Clay Classes

Session are either 8 or 16 week long and are open to adults with ALL LEVELS OF EXPERIENCE unless otherwise noted in the class description. While focus is on the beginner, individual instruction and demonstrations are provided for the more advanced student.

Online registration for Class Session #1, January–February, 2025 will be Monday, December 2, at 7:00 pm. See class list below Session #6 description

Note: the registration page automatically appears at 7:00 PM on the night of registration.

Class Session #6, October – December, 2024

Tuesday Morning – FULL

10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 10/8-12/3 (8 week session, no class Thanksgiving week)
All Level Handbuilding & Throwing with Barbara Vanderbeck

*Tuesday Evening – FULL

7:00 to 9:00 PM, 8/13-12/3 (*note 16 week session; no class Thanksgiving week)
All Level Hand-Building & Throwing with Scott Jennings

Thursday Evening – FULL

7:00 to 9:00 PM, 10/17-12/5 (*note 7 week session no class Thanksgiving week)
All Level Hand-Building &Throwing with Joe McGovern

Saturday Morning – FULL

10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 10/12-12/7 (8 week session, no class Thanksgiving week)
All Level Hand-Building & Throwing with Barbara Vanderbeck

Class Session #1, January–February 2025

Tuesday Morning – FULL

10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 1/7 - 2/25/2025 (8 week session)
All Level Hand-building & Throwing with Barbara Vanderbeck

Tuesday Evening – FULL

7:00 to 9:00 PM, 1/7 - 2/25/2025 (8 week session)
All Level Hand-Building & Throwing with Scott Jennings

Thursday Evening – FULL

7:00 to 9:00 PM, 1/9 - 2/27/2025 (8 week session)
All Level Hand-Building &Throwing with Joe McGovern

Saturday Morning – FULL

10:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 1/11-4/26/2025 (16 week session)
All Level Hand-Building & Throwing with Barbara Vanderbeck

What to expect when you sign up for a ceramics class at Ruby’s, first and most importantly you can expect to have a joyful, creative practice that expands your understanding of pottery and ceramic art, from a hands-on learning experience.

As with all learning, it can be exhilarating and fun to discover new things, and simultaneously, it can be challenging in ways unexpected. Things can look easy and be surprisingly difficult, and other things that seem mysterious can be simple in their resolve. Expect some surprises.

Pragmatic expectations:

• You are likely to get dirty and dusty using clay. Your clothing will reflect this reality, so wear clothing that can get dirty. Aprons are available at the studio to use.

• You will need tools, which are available at Ruby’s for a small price.

• A bag of clay is included with class fees, further bags can be purchased through Ruby’s.

• Class size is intentionally small, to create opportunities for personalized instruction and comradery.

• Parking locally has some restrictions, and also check street signs for street cleaning times.

Students are free to come work outside of class hours, for free, if there is someone with a key present. This is a huge benefit that makes Ruby’s stand out from most studios. We encourage you to take full advantage of this program.  The studio “member phone” number is 415-437-1642, to call and confirm who’s around with a key.

Refund Policy

Class payments are non-refundable and non-transferable. Circumstances that may allow for refunds are:

1. A physician's note stating a condition that prevents the student from working in clay or at the studio.

2. Instances of extreme, unexpected hardship. This may include the death or serious illness of someone close. Exceptions are granted at the discretion of the manager. Changes in a student's priorities, job or vacation plans do not constitute the means for a refund. Having stated this, studio managers will attempt to assist students by granting partial refunds if a replacement student can be found for the class. When replacements are found (which must be before the third class), students are granted a refund equal to the pro-rated amount paid by the new student, less a $50 fee for accounting.

Registration & General Information

Please read this! it may affect whether you get into the class of your choice.

1. Ruby’s doesn't accept early registrations.

2. All registrations for the session will begin online. We encourage you to make arrangements to register on-line when registration opens.

3. Please be aware that your choices on the registration form are binding and you will be charged for any class (including alternate choices that you make). Do not register for a class you are unlikely to take. If you must drop a class you have registered for, please notify management as soon as possible. Review our refund policy at the bottom of the page for dropping a class.

The registration page will only be available after the registration date and time.

Class Aide Applications: Class Aides are volunteers who work with our teachers during class. In return, Class Aides do not register for class, receive a space to store tools, can have work fired in class and community kilns and may use the studio any time a member with a key is present (except during classes or studio meetings). We request that our Class Aides have extensive knowledge of Ruby’s rules and our class procedures. For that reason, we request that applicants have attended at least three classes in the last 12 months and understand how our studio works. Artists who have used our Drop-In program, locker holders and space holders may also apply. Please email management if you are interested in being a Class Aide.