once you are finished painting the pottery the way you want it to it takes maybe a day or two so they have a chance to bake the paint in and your decoration process for the item is complete! It's a really fun and therapeutic way to spend the afternoon! read more

Throwing Mud Gallery - Steve's painted pottery mug from Throwing Mud! - Art Galleries Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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My boyfriend and I signed up for the "Try it" pottery making class for a fun weekend activity. It started out great, the location is cute and the instruction started out professional. Unfortunately once we actually got to start doing the real work, we realized that this class was not going to be the relaxing activity that we expected. We had a man and woman pair as instructors. The woman was very kind, patient and helpful, however the male instructor became very intense and critical. I never expected to be any good on my first day of pottery making, nor did I care about having the perfect bowl in the end. I cared about having nice afternoon doing something new. The male instructor began pulling back my thumbs back to a point that was absolutely impossible for me to hold, and then would release them and be outwardly angered by the fact that I was not holding my thumbs in the position he had forced them in to. He continued on critiquing nearly every action and proclaimed things to the effect of "if you're not going to listen to what I'm telling you, we won't get anywhere!" The criticism continued making me more and more upset. What could have been a lovely time was really ruined. I understand that teaching something like this requires extreme patience, but if that's not what someone is capable of, they shouldn't be teaching the class. Until something changes, I'd recommend finding a different introduction class. read more

My girlfriend and I took the "Try It Class" with Mark as the instructor as a fun date. Our experience started off with him walking in late and visibly upset from a woman's service dog that barked when he walked in as she was there painting with her kid - he proceeded to then slammed the back door to the classroom as we stood in the gallery area and watched. His controlling demeanor began to show as he demanded where we put our personal belongings and showed us our clay - even barking orders to put it down when my girlfriend felt her clay. That was followed by a very long period of instruction where he ran through the entire process mixing in jokes that we clearly didn't find funny (some being inappropriate toward a certain political party/women). So not only was it was a needless shotgun blast of information, but he also made it a very uncomfortable environment. Instead, it was clear that he has a lot of control issues throughout our class. Even if the customers achieved the desired outcome but didn't use his techniques, he would come over and physically reshape your clay and explain the process again. I get it, pottery can be hard to grasp especially with time constraints, but when you don't even let your paying customers make the bowls themselves then why are you even instructing a Try It Class? He should have saved the negative and frankly rude commentary throughout the entire session. Let the customers make the bowls that are unique to them. If you want a $75 bowl (per person) that was made by the instructor, all while being told poor jokes and have your skills belittled then sign right up! The instructor single handedly ruined the experience; don't walk away, run from this class. read more

Don't bother taking the classes unless you like getting berated, put down and accosted by the instructor. Can't keep his hands to himself and will "accidentally" touch your butt/boobs multiple times in a row. When you dont feel safe anymore so you drop the class you DONT GET A REFUND!? You're literally paying to be assaulted physically/verbally/sexually. *NO REFUNDS* The guy is a complete nut and out of his mind. He crushes dreams. Ruins you work and tells you it's "not good enough to save". ITS ART. read more

My daughter-in-law and I took the pottery building class together and we had a similar experience with the instructor. It was not a friendly environment and he alienated several of the students where they didn't come back to complete the class or pick up their items. Neither myself nor my daughter-in-law went back to pick up our items. We were very disappointed in the entire experience. read more

The staff was very helpful and friendly. They walked us through the whole thing. My kiddo can't wait to go back! read more

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I love this studio. I adore the owners. They both are beyond helpful and so incredibly accommodating. Mark has a wealth of knowledge and an incredible teaching style that works well for me. He is very straight forward and is always willing and available to help. When I first started the class I was so nervous. I wanted to be perfect right away. Mark set me at ease right away. He introduced to me to all the other students and assured me that all of them had been me at one point. We all have to start somewhere! I love the studio, my teachers and my fellow students. We have a ton of fun, laugh a lot and cheer each other on. It is not a competitive atmosphere that I truly enjoy. If you want to learn pottery, and hear some pretty corny anecdotes that help you remember the steps, laugh and make new friends; this is the place for you! read more

I'm not the most creative person but was curious to try pottery after watching one too many episodes of The Great Pottery Throwdown (basically Great British Baking Show in pottery form). I signed up for the Try It Class and despite being super nervous at first, it was actually quite fun. Mark was full of knowledge that he clearly explained with really good examples and explanations. He was also super patient when I just couldn't seem to get my hands to do what they needed to do. The whole experience was just super positive and left me wanting to take more classes. Eileen had a very friendly and welcoming presence in the shop. read more

I came here to take a pottery class to celebrate my birthday. I was looking forward to trying it, as an artist who works in many media but doesn't have access to a kiln, and other sculpting equipment. As soon as I met Mark, he had a very controlling and demeaning attitude. His instruction when it came to forming the clay was mediocre at the very best. Essentially, I was told I was doing things incorrectly over and over again without a clear explanation as to why; he would tell me not to do something he had previously told me to do, and it wasn't in a gentle or instructive tone either. Just like the other reviewers, I didn't come to this class to become a master potter. I also didn't come to spend an hour and a half being talked down to by an angry stranger. I could have done without the sexist comments and the general arrogance; if I had known that's what I was getting then I certainly wouldn't have paid good money for it. Genuinely ruined my birthday, I cancelled the rest of my plans. Worst art/crafting experience I've ever had, and it seems I'm not the only one. read more

After promising the littles that we could paint some pottery today...and finding that the place closest to us couldn't accommodate us due to a party they were having...the hunt was on to find a new spot. Yelp brought us to Throwing Mud and we had such a great time! The lady working was so helpful and sweet. Very patient with our 3 wild littles . We look forward to coming back and creating new treasures read more

I joined a 'girls night out' - paint your own pottery class. What a wonderful experience. There were varying talents among the group, and everyone had fun. You can choose from a wide variety of practical or decorative pieces. I can't wait to go back and create miniatures of each of my cats. With wine and appetizers, it was a great atmosphere and so much fun to see what everyone else was coming up with. Your imagination is the limit. Now with Seahawk season here, I am thinking about a serving plate for a Superbowl 2015 party!!! read more

Took my husband here for his Birthday. Got the 2 hour private class to make pottery pieces. My husband has experience on the pottery wheel and didn't need help. I had no experience. The instructor rushed the process, basically making the piece for me. When he told me how to do it, if I didn't perfectly execute it, the first time, he went hands on and did it for me. Our 2 hour class was over in a little over an hour. Not a fun time where I learned and practiced new skills. Think the focus is not on customers experience, more on get 'em in and get 'em out. read more

Took my son there 2 weeks ago. The gal at the front desk was great, patient and kind. There was a birthday party going on when we arrived and as the painting area is quite small, the dad of the birthday girl lost his cool when other people started sitting down in the party area. She was exceptional at handling that. We spent $70 on a plate and bowl. I was almost done painting my bowl when some guy that I can only assume was in charge of the back area BARKED at me that I was using WAY too much glaze on my bowl. I had only put 2 of the 3 recommended coats on at this point. Fast forward 2 weeks, we go to pick up the pieces and there are HUGE areas, probably half the piece that are streaky where barely any glaze was there and you can only see the pottery underneath. It obviously needed another coat. There's also a huge hunk that looks like it broke off another piece and fell onto my piece in the kiln. The entire piece is covered in pinhole bubbles in the glaze. I'm assuming from overly viscous glaze, being improperly fired or most likely from there not being enough glaze. Worst pottery painting experience ever. read more

Throwing Mud Gallery - Art Galleries Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

I've already recommended this gallery/studio to many of my friends. The customer service was friendly and helpful, while allowing my sister and I to have fun with our painting experience. The owner offered to keep the store open late for us to keep painting and that said a lot to me! Lots of different items to choose from to paint, so I will definitely be back! read more

I have taken my children here twice and the we had a good experience with the painting etc...however when it came time to pick up my pottery making a special trip back out there was to be expected no biggie. I then asked for a bag to put my childrens pottery in as they are both under the age of five and I wanted to have it wrapped and safe in a bag. I don't think that is asking to much...right.... The owners answer was that it costs them money for the bag and they usually don't do that. I thought that was odd considering I'm a customer and a bag is like seriously 5 cents...not to mention usually when someone purchases something fragile and breakable they should offer a bag.... It became awkward and I just said...wow...I don't want to twist your arm to get a bag....geesh. Next time I came in just today and again asked for a bag to put "MY FRAGILE" pottery in and the owner's husband this time jumped in and said...."well we usually don't give bag's" at that point I had it! are you serious! He then pulls out a dish that has 5 cent donations in to give to get a bag! I was like....seriously....I just spent $65 and am a repeat customer! Unfortunately lost my business due to principal...you might want to reconsider charging your paying customers for a 5 cent bag when they request it....just saying! read more

Really enjoyed my time! The atmosphere was inviting and relaxing and the customer service was helpful and friendly. read more

Throwing Mud Gallery - Had fun making this for my nephew - Art Galleries Near Me - Tacoma, Washington

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Really enjoyed my experience here. I had never even seen clay before I started and by the end I could make bowls and pushpots. This class is well worth it IF you have the time for it. Open studio time is included in your purchase to practice...use it. Mark is very knowledgeable about training and has lots of techniques to teach. Be prepared to be educated! read more

Best to have some experience or a very thick skin. Mark is not patient which makes it very difficult to learn, as well as takes the joy out of the learning process. read more

My first class at Throwing Mud Gallery, during a May 2013 session, has been everything I hoped for. Mark gives each student individual attention and I received plenty of tips on projects I made. Mark does not limit his students, but encourages each student's imagination. Eileen is delightful. I like touring the gallery, which she oversees, and asking questions about the art for sale. If you are looking for instruction in wheel throwing or hand building this is definitely the place to go. My positive experience at Throwing Mud Gallery has encouraged me to continue taking classes. read more

After falling in love with ceramics/pottery in Jr High School and not having had opportunity after college [cough] 30 years ago, I took the plunge and purchased a potters wheel and kiln off of Craigslist. Not wanting to develop bad habits, I signed up for classes at Throwing Mud Gallery. As one previous reviewer stated, Mark is methodical. This is for a reason. If you don't perform the correct steps in the correct order, you can't succeed. It was challenging for me to start back at square one, but it was necessary for me to rebuild and increase my skill level. I have watched Mark over the last two years work with students of varying interest, talents and skill levels. Those who want to learn and who are willing to put in the effort required (this is not an easy art form) do very well, and I have watched so many improve greatly. I have also watched Mark bend over backwards for students who did not want to put in the effort or follow the (very necessary) rules to the point of actually acquiescing to unreasonable demands on his time/energy (he's teaching several students at once, these aren't private lessons) The running of a studio, particularly one with so many diverse students coming through in a week requires a well defined set of procedures which are more than reasonable to follow. (common courtesy dictates that one clean up after themselves and leave the common workplace in the same condition in which they found it; I for one used to be quite unhappy when I would come in to a wheel that was not properly cleaned) The result of my time at Throwing Mud Gallery, taking lessons from Mark... I now have my own very successful pottery studio. Every now and then, I go back for classes or open studio time for the camaraderie and inspiration that being around other artists provides. read more

What a beautiful shop! I took a "Try it" pottery class and had a wonderful experience! Mark the owner/Instructor really has a talent for teaching. I found him to be very patient and so helpful. On a separate occasion I painted in the paint your own pottery studio. It us so organized and Eileen- owner, offers lots of choices to help you get started with your project. This Gallery and school is a jewel in Tacoma!! What a wonderful business!!:) read more

Love love love Throwing Mud! Mark gives personal attention to each student. The classes are small. The equipment is great. The store has beautiful art by local artists. What a great place! read more

You have to try the Ladies Night Out! Such a great time! They provide a lovely spread of treats and beverages, helpful instruction by the sweetest lady, Eileen, and great environment to bring out your creative side and have fun times with friends and family. I really enjoyed painting my ceramic bowl and loved the final product. They have many options available--bowls, mugs, platters, etc., and Eileen will explain how to make them uniquely yours with stencils, stickers and the various glaze options. Would be a great birthday, Mother's Day or Holiday party idea. Enjoy! read more

I attended Ladies Night Out last Friday. What a treat, from the owners customer service, the selection of both pottery to paint and purchase. So many pretty pieces that support local artists. I'll be going back many times. Thank you! read more

I would of never thought I would enjoy throwing mud as much as I do. I am about to start my third class session and really enjoy it. My family lays claim to every thing I make and bring home. It is very relaxing and rewarding at the same time. Mark is a great and patient teacher. The studio is set up great for learning. read more

I wanted to take a pottery class as I thought it would be fun and relaxing. Unfortunately, I found the experience at Throwing Mud Pottery both tense and upsetting. The teacher, Mark, explained several steps at once and seemed to lack patience when we did not follow them to the letter. There was also a strict vigilance about how to do things, e.g.; storing material, rolling out clay without staining the table, cleaning up in a specific order, not using hot water as it costs more, etc. It often felt as if the appearance of the studio was more important than learning the art. I left the lessons with my stomach tied in a knot and quit going after the second session (out of six). While this might be an okay experience for some, it was not a good fit for me. Take the trial class before you sign up for the full course and make sure it's a good fit for you. read more

Absolutely terrible experience. I guess it depends on what you expect. I paid for a Try It class as a date idea for my husband and I, thinking we will get to experience pottery for the first time together. I didn't go there with the intention of getting it right or having the prettiest piece my first go round, I just wanted to try it and do something creative. Mark, the owner/teacher, is completely overbearing and didn't allow us any space. We basically would get reprimanded if we touched our clay without his permission. Mind you, we paid $150 so we could do this, and we were just barked at. He wouldn't stop talking, repeating himself, always in our space. It was even worse because he had horrible breath and wouldn't get out of our faces! By the end of it, his wife, the receptionist, asked how us how we enjoyed the class and I had to turn around and tell her about the lack of creative freedom bothered me. She was tight lipped but said it takes "skill". Then don't offer the try it classes if our work isn't going to be our own! I'm FUMING. DO NOT COME HERE IF YOU LIKE FREEDOM TO CREATE YOUR OWN WORK. read more

Came in to see what the shop was like and really enjoyed what I found. All sorts of lovely items on display, and I was able to do a bit of early Christmas shopping. Had a nice chat with Eileen, who gave us a tour of the back area, where people were busily crafting. I thought the painting area looked like a lot of fun, and I hope to get in to try my hand at that. A very nice business! read more