Transform Raw Clay into
Living Art at Cydozue

Where ancient craft meets modern expression

Nestled in a restored 19th-century brick workshop, Cydozue Pottery School invites you into a world where time slows and creativity flows as freely as the clay between your fingers. Unlike conventional ceramic studios, we believe pottery isn't merely about creating vessels—it's about discovering the vessel within yourself.

Our philosophy emerges from the ancient wisdom that clay remembers every touch, every intention. With master artisans who have dedicated decades to understanding the subtle conversation between human hands and earth, we guide both novices and experienced potters through a transformative journey. Our curriculum weaves together technical precision with intuitive exploration, teaching not just wheel-throwing and hand-building, but the patience and mindfulness that have made pottery a meditative practice across millennia.

Each class is thoughtfully designed as a sensory experience—the earthy scent of clay, the cool wetness against warm palms, the hypnotic rhythm of the wheel, and the satisfying weight of a finished piece. We've created an environment where mistakes become opportunities, where perfection lies not in flawlessness but in authentic expression. Whether you're seeking a creative outlet, professional development, or simply a few hours where the outside world fades away, Cydozue offers a sanctuary for your artistic spirit to emerge, one revolution of the potter's wheel at a time.

The Cydozue Difference

  • Master Artisan Instruction - Learn from potters with over 25 years of professional experience
  • Small-Batch Classes - Maximum 8 students per session for personalized guidance
  • Comprehensive Materials - All clays, glazes, and tools provided in our all-inclusive pricing
  • Custom Curriculum - Courses adapted to your skill level and creative aspirations
  • State-of-the-Art Kilns - Experience traditional and experimental firing techniques
  • Community Access - Join our vibrant pottery community with monthly exhibitions and gatherings
Begin Your Clay Journey Explore Our Classes
A pottery student carefully shaping clay on a wheel, with hands gently guiding the emerging form in the warm light of Cydozue Pottery School

Our Clay-Crafted Journey

At Cydozue, we don't just teach pottery—we breathe life into earth. Founded by a collective of passionate artisans who believed that everyone deserves to experience the transformative magic of clay, our school has grown from a humble studio into a sanctuary where hands discover their innate creativity.

Our journey began when a group of ceramics enthusiasts found themselves continually answering the same question from friends and onlookers: "Could I ever learn to do that?" The answer—a resounding yes—became our founding principle and continues to guide everything we do today.

Our Mission

To awaken the dormant creator in every person by providing a nurturing space where the ancient wisdom of pottery meets contemporary expression, transforming not just clay but human potential.

Cydozue Pottery School Workshop
The Cydozue Philosophy

We believe that pottery is not merely a craft but a conversation between the artist and the earth. In our light-filled studios, beginners find their confidence while seasoned potters push boundaries. Every student's journey is honored, whether they're creating their first wobbly bowl or perfecting crystalline glazes.

Our name, Cydozue, derives from ancient symbols representing the cyclical nature of creation—clay to form, form to function, function to inspiration, and back to clay again. This endless cycle reminds us that in pottery, as in life, there are no mistakes, only opportunities for growth and reinvention.

Our Community Values
Authentic Expression — We honor each person's unique creative voice and provide the technical skills to articulate it through clay.
Mindful Practice — We teach pottery as meditation in motion, where the rhythm of the wheel and the feel of clay become pathways to presence.
Sustainable Craftsmanship — We emphasize respect for materials and environmental consciousness in all our practices.
Pottery Making Process at Cydozue

Today, Cydozue stands as more than a pottery school—we are a living workshop where traditional techniques dance with innovative approaches. Our instructors range from classically trained ceramicists to experimental artists, each bringing their distinct perspective to our diverse curriculum.

Whether you're seeking a creative outlet, professional development, or simply the therapeutic joy of working with clay, Cydozue offers a space where your hands can discover what your mind perhaps hasn't yet imagined. The ancient potters believed that clay carries memory—we believe it also carries possibility, waiting for your touch to awaken it.

Our Pottery Classes & Services

Discover the transformative journey of clay through our carefully crafted experiences. Each service invites you to explore the ancient art of pottery with modern guidance.

Beginner's Wheel Throwing

Step into the enchanting world of pottery with our foundational class. Feel the clay yield beneath your fingertips as you learn centering, pulling, and basic vessel formation. Our patient instructors transform pottery mysteries into accessible techniques for complete novices.

350 RON per session

Includes all materials, 2.5-hour session, personal guidance, and one finished piece.

Glaze Chemistry Workshop

Unlock the alchemical secrets of ceramic finishes in this specialized workshop. Learn to formulate custom glazes that shimmer with unique personality, understanding the science behind temperature reactions and material interactions. Discover how to translate your artistic vision into tangible surface beauty.

420 RON per workshop

3-hour intensive with take-home reference materials and test tile creation.

Ceramic Homeware Series

Create functional art for your living space through this comprehensive four-part series. Design and craft matching plates, bowls, mugs, and serving pieces that reflect your personal aesthetic while learning advanced techniques for domestic pottery. Transform your table with handmade vessels carrying your creative imprint.

1,200 RON for full series

Four 3-hour sessions, all materials included, with take-home complete dining set.

Sculptural Clay Forms

Break free from the wheel to explore clay's boundless sculptural potential. Learn hand-building techniques including pinching, coiling, and slab construction to create expressive three-dimensional artworks. This course encourages artistic risk-taking and developing your unique voice through tactile exploration and structural understanding.

480 RON per workshop

Includes specialized tools access, 4-hour intensive, firing of one completed sculpture.

Monthly Membership Studio

Immerse yourself in our clay community with unlimited studio access for dedicated practitioners. Develop your skills through consistent practice with professional equipment, storage for works-in-progress, and a supportive environment of fellow ceramicists. Our membership fosters both technical growth and artistic community.

750 RON per month

Includes 24/7 studio access, clay allowance, glazes, and two firings per week.

Raku Firing Experience

Witness the dramatic transformation of clay through this ancient Japanese firing technique. Experience the thrill of extracting glowing pottery from the kiln and manipulating reduction atmospheres to create unpredictable, stunning surface effects. This workshop combines technical knowledge with elemental excitement.

550 RON per session

Full-day workshop including pre-made bisque pieces, all materials, and safety equipment.

Children's Clay Adventures

Nurture young creativity through tactile exploration designed specifically for children aged 7-12. Our specialized instructors guide playful learning experiences that develop fine motor skills, patience, and artistic confidence. Projects range from whimsical creatures to functional pieces, each tailored to childhood imagination.

280 RON for 4 sessions

Weekly 90-minute classes with child-safe materials and take-home finished pieces.

Private Group Workshops

Celebrate special occasions through shared creative experience with our customized group sessions. Perfect for team building, birthdays, or gatherings of friends seeking meaningful connection through art. Our instructors design bespoke projects that accommodate all skill levels while fostering collaborative joy.

1,800 RON (up to 8 people)

3-hour exclusive studio use, customized projects, all materials, and refreshments included.

All services include professional guidance from our master potters with decades of combined experience. Each participant receives personalized attention to ensure your ceramic journey is both educational and deeply satisfying.

Booking is essential as class sizes are limited to ensure quality instruction.

Voices From Our Clay Community

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The clay whispered secrets in my hands that I never knew existed. Cydozue's instructors didn't just teach technique; they awakened the ancient dialogue between human creativity and earth's raw potential.

Eleanor Thompson
Portland, Oregon
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After three failed attempts at other studios, I found my ceramic sanctuary at Cydozue. Their patience transformed my frustration into flowing forms. Now my kitchen showcases my journey from novice to artisan.

Marcus Wellington
Austin, Texas
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The wheel spins, time stops. In Cydozue's sunlit studio, I discovered that pottery isn't about perfection but presence. Their advanced course rekindled my creative flame after years of corporate numbness.

Sophia Chen
Seattle, Washington
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Bringing my teenage daughter to Cydozue was magic - watching her disconnect from screens and connect with something tangible. The family workshop became our monthly ritual, creating both pottery and memories.

Jonathan Brooks
Chicago, Illinois
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Each vessel I create carries whispers of what I learned at Cydozue. The instructors teach not just techniques but a philosophy of mindfulness that has seeped into every aspect of my artistic practice.

Olivia Ramirez
Denver, Colorado
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Post-retirement, I sought purpose. At Cydozue, I found not just a hobby but a second calling. Their senior-focused class accommodated my arthritis while challenging my preconceptions about what I could create.

Gerald Hoffman
Savannah, Georgia
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The master class on glazing techniques revolutionized my work. From muddy amateur to exhibiting artist in eighteen months - Cydozue's systematic approach unlocked potential I didn't know existed in my hands.

Victoria Lancaster
Minneapolis, Minnesota
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As an architect, I thought I understood form. Cydozue taught me that understanding comes through fingertips, not just eyes. Their specialized workshop bridged my profession with this ancient craft in unexpected ways.

Alexander Pierce
Boston, Massachusetts

Frequently Asked Questions

Cydozue isn't just a pottery school—it's a sanctuary where clay whispers ancient secrets. Unlike conventional studios, we blend traditional techniques with contemporary innovation, offering an alchemical experience that transforms both clay and creator. Our master artisans, each with over 15 years of experience, guide you through a journey that's as much about mindfulness as it is about craftsmanship. Here, your hands will remember what your mind has forgotten: the primal joy of creation.

Absolutely not! Clay welcomes all hands, experienced or novice. Our classes are carefully designed to embrace beginners while challenging seasoned potters. We believe everyone has an innate connection to this earthen medium—some just haven't discovered it yet. Our instructors are masters at meeting you where you are, whether you've never touched clay or you're refining decades of practice. Remember: even the most skilled potter once created their first, wonderfully imperfect piece.

Our studio resides in a lovingly restored 19th-century textile mill, where sunlight streams through cathedral-height windows and dances across the wheels. Located in the heart of the Arts District at 1428 Riverstone Avenue, we're easily accessible via public transportation (Route 42 stops directly outside) and offer ample parking. The building's rich history of creation infuses our space with a special energy—many students say they feel it the moment they cross our threshold. We've designed our studio to be not just functional, but soul-nourishing.

Our curriculum flows like the seasons, offering a diverse ecosystem of ceramic experiences. Core offerings include: "Clay Foundations" (8-week beginner journeys), "Wheel Whispering" (focused throwing techniques), "Hand-Building Expeditions" (exploring sculptural possibilities), and "Glaze Chemistry" (diving into the alchemy of color and texture). We also host specialized workshops—Japanese Raku firing under moonlight, neolithic coiling techniques, porcelain translucency explorations—that rotate throughout the year. For the committed potter, our Master Series connects you with internationally renowned ceramic artists for transformative three-day intensives.

We believe in intimacy of instruction—clay work requires personalized guidance. Our regular classes maintain a strict limit of 8 students per instructor, ensuring you'll never feel lost in the crowd. For specialized techniques that demand extra attention, such as porcelain throwing or complex sculptural forms, we reduce class size to just 6 participants. Our philosophy is that each student's creative journey deserves focused nurturing—we're not interested in packing the studio like sardines for profit. Your growth as an artist requires space, attention, and community in balanced measure.

Absolutely! Private instruction unfolds like a bespoke suit—tailored precisely to your creative desires. Whether you're navigating a specific technical challenge or seeking accelerated development, our one-on-one sessions create space for transformative breakthroughs. For group experiences, our "Clay Communion" events have hosted everything from corporate team-building adventures to birthday celebrations, wedding parties, and family reunions. There's something almost magical about how shared pottery experiences dissolve ordinary social boundaries—we've witnessed strangers become friends and colleagues discover new respect through the humbling, joyful process of working with clay together.

Clay moves to its own rhythms, teaching us patience in our instant-gratification world. A typical project journeys through multiple stages: forming (1-3 hours), initial drying (3-7 days), trimming/refining (30-60 minutes), bisque firing (24-48 hours including cooling), glazing (1-2 hours), and final firing (24-48 hours including cooling). From first touch to finished piece typically spans 2-3 weeks. This ancient timeline can't be rushed—clay remembers every attempt to hurry it and responds with cracks, warping, or explosions in the kiln. Yet this very slowness becomes meditative, teaching us to honor process as much as outcome. As our students often discover, the waiting becomes as valuable as the making.

Your hands are the only essential tools you need to bring—we provide everything else to begin your journey. All core classes include professional-grade clay, access to our curated tool library, glazes, and firing services. For beginners, we recommend experiencing different tools before purchasing your own. As your practice deepens, many students develop personal preferences and assemble their own toolkit (which we can guide with recommendations tailored to your style). We offer a thoughtfully selected range of tools in our studio shop, though there's no obligation to purchase. Some advanced students develop almost supernatural attachments to particular tools—we understand completely.

We maintain a diverse clay pantry that invites exploration. Our standard offerings include: velvety B-Mix porcelain for thrown forms requiring refinement; robust speckled stoneware that records every touch like living memory; iron-rich terracotta that connects to pottery's ancient roots; and specialty clays like black Mountain Clay that dramatically showcases glaze breaks. Beyond these, we regularly source rare and specialized clays—from paper clay for sculptural strength to wild-harvested local clays that carry the geological story of our region. Each clay body has its own personality, strengths, and challenges. Part of our teaching philosophy involves helping you discover which clay speaks most clearly to your artistic voice.

Yes! Creating ceramics requires both structured learning and independent exploration. All enrolled students receive complementary open studio hours (10 hours weekly for 8-week courses, proportionally adjusted for shorter workshops). For dedicated practitioners, we offer monthly memberships with expanded access (up to 30 hours weekly including evening and weekend times). Our studio breathes with a 24-hour rhythm—early birds find peaceful focus at dawn, night owls work under warm lights while the city sleeps. Many students discover their creative voice flourishes during these self-directed sessions, when time dissolves and dialog with clay deepens beyond instruction into personal conversation.

We understand life's unpredictability while respecting the commitment of our instructors and fellow students. For 8-week courses, cancellations 14+ days before start date receive a full refund minus a $25 administrative fee. Cancellations 7-13 days prior receive a 75% refund or 100% studio credit. Cancellations less than 7 days before receive a 50% refund or 75% studio credit. For workshops and single sessions, we require 48 hours' notice for a full refund/credit. No-shows or same-day cancellations cannot be refunded, but we'll work with genuine emergencies on a case-by-case basis. If you can't attend a class in a series, we offer one makeup session per course.

We accept payment via credit card, PayPal, Venmo, or check (for registrations more than 14 days in advance). To make ceramics education accessible, we offer several discount pathways: Early Bird registration (10% off when registering 30+ days in advance), Returning Student loyalty (5% off for alumni), Refer-a-Friend ($25 credit for each new student referral), Family Enrollment (10% off when multiple family members join), Educator discounts (15% for K-12 and university arts educators), and Income-Based Scholarships (partial to full tuition coverage, application required). We also offer installment payment plans for our longer programs—ceramic art should be available to anyone called to explore it.

Your finished pieces are your treasures to keep, display, gift, or even sell. We store student work for up to 30 days after completion, carefully labeled and organized. We'll notify you when pieces emerge from their final firing, glowing with transformation. For students creating larger collections or those traveling from afar, we offer extended storage (up to 90 days) and shipping services at cost. Some students choose to contribute selected pieces to our annual student exhibition, a celebrated community event where many have launched their ceramic careers. Occasionally, with explicit permission, we may request to photograph exceptional student work for our teaching archives or promotional materials.

Clay connects with creators of all ages, though different programs have appropriate parameters. Our Youth Program welcomes children 8-12 years for specially designed classes focusing on hand-building techniques and introductory wheel work. Teen Studio serves ages 13-17 with more advanced instruction. Adult classes are designed for participants 18+, though mature 16-17 year-olds may join with parent/guardian permission and assessment. Our Family Clay Days welcome all ages (children under 6 require one-to-one adult partnering). We've witnessed remarkable intergenerational magic in our studio—grandparents working alongside grandchildren, each learning from the other's perspective. Clay has no age limit; our oldest active student is 94 and producing her finest work yet.

Let's Shape Your Pottery Journey

At Cydozue Pottery School, we believe every interaction is an opportunity to create something beautiful. Just as clay transforms under skilled hands, your inquiry begins a journey of artistic discovery.

Reach out to us with your questions, dreams, or simply to book your first class. Our clay experts are eager to guide you through the world of pottery and help you find the perfect path for your creative expression.

Studio Hours

Monday - Friday: 9:00 AM - 8:00 PM

Saturday: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Sunday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Romanian Standard Time (EET/EEST)

Why Our Pottery School Stands Apart

Master Artisan Mentorship

Learn directly from potters with decades of wheel-throwing wisdom. Our instructors don't just demonstrate techniques; they excavate the ancient knowledge buried in every handful of clay, guiding your hands toward pottery prowess that speaks to the soul.

State-of-the-Art Studio

Create within our sunlit sanctuary featuring premium wheels, custom-formulated clays, and kilns that whisper ancient firing traditions while embracing modern precision. Every tool, shelf, and surface has been thoughtfully curated to nurture your creative metamorphosis.

Intimate Class Sizes

We honor your journey with small-group experiences, never exceeding eight students per instructor. This sacred ratio ensures personalized attention as your fingers dance with clay, allowing for whispered corrections and celebrated breakthroughs in your pottery pilgrimage.

Flexible Scheduling

Pottery pathways that bend to your life's rhythm with morning, evening, and weekend sessions. Our scheduling alchemy transforms rigid timetables into fluid possibilities, ensuring clay awaits when your hands are ready to shape stories.

Diverse Technique Treasury

Traverse continents through your fingertips as we unveil pottery techniques from Japanese Nerikomi to Italian Majolica. Our curriculum maps the global landscape of ceramic traditions, allowing you to collect time-honored methods like precious artifacts for your creative arsenal.

Gallery Exhibition Opportunities

Your masterpieces deserve witnesses. We showcase student works in our rotating gallery space, inviting the public to behold your earthen eloquence. This transformative moment—seeing your vessel admired by strangers—often marks the metamorphosis from student to artist.

Certified Mastery Path

For the dedicated clay disciple, our structured certification program unlocks progressive levels of expertise. Each completion grants both tangible credentials and that ineffable confidence that comes when hands truly understand earth's willingness to be transformed.

Community Clay Culture

Join a living heritage of makers bound by muddy fingerprints and shared creative fire. Beyond technique, we cultivate belonging through seasonal celebrations, visiting artist workshops, and collaborative installations that weave individual talents into community tapestries.

Our Clay-Covered Journey in Numbers

Beyond mere figures, these numbers tell the story of hands transformed, clay breathed into life, and the magic of creation shared among kindred spirits.

7,842

Students Transformed

Individuals who have discovered their inner potter and left with more than just pottery—they left with passion.

92% return for advanced courses
324

Workshops Annually

From beginner wheel throwing to advanced glazing techniques, our clay calendar overflows with opportunities.

All workshops consistently at capacity
47

National Awards

Recognition for our teaching methods, student achievements, and contribution to preserving ceramic traditions.

85% of our professional students win competitions
29

Countries Represented

Our wheel-thrown community spans the globe, bringing diverse pottery traditions to one welcoming studio.

18

Years of Clay Wisdom

Nearly two decades of guiding hands, sharing knowledge, and watching pottery dreams take form.

4.9

Average Rating

Stars that reflect not just satisfaction, but the life-changing experiences our students treasure.

153

Student Galleries Opened

Former students who've gone on to open their own galleries and pottery studios worldwide.

72

Custom Glaze Recipes

Exclusive color formulations developed in our experimental kiln lab, each one bearing the distinctive Cydozue signature that collectors recognize worldwide.

95% of advanced students master our signature glazes
94%

Student Success Rate

Our carefully crafted curriculum guarantees that virtually every student, regardless of prior experience, completes their first course with both a collection of finished pieces and the confidence to continue their pottery journey.

From complete beginners to proud creators