Creativity, Classes, and Community
Harrisonburg, VA
Take a Class with Us
Whether you’re an absolute beginner or an experienced artist, we have a class for you. Our skilled instructors keep things supportive and fun.
Artist Studios & Memberships
We offer dedicated artist studios as well as studio memberships, for people already familiar with clay.
Child & Youth Art Classes
We offer classes for ages 6 and up, throughout the year and in the Summer, taught by experienced children’s art educators. Subscribe to get new class announcements.
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“It was super relaxing and stress-relieving to have time, instruction, and a community while working on art projects. I feel like I learned a lot and had fun doing it."
Eva
Handbuilding with Ros
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"Having taken their classes for over a year, I can highly recommend the Friendly City Clay & Art Center. Classes cover a broad range of topics from weaving to watercolor to pottery. The instructors bring expertise and are skilled at working with students of all levels. More than that, they are great people who foster a trusting community."
Jeanne
Intro to Watercolor with Marydean Hairston
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"LP and Ros & Friendly City Clay and Art Center were welcoming, knowledgeable, and great for a beginner on the wheel. I loved how LP taught all participants in the class at their level while maintaining the pace (and fun!) of the entire class."
Lauren
All Levels Wheel Throwing with LP
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"Friendly City Clay & Art Center is such an inviting and encouraging community where creativity is supported and fostered at all levels - from beginner to expert. The classes are amazing opportunities to develop new skills and have fun in a supportive space with others. Spending time making in this community is always a highlight of my week! "
Melissa
Ceramic Surface Design Extravaganza with Beth Wiseman and Jane Angelhart
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"I loved my experience at the Wheel Throwing workshop with LP. It was fun, informative, and inspiring. I’ve already signed up for more classes. I’ll can’t wait to learn more, hone skills, and explore new mediums with the wonderful folks at Friendly City Clay and Art Center."
Wheel Sampler with LP Keller
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"I had the best time in my wheel class. It was so fun, welcoming, well-paced, and a wonderful place for creative expression. Despite the class size, I felt I still got as much 1:1 help as I needed to make sure I loved my pieces. I can't wait to come back!"
Shannon
Wheel 1
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"I had been wanting to take a wheel class for years, and this class exceeded my expectations! I was expecting to only make a couple pieces but ended up with 6! Everyone was so nice and welcoming and I loved Julie's style of teaching. I'll be back for more!"
Hannah
Wheel 1 with Julie
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"Friendly City Clay & Art Center welcomes people of all skill levels without any question - they make you feel at home even if you are a beginner. It is a stress free experience.”
Robin
Handbuilding with Ros
There’s a lot happening right now. Follow along with us!
We can’t wait to welcome you into our space
Friendly City Clay is located in a beautiful, sunlit space at 1157 South High St, just 5 minutes from downtown Harrisonburg. Our building has plenty of parking, as well as a large green space in the back for outdoor activities.
We have kilns, wheels, and worktables for hand building, as well as flexible classroom space.
Who we are
We are a motley team of artists, creatives, and makers who believe in the power of creativity in changing lives.
The center was founded by Ros O’Brien, a local ceramicist who specializes in handbuilding. Since opening in early 2024, our team has grown to include handbuilders, wheel throwers, elementary school teachers, professors, painters, collage artists, and healers.
We are so excited to create this community space with you.
