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8 Years
experience
Handmade Pottery & Ceramics Classes in Chapel Hill, NC
Julie Berkowitz Ceramics was founded on the belief that art should be both functional and deeply connected to nature. Our studio in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, offers a sanctuary for creative expression through pottery classes and handmade ceramics. With over 15 years of experience in ceramic education, I bring expertise rooted in a B.A. of Art Education from Kent State University and a lifelong passion for clay. Our community-focused approach includes partnerships with organizations like the NC Clayworks Pottery Guild, where I serve as co-president, and the Artisan Collective in Durham. We prioritize small class sizes to ensure personalized instruction, whether students are learning wheel-throwing or hand-building techniques. Our functional pottery pieces, inspired by natural textures and landscapes, are designed for everyday use while maintaining artistic integrity.

Through initiatives like Meet the Makers, we foster connections between local artisans and the public. The studio's secluded wooded setting provides a therapeutic environment for stress relief and creative growth. We maintain rigorous quality standards in both our educational programs and product craftsmanship. Our commitment to transparency is reflected in open communication with clients and ethical business practices. As a small business deeply embedded in the North Carolina arts community, we strive to make ceramics accessible to all skill levels while preserving traditional techniques.
Services
Adult Pottery Classes Kids Pottery Classes Private Lesson Packages Online Pottery Classes Meet the Makers Events Handmade Pottery Sales Wheel Instruction Hand Building Classes Community Workshops Studio Rentals
Details
  • Year established: 2018
Highlights and features
  • We offer personalized instruction in small classes (max 5-6 students)
  • Our owner holds a B.A. in Art Education with 15+ years ceramics experience
  • Studio located in a therapeutic, secluded wooded environment
  • We maintain NC Clayworks Guild co-presidency and Artisan Collective membership
  • Nature-inspired functional pottery designed for everyday use
What people say
Therapeutic stress relief Small group setting Nature-inspired designs Personalized guidance Community connections
Services
Adult Pottery Classes
Small-group pottery instruction for adults focusing on wheel-throwing and hand-building techniques. Classes emphasize stress relief through tactile clay work while teaching functional pottery creation. Limited to five students per session for personalized guidance.
Kids Pottery Classes
Age-appropriate ceramics education introducing children to basic pottery skills. Sessions combine creative play with technical instruction in a nurturing environment. Class sizes capped at six students to ensure individual attention.
Private Lesson Packages
Customized pottery instruction tailored to individual skill levels and goals. Flexible scheduling available for specialized techniques or accelerated learning. Ideal for developing personal ceramic projects with expert guidance.
Handmade Pottery Sales
Functional pottery pieces featuring nature-inspired textures and designs. Each item handcrafted in our Chapel Hill studio using regional materials. Products include mugs, platters, and decorative items for everyday use.
Community Events
Annual Meet the Makers events connecting local artisans with the public. Collaborative workshops and special programs fostering regional arts engagement. Events held in partnership with Camellia Forest Tea Gardens and other local organizations.
People
Julie Berkowitz
Owner & Lead Instructor
Ceramic artist and educator with 15+ years experience. B.A. in Art Education from Kent State University. Co-president of NC Clayworks Pottery Guild. Featured in Schuster Gallery's 'Speak Their Truth' exhibit. Founded Meet the Makers in 2018.
Questions
What types of pottery classes do you offer?
We provide adult and children's classes in wheel-throwing and hand-building techniques with maximum 5-6 students per session.
Can I purchase pottery if I don't take classes?
Yes, our online store offers one-of-a-kind handmade functional pottery created in our Chapel Hill studio using local materials.
Are private lessons available?
Private pottery lessons can be arranged with customized scheduling for individualized instruction in specific techniques or projects.
Do you participate in local art events?
We host annual Meet the Makers events and collaborate with NC Clayworks Guild and Durham's Artisan Collective.
What makes your pottery unique?
Each piece incorporates natural textures and regional materials, featuring functional designs inspired by North Carolina landscapes.
Videos
Reviews (6)
Lucy Ruderman
Oct 07, 2021 Report
I had been wanting to take a pottery class for several years and Im so glad I stumbled upon Julie! Every week I look forward to these sessions as such a meditative way to separate the workweek from rest. Julie is such a kind and patient teacher, I definitely want to take another class at some point. Highly recommend!!
Rob Woods
Oct 05, 2021 Report
My girlfriend and I signed up for the beginner ceramics course and it is truly a wonderful experience. The studio is so beautiful tucked away in the woods of Chapel Hill, and immediately upon arriving you feel at peace and comfortable. They are so welcoming and it is not intimidating at all to have no idea what I am doing. Our instructor, Levi, is so thoughtful and patient as he teaches us. He is clearly a master himself and he shares that mastery with clear demos and precise advice.
Looking forward to more classes and future open wheel time.
Aisha C.
Oct 05, 2021 Report
Decided to try something new and this experience did not disappoint!
Julie is a wonderful and patient teacher who clearly LOVES her craft. We spent about 2 hours in her studio learning new techniques and making our own pottery pieces. She provides all the tools and clay material and allows you to freestyle and add your own creative touch once you learn the basics.
10/10 recommend for an intimate hands-on learning and fun experience. Thanks Julie!
Kaia Bednar
Dec 28, 2020 Report
I love Julies studio! She is a fantastic instructor and has a beautiful studio space. Ive participated in several rounds of her classes and Im hooked!
Amanda Dougherty
Aug 01, 2019 Report
Julie is so nice and patient! My cousin really wanted to learn on the wheel but can be very shy. She had a great time and loved every minute of it!
Tianai Sun
Jan 01, 2019 Report
I love Julie's studio a lot! My friend and I had a great time there. Julie taught us how to start from fresh and she shared a lot of creative ideas with us which are helpful for the beginners. Highly recommend!