FAQs
Q: What is Sylvan Park Potter?
A: Sylvan Park Potter is the classroom side of Urban Kiln. I manage both accounts. Urban Kiln was set up to sell my own pieces of work, whereas Sylvan Park Potter was created to target classes to the Nashville Area. Instagram’s algorithm always makes things interesting with how they distribute content, so I decided to separate the two in order to reach more Nashville folks, particularly in my Sylvan Park neighborhood. Can’t wait to see how IG changes things up in the future, but for now, they are one in the same.
Q: When will Sylvan Park Potters open workshop sign-ups?
A: Classes and workshops have opened up. We offer classes on Tuesday mornings, Tuesday nights and Wednesday mornings. Additional days and times may be added if classes are filling up. Fridays are held for Open Studio time, for those that have taken a class before. Open studio time is primarily an independent focus class, where you work on your own pieces at your own pace. I will be available to help guide you and answer any questions, but no formal lessons are given during open studio.
Q: What are the class schedules?
A: My classes are designed to fit your schedule. You can pick your start/finish dates to work around your work schedules, or vacation schedules. You will choose the day/time for the series of classes and stick to that day/time. This allows more freedom for you to get what you want out of the class. As students roll off their 6 weeks, new spots will open up on a rotating basis. Small classes allow a more private teaching experience, rather than traditional cookie cutter type classes. While those are great classes too, I have found that my students often have very different styles or interests and I want to make sure all students walk away from my class wanting to take another and focus on other methods of building or decorating. Upon purchase, I will work with you to schedule your time. If you are joining with a friend, please let me know, so we can ensure enough spots are open together.
Q: What kind of classes will be offered?
A: There will be different classes available, ranging from 2-hour sessions to multi-day options. Some workshops are set up for you to make our signature designs. You can also come to just experiment with clay and choose what you would like to make each week.
Q: What does a typical 6 weeks handbuilding class look like?
A: It is different for every student. I will teach you the basics of building (pinch, coil, and slab), along with an introduction to the tools and glazes. But I like to keep things a little wabi sabi and let you determine what you want the six weeks to look like. Some students gravitate to slab work, while others really want to focus on coil building. Likewise, some students want to make kitchen functional items, flower vases, and others want to experiment with jewelry making or garden/plant themed items or surface design. This allows you to take multiple classes and spend more time honing in on your skills, while diving deep into different methods, or without having to wait for a different class to be offered.
Q: What’s included in my class?
A: All classes include enough clay to make your project, the choice of one of our basic glazes/underglazes/colored slip, plus firing of your piece. Six week classes are provided with one bag of clay. Specialty glazes are not included, but may be purchased for an additional cost. Extra clay may also be purchased in 25lb bags.
Q: How many spots are available for classes?
A: Each class can comfortably accommodate 4-6 people. If you have a larger group, please contact me for options and locations that can accommodate larger groups. I also teach at a studio in East Nashville that has the space for larger groups. If that is of interest, shoot me an email.
Q: Will more classes be open this summer?
A: Yes! I will be adding some themed one-time workshops as the weeks pass. I do this, so I can get input from my students on what they are interested in learning.
Q: What are Open Studio Fridays?
A: I open my studio to those students who have taken classes before and can work independently without much direction. Lessons are not provided during this time, but use of studio equipment, tools, underglazes and slips are included in the price. Clay can be purchased.
Q: Do you offer wheel classes or lessons?
A: Currently we do not offer wheel classes, however we do have one wheel that experienced students can reserve to use during their session. We hope to add this option later in 2025.
Q: How do I find out more information or stay in the loop?
A: To learn more, you can message me on Instagram @sylvanparkpotters, or email london@urbankiln.com. Urban Kiln is my shop, and Sylvan Park Potters offers private workshops and classes. All communication and payments are through Urban Kiln.