Northern Clay Center

The place itself seems really cool, there are lots of interesting pieces displayed throughout the building. After taking a class there though, it seems like it’s more designed to be a art gallery/studio for professional artists that somewhere for learning. I took a 3 hour class that seemed from the description like it was meant for beginners, but that didn’t seem to be the case. The instructor went through a demo at the beginning in about 10 minutes and quickly showed all the steps, but then it kind of felt like we were on our own. She sat in the middle most of class and didn’t come over unless I went and asked her, and she didn’t seem particularly interested in helping. Maybe my expectations were just off, but in classes I’ve taken, the instructor is usually walking around the whole time to make sure everyone is on track, but this felt more like open studio time with a staff member present. After four attempts, we were pretty much out of time and I wasn’t able to make anything. I wasn’t expecting whatever I made to look perfect by any means, but I did expect to leave with something. I think I would have been fine if I had some experience, but I definitely wouldn’t recommend for beginners.

I experienced credit card fraud from MN after making an online purchase with this shop. It's a shame too - I was hoping to pick up a few other pieces eventually. Shop with caution!

A very pleasant surprise. Great exhibits!!! And you do your own crawl through the studios and classes in the back. I really love this place.

My daughter attended a summer camp here and loved it. They have a very nice expansive studio showing work by professionals as well as students. Very well organized program. We will be doing again next year!! Summer programs are a little on the pricier side, but definitely well executed. Thank you Jill / NCC team.

It's an absolute journey to walk through. I went for one friend's gift, and something else jumped out for another friend. The staff is great too, available to answer questions but giving you space to enjoy the art.

Taking a class here at NC center. It is an interesting place with rooms and tables and a maze to work through but it is filled with creative people...

We've done two clay along classes with Northern Clay Center where we pick up materials then drop off the projects and pick them up once they're fired in the...

I took 1, 3 hour class and signed up for it after being recommended by a contact from the northern clay center as a good class for beginners. There were...

Made a quick stop, but didn't buy anything. Lovely ceramic items for purchase, but nothing struck my fancy.

Northern Clay Center has become a mecca of sorts for all things clay. Whether you're an educator, an artist, art student or a clay art enthusiast, Northern Clay Center is a must. There are so many rich resources here in regard to exhibits, working artists in their studios, classroom spaces, library, and a sales gallery. Stop in to view work or take a class. They even have classes for children and summer clay camps!

I have visited this very large and complete ceramic art studio, school, library and gallery several times, as my brother is an active, long-time participant there. In the front, they have a beautiful gallery comprising several large rooms where local and national artists display their art for sale. The have very large, well-supplied areas for both throwing and hand-building works with numerous large wood and gas-fired kilns. One can sign up for classes and regulars are available to help newbies. My brother loves this place and I have enjoyed each visit.

We enjoyed a fun girls night out at Northern Clay Center in Minneapolis. I strongly recommend pre-registration, as one of our friends didn't register in time to attend. This three hour class includes a demonstration and instruction session followed by an opportunity to practice on the wheel and paint colored clay prior to the staff-assisted glaze dip and kiln bake. Haven't picked up my finished product yet, but it was a night full of learning, fun and practice.

Northern Clay Center is a hidden gem in a run down part of town. It has 2 gallery spaces with contemporary or retrospective shows as well as a widely curated shop featuring ceramic artists from all over the country. You can ask for a tour; walk through a maze of artists studios and see the classrooms packed with handbuilders, potters and sculptors.