Business Details
18 Years
experience
Creative Pottery Classes & Private Events in Philadelphia
Founded in 2008, Yay Clay has evolved from a small pottery studio into a vibrant creative hub in Philadelphia's Port Richmond neighborhood. Our mission is to make pottery accessible to all skill levels through expert instruction, inclusive programming, and community-building events. With two dedicated studios featuring retro gaming areas, unique themed rooms, and state-of-the-art equipment, we offer hands-on experiences that combine artistic expression with social connection.Our team of experienced instructors provides personalized guidance for everything from beginner classes to advanced ceramic techniques. We maintain strict quality standards for kiln operations, equipment maintenance, and material handling while fostering a welcoming environment where creativity thrives. Through partnerships with local artists and businesses, we've established ourselves as a cultural anchor in the Philadelphia arts community.
Services
Pottery Classes
Private Events
Kiln Firings
Raku Firings
Bottle Slumping
Repair Services
Consulting
Commissioned Work
Work Exchange
Membership
Details
- Year established: 2008
Highlights and features
- Expert instructors with decades of combined ceramics experience
- Inclusive environment welcoming all skill levels and backgrounds
- Unique combination of art instruction and social experiences
- BYOB policy with dedicated retro gaming areas
- Proven track record serving Philadelphia's creative community since 2008
What people say
Best place
Amazing experience
Great instructors
Perfect date night
Worth every penny
Services
Pottery Classes
Our instructional classes teach wheel-throwing techniques to beginners and advanced students. Sessions include all materials and equipment, with expert guidance creating functional items like mugs and bowls. Participants enjoy a relaxed, social atmosphere with BYOB options and retro gaming areas.
Private Events
Customizable events for 8-24 guests featuring pottery instruction and themed studio spaces. Includes dedicated instructors, party amenities, and take-home ceramic pieces. Popular for birthdays, team-building, and special celebrations in Philadelphia's creative district.
Kiln Firings
Professional kiln services for home artists with three equipment options up to 14.5 cubic feet. Available for bisque and glaze firing up to Cone 6, with rush options and expert temperature management ensuring quality results for functional and decorative ceramics.
Raku Firings
Ancient Japanese firing method producing unique decorative pieces through controlled thermal shock. Available in Montclair, NJ with expert supervision, safety equipment, and group sessions lasting 3-5 hours including instruction and materials.
Bottle Slumping
Transform glass bottles into functional art using specialized molds and kiln techniques. Services include material preparation, firing, and optional shipping of finished pieces for custom home decor and upcycled projects.
People
Keith Grabowsky
Owner/Instructor
MFA holder and master kiln technician with 15+ years experience. Founded Yay Clay in 2008 and specializes in studio consulting, Raku firings, and ceramic education for professional and amateur artists.
Alex Kachenko
General Manager
Master kiln technician with decade-long experience repairing and maintaining ceramic equipment. Oversees studio operations and equipment maintenance while teaching advanced firing techniques to students.
Devin Instructor
Studio Manager
Experienced ceramics educator known for patient instruction and creative problem-solving. Leads beginner classes and private events while mentoring new instructors in best teaching practices.
Tori Instructor
Instructor
Skilled potter with expertise in wheel-throwing and decorative techniques. Focuses on creating welcoming learning environments while helping students develop technical proficiency and artistic expression.
James Instructor
Studio Manager
Certified ceramics professional with specialization in studio workflow optimization. Manages daily operations while teaching classes that combine technical skill development with creative exploration.
Questions
What types of pottery classes do you offer?
We offer 2-hour wheel-throwing classes for beginners, multi-week courses for skill development, and specialized workshops in techniques like Raku firing and bottle slumping.
Can I book a private event for a special occasion?
Yes! We host private events for birthdays, anniversaries, and team-building with capacity for 8-24 guests in themed studio spaces featuring retro gaming areas.
Do you provide kiln firing services for outside artists?
Yes, we offer kiln rentals with three equipment options for bisque and glaze firing up to Cone 6, including rush firing services with 48-hour turnaround.
Are children allowed in pottery classes?
All ages welcome! Children under 10 may need assistance with wheel-throwing but can participate in hand-building projects. Parents must accompany minors during sessions.
What safety measures are in place for kiln operations?
Our staff follows strict safety protocols including proper ventilation, protective equipment, and temperature monitoring. Kilns are maintained by certified technicians with regular inspections.
Do you offer consulting services for new studio owners?
Yes, our owner provides personalized consulting for studio setup including equipment selection, business planning, and operational best practices based on 15+ years experience.
Reviews (5)
Santina Smith
Jan 11, 2022
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My family had a fantastic time at YayClay! Devan was so knowledgeable, helpful, and interesting. He was also very patient with our millions of questions. We highly recommend YayClay for a great group activity or a date night.
H. A.
Nov 23, 2021
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What a great date night idea. We had so much fun making our own ceramic bowls. Devin was our teacher and he was easy going, fun, and made making our bowls effortless.....even though it was our first time. We were in the class with other really cool people. Once you schedule an appointment for your class then you will get instructions on the class. The class is BYOB but honestly...your hands get so messy it is probably easier to drink before or after you finish with the clay wheel. After you finish adding your final touches you will pick the glaze you want for your piece. Then you schedule another
Zach S.
Oct 04, 2021
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My wife and I signed up for a 2 hour clay date. We had a great time. The teacher was really nice and super helpful. I'd definitely go back.
Evan O'Donnell
Aug 25, 2021
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Well done Yay Clay! Our 7 year old daughters began taking classes a few weeks ago and are LOVING the them! Would absolutely recommend Yay Clay to those looking for a fun art project for their kidsand what kid doesnt like getting their hands all dirty? Kudos to Quentin who is a rockstar with the girls!
La Verne Frazer
Aug 25, 2021
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Yay Clay is the best. The building, the studio, the experience, everything. I have been twice (before COVID and now) and I was fortunate enough to have had two great instructors and two great experiences each time. The instructor this time was Quentin. He was extremely helpful in making sure we were able to have fun and create the object we invision within the allowed time frame. He also dresses nicely as well. My nine year old grandson had a blast with the clay: moulding and designing it. They also have video games to keep you occupied while you wait before you get started and at the end during
