Frequently Asked Questions
Plan your visit to Hunter Pottery Studio in Fountain Valley with these guides and answers to common questions.
What to Expect at Your First Pottery Class
You do not need pottery experience to begin. Our four-week courses welcome adults ages 18 and up, and Zach Hunter introduces the tools and wheel before guiding you through preparing, centering and shaping clay.
Wear comfortable clothes that can get clay on them. Clay, tools, standard glazes and firing within the course limits are included, so you can concentrate on learning. Each class day has two hours of instruction and an optional extra hour to practice.
Over the following weeks, you will trim and refine your pieces, explore handles and taller forms, and learn to glaze. The studio is at 18195 Euclid Street, with parking in front and behind. See the weekly outline, course limits and upcoming pottery classes, or ask us about your first visit.
Pottery Classes or Studio Membership?
Choose a class if you want a scheduled introduction or guided practice. The four-week format takes you from preparing clay to glazing, with instruction, materials and firing within the listed course limits included in the course fee.
Choose membership if you want independent time to develop your pottery practice. Members have 24-hour studio access, bisque firing of approved work and use of studio glazes. Bring your own tools and bats; clay and glaze firing are separate costs.
Compare current class dates and prices with membership options and firing rates. If you are unsure where to start, arrange a private studio tour and talk with us about your goals.
General
Where is the studio located?
We are at 18195 Euclid Street, Fountain Valley, CA 92708, near the Euclid Street exit from the 405. Parking is available in the front and back parking lots. Doors are open during business hours, and returning students have door access.
What is the minimum age for classes and memberships?
Classes and memberships are for adults ages 18 and older. Children may attend only classes whose descriptions specifically state that they are for children.
When can students and members use the studio?
Classes, private parties, and workshops are scheduled in advance. After the studio opens, visiting hours are planned for Monday–Friday, 4:00–8:00 PM. Contact us to arrange a private tour or ask questions. During your course, student access is 10:00 AM–10:00 PM daily, except during other classes. Members have 24-hour access.
Classes & Workshops
What should I wear to pottery class?
Pottery can get messy. Wear comfortable clothes that can get clay on them; most clay washes out. An apron or old towel is helpful, and short fingernails make wheel throwing easier.
What materials are included in the class fee?
The monthly class fee includes up to 35 pounds of clay to use during the course, standard glazes, tools for class use, and firing. Each piece must measure under 10 inches in every direction. We aim to fire glazed work within one week. See the Classes page for current course details.
Do I need prior experience for the introductory course?
No experience needed. Our introductory courses welcome beginners and experienced potters. We’ll cover centering clay on the wheel, hand-building, and studio safety step by step.
Membership Questions
CLARITY & TERMS
What is the minimum commitment for a membership?
Memberships renew monthly with no fixed term. You may cancel before your next unpaid renewal by emailing the studio or requesting cancellation in person. Access ordinarily continues through the period you have already paid for. See Membership Policies for billing and pickup details.
Does the membership include materials and firing?
Members may use the studio’s mid-fire glazes on site and receive bisque firing of approved work. Clay is purchased separately; members bring their own tools and bats. Glaze firing costs $1.25 per pound for pieces up to 12 inches in every dimension, or $2.25 per pound if any dimension exceeds 12 inches.
Can I bring a guest to work with me in the studio?
Guests may enter member work areas only with staff approval. They may not use a member’s shelf, tools, or access privileges unless the studio separately authorizes the activity. Please contact us to arrange a tour.