Business Details
23 Years
experience
Ceramics Classes in Chicago | Lincoln Square Pottery Studio
Lincoln Square Pottery Studio has been a cornerstone of Chicago's creative community since its founding in May 2003. Established by Meg Biddle, a seasoned art educator with degrees from the University of Southern Maine and the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, the studio was created to address a critical need for accessible ceramic arts space in the Lincoln Square/North Center neighborhood. Our facility features 12 pottery wheels, a slab roller, extruder, and an extensive glaze library, supporting diverse techniques from wheel-throwing to hand-building.We offer structured 8-week evening classes, weekend workshops, and independent study memberships that include open studio access. Our programs cater to all skill levels, from absolute beginners to advanced ceramic artists, while fostering a vibrant community through annual events like the Pottery of Protest exhibition. The studio's nonprofit mission emphasizes creative expression, community engagement, and social impact through art, with proceeds from events benefiting local charities like Reduce Waste Chicago and the Chicago Furniture Bank.
Services
Pottery Classes
Weekend Workshops
Independent Study
Studio Rentals
Ceramic Art Exhibitions
Community Events
Wheel-Throwing
Hand-Building
Glazing Techniques
Open Studio Access
Details
- Year established: 2003
Highlights and features
- We offer 20+ years of experience in ceramics education and community building
- Our studio provides 8-week evening classes and weekend workshops for all skill levels
- We feature a fully equipped facility with 12 pottery wheels and advanced tools
- Our instructors include award-winning ceramic artists with formal art education backgrounds
- We host annual socially conscious exhibitions like Pottery of Protest
What people say
Creative community
Expert instructors
Social impact
Quality facilities
Hands-on learning
Services
Pottery Classes
Structured 8-week evening classes teach wheel-throwing and hand-building techniques to adults of all skill levels. Our curriculum progresses from basic cylinder forms to advanced functional pottery, with access to professional equipment and glazing materials. Classes maintain small sizes (11 students max) for personalized instruction.
Weekend Workshops
Two-hour beginner-friendly sessions introducing pottery fundamentals through hands-on projects. Limited to 6 students per workshop, these classes focus on specific techniques like slab-building or wheel-throwing while creating take-home ceramic pieces.
Independent Study
Self-directed studio access for experienced ceramic artists with 8-week memberships including shelf space and open studio hours. Members gain access to 12 pottery wheels, extruder, slab roller, and glazing materials for personal projects.
Pottery of Protest
Annual socially conscious ceramic art exhibition featuring works addressing political, environmental, and social justice themes. The event includes a Buy-A-Cup fundraiser supporting local charities and showcases the studio's community impact.
Open Studio Access
Flexible workspace availability for members during designated hours, featuring professional-grade equipment and collaborative environment. Includes access to firing services, glaze library, and storage facilities for ongoing projects.
People
Meg Biddle
Owner & Instructor
Founder of Lincoln Square Pottery Studio with formal art education from University of Southern Maine and School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Previously volunteered at Jane Addams Hull House ceramic studio before establishing this community-focused nonprofit in 2003.
Ann Cibulskis
Ceramic Artist
Specializes in hand-building organic forms resembling bones and fungi using pinch pots and coil construction. Exhibited at Wholesome Roc Caf and holds BA in Painting and Art History from Providence College.
Christopher Whittington
Instructor
MFA graduate from Rhode Island School of Design with 30 years ceramics experience. Teaches weekend hand-building classes and creates industrial-inspired sculptural works with layered glaze techniques.
Paul Schultz
Studio Volunteer
Multidisciplinary artist with architecture background from University of Illinois. Develops studio infrastructure improvements while creating socially conscious ceramic works that support charitable causes through sales.
Nancy VanKanegan
Artist
Mixed-media sculptor inspired by nature and yoga, combining ceramics with other materials. Holds Masters in Social Work from Loyola University and teaches art history at Columbia College Chicago.
Questions
What types of pottery classes do you offer?
We provide 8-week evening wheel-throwing and hand-building classes, weekend workshops for beginners, and independent study memberships with open studio access.
Are classes available for complete beginners?
Yes, all classes welcome all skill levels with structured instruction for newcomers and advanced students alike.
How do I register for pottery classes?
Registration opens for new students during specified enrollment periods before each 8-week session begins.
Do you offer studio rental options?
Independent study memberships provide scheduled access to our full facility with professional equipment and materials.
What community events do you host?
Annual events include the socially conscious Pottery of Protest exhibition and holiday sales featuring student-created works.
Is there a materials fee for classes?
Session fees include clay, glazes, firing, and shelf space - just bring your creativity and appropriate clothing.
Reviews (5)
Julie Oh
Sep 03, 2021
Report
One of the best decisions I made during the pandemic was to sign up for pottery class at LSPS with my eldest daughter. It has been such a wonderful escape to a creative, educational, and exciting world of ceramics. What puts it over the top is the amazing owner and the community she has built over the years. Thank you Meg for being a ridiculously awesome instructor/human.
Walter Hobocienski
Sep 01, 2021
Report
Impossible to sign up for classes, web and calling immediately led to sorry we're sold out - if you can't get in, are you really that great? No.
Joseph Marnen
Aug 20, 2021
Report
Simply the best. Not only is the instructor amazing, but the fellow potters truly become a supportive community. There's no knowledge hoarding here. Everyone is willing to help eachother out. It's been a few years since I've been in the studio and I desperately need to get back to it!
Victoria Wiedel
Aug 13, 2019
Report
This is a great place for beginners or artists who just want a space to work on their own. I started taking lessons here a few years ago and now I make gifts for everyone. I love coming back again and again!
Cynthia Fox
Dec 21, 2012
Report
I really love the Lincoln Square Pottery Studio Learning Center. The teacher, Meg, has taught me SO much in the time I have taken classes with her. I started taking throwing classes and was able to throw two bowls in my very first class!! Nowadays, I almost exclusively take hand building classes. I love how this studio allows for a lot of creativity and learning for a very reasonable price. Meg is great at giving advice and standing back and let people learn for themselves. I really, REALLY recommend this place to anyone who just wants to start somewhere with ceramics. You need ZERO experience
