What temperature do you fire at?

We use cone 5 clay bodies and glazes and fire everything in oxidation with our three electric kilns.

What clay bodies do you carry?

We carry seven cone 5 clay body options: B-mix, B-mix with Speckles, Porcelain, Navajo, Speckled Buff, B-3 Brown & Reclaim Clay.

Do you sell clay or glaze?

Mill Valley Pottery Studio is only able to store or stock enough clay and materials for current members and students. You can purchase clay, glaze, and other materials at Clay People in Richmond or online retailers.

Can you fire my piece for me?

Due to limited kiln space MVPS can only offer firing services for work made by our students and members. Clay People in Richmond offers firing services.

Can I just drop in and make something?

All courses, workshops, & lessons must be booked in advance. Please see our courses page, private events page, workshops page, or memberships page for more info.

Can you repair my broken ceramic piece?

Unfortunately we are not able to help you repair your broken ceramics as we do not offer any repair services. Our studio is focused on ceramic education and classes and ceramic repair work is a very specialized service we are not equipped for. We can recommend two part epoxy, or gorilla glue if you decide to do the repair yourself. Or you can try contacting a studio in Delaware that offers repair services called Lakeside Pottery.

Can I give a pottery class as a gift?

Yes! MVPS sells gift certificates though our online shop. Gift certificates can be redeemed for any service in our studio. This includes any course, workshop, private event, lesson, or membership. Gift certificates can also be used to purchase products such as clay and tools sold through our website. Gift certificates can not be used to purchase products in person at the studio. See our selection of courses, workshops, and private events on our website. When gifting a pottery class, we recommend that you purchase a gift certificate instead of a specific class or workshop so that the recipient can choose the right course or workshop for them (as our cancellation policy still applies if the recipient can not attend the scheduled event).

How big can my work be to fire in the kiln?

Please see the MVPS Size Guide.

Can I use my own glazes in the studio?

MVPS does not allow outside hand formulated glazes to be used at the studio to avoid kiln accidents. MVPS does allow the use of some commercial glazes, however all outside glazes and underglazes must be approved by a staff member prior to use in the studio. Please see our glaze guide before purchasing anything.