Eastern Market Pottery

Business Details

50+ Years

experience

Learn Pottery in Washington, DC | Eastern Market Pottery

Eastern Market Pottery has been a cornerstone of creative expression in Washington, DC since 1963. Founded in the historic Eastern Market building, our studio has endured floods, fires, and global challenges while maintaining a steadfast commitment to fostering community through ceramics. Under current owners Sarah Buffaloe and partner since 2019, we continue blending tradition with innovation through hands-on instruction and community engagement. Our experienced instructors offer weekday and weekend classes for adults, emphasizing wheel-throwing fundamentals and functional design. With over 60 years of collective teaching experience, our team guides students through progressive skill development while maintaining our founding mission as a neighborhood arts hub.

The studio serves as both a learning environment and creative sanctuary, offering open studio hours for enrolled students and hosting special workshops. Our shop showcases locally made ceramics, providing a tangible connection between our community and the art we create. Through structured 8-week courses and flexible make-up options, we ensure accessible learning opportunities for all skill levels. Our production policies balance individual creativity with shared resources, maintaining equitable access to kiln space and studio facilities. As stewards of this historic space, we remain dedicated to nurturing artistic growth while preserving the traditions that have defined our studio for generations.

Services

Pottery Classes Open Studio Access Ceramic Workshops Studio Rentals Pottery Sales

Details

Year established: 1963

Highlights and features

We offer structured 8-week pottery courses with experienced instructors since 1963
Our studio maintains historic tradition while embracing modern ceramic techniques
Flexible make-up class options accommodate busy schedules
Community-focused approach emphasizes shared learning and local connection
Comprehensive facilities include slab rollers, extruders, and open studio access

What people say

Experienced instructors Community atmosphere Quality learning environment Progressive skill development Historic studio setting

Website

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Services

Pottery Classes

Our structured 8-week pottery courses teach wheel-throwing fundamentals to adults of all skill levels. Classes include clay, firings, and shelf storage with expert guidance from experienced instructors. Students progress through technique development while creating functional ceramic pieces.

Open Studio Access

Enrolled students access open studio hours for independent practice between classes. This allows continued skill development with monitored studio access for trimming, glazing, and additional projects at $10/hour rate.

Try-It Classes

2.5-hour introductory sessions let newcomers experience pottery basics before committing to full courses. Small groups of 9 students receive hands-on wheel instruction with all materials included in the $80 session fee.

Ceramic Workshops

Seasonal workshops focus on specific ceramic techniques or projects beyond regular curriculum. These one-time events cater to both studio members and external participants seeking specialized pottery instruction.

Studio Rentals

Professional ceramic artists rent studio space during designated hours with access to shared equipment including wheels, extruders, and kilns. Rental agreements include production limits to maintain equitable resource distribution.

People

Sarah Buffaloe

Owner & Instructor

Sarah Buffaloe co-owns Eastern Market Pottery since 2019. She teaches Thursday evening classes and believes good design elevates life through functional ceramics. Her work combines wheel-thrown forms with minimalist aesthetics.

Rob Murray

Instructor

Rob Murray teaches Wednesday evening and Saturday morning classes. His pottery features textured surfaces with carved organic patterns. He has developed his distinctive style since joining the studio in 2012.

Rachel Levine

Instructor

Rachel Levine instructs wheel-throwing fundamentals, creating functional household items and Judaica-inspired ware. She returned to pottery after college and emphasizes joyful learning through shared creative experiences.

Ellen Jaffe

Instructor

Ellen Jaffe has taught at the studio since 1978, focusing on brushwork techniques. She leads Tuesday evening and occasional Saturday morning classes while also producing printmaking editions available in the showroom.

Lynn Murphy

Instructor

Lynn Murphy teaches Monday classes combining hand-building with wheel techniques. After student years and a hiatus, she now guides learners through texture-focused projects in the historic studio space.

Questions

Do I need prior pottery experience to join classes?

No prior experience needed. Our Try-It classes and beginner courses accommodate all skill levels with expert instructor guidance.

What should I wear to pottery class?

Wear comfortable clothing you don't mind getting dirty, closed-toe shoes, and keep long hair tied back during classes.

Can I take my creations home immediately?

Finished pieces require bisque and glaze firings. Allow 2-3 weeks for completion with no immediate take-home access from Try-It classes.

Are there age restrictions for classes?

Classes are designed for adults. Minors may participate with instructor approval and adult supervision during private events.

What happens if I miss a class?

Make-up classes available during other sessions or open studio hours. Notify instructors in advance and complete missed sessions within one year.

Do you offer private events or parties?

Private events available after Try-It class participation. Contact us through the website for customized group experiences and special event bookings.

Reviews (3)

Write a Review

Josh Malamud

Apr 16, 2021 Report

Really nice little selection of retail pieces in the front. Great for a gift and you can dodge the eastern market weekend crowd

Austin Graff

Sep 21, 2020 Report

Market Pottery is a small pottery shop in the basement of historic Eastern Market. The retail shop is open on weekends only, but worth scheduling around for quality, local pottery. They sell dish ware, vases and other hand made products. Prices are much cheaper than you'd expect.
Pre-pandemic they hosted pottery making classes.

Mike Shoag

Aug 26, 2013 Report

This pottery studio and showroom is in the basement of the historic Eastern Market. You may either come to shop for some of the beautiful pottery made by the on-site potters, or sign up to take classes. Classes are Monday - Thursday night from 7 - 10 PM with some open studio time on Saturdays from 1 - 5 PM. New students will be taught how to throw pottery, while more experienced potters use this as an open studio in which to create whatever they want. All clay and glazes are included in the cost of the class, as is a set of pottery tools. Each weeknight has a different instructor, with a total