Yes! This is a safe learning space for all levels! If you have absolutely no experience this is for you. If you have a degree in ceramics, this is for you. If you have taken a ceramics class previously, or are currently taking your very first class membership is for you. Self-learning is totally possible. There are, however, real dangers of not understanding what you are doing, including risks of damaging other people’s work. If you are interested in ceramics, but don’t have any previous exposure please consider taking our Ceramics 101 class, ask a lot of questions, or do some research to understand the process.

Mid-range ^5-^6

Our standard glaze fire will be to cone 5 or 6, with a fast ramp up and a natural cool.

Bisque firings will be to cone 06 with a long candle and a slow ramp up.

If you are looking for something with more control, or a different temp, consider the Producer membership, where you get 2 custom firings in a Skutt 818 every month.

Various Stoneware & Porcelain clay bodies

Several mid-fire clay bodies are available for members to purchase in the back of the studio in a range of colors and texture. The prices vary based off the clay body, and all prices are posted next to the clay. You can purchase them in your member portal using the Flipped Pot app. All of the clay bodies are safe to fire at mid-range, with studio policy, and are brought in from local clay manufacturers such as the Clay Art Center in Tacoma, WA. This is a service provided for members, and the price of the clay is marked up only to cover costs of transportation, not for profit.

You are not obligated to purchase this clay, and may buy clay directly from any manufacturer you wish. However, if you want to bring in a different clay body, please ensure it is the correct firing temperature. You may also email info@flippedpot.com to confirm your clay body is okay.

Please note, clay is not included with memberships.

Custom Mixed

My glazes are primarily custom mixed colors provided in 5 gallon buckets for easy dipping. There is a selection of consistent colors, and a few rotating colors. They are all included with your membership, class, or workshop. You are welcome to purchase your own commercial glazes, just be sure they fire to cone 5-6.

The amount of work made by an individual potter varies greatly based off process, experience, art forms and other personal factors. Methods designed to quantify the amount of work made and fired by each artist or potter aren’t equitable to every artist or potter. As such, I am hesitant to place a specific limiting number that would require members to measure their work volume. This may change, if needed.

As a Hobbyist, you should consider yourself open to a volume of an about an apple box each month. A Producer might double that. As a Dabbler, you might make half a box.

Even though members have 24/7 access, Flipped Pot is not designed for a full time-production level of work by members. If that is something you are interested in, please contact the shop owner, Jessica St.Louis, to discuss possibilities. Your expertise is welcome. jstlouis@flippedpot.com

Currently, there are 10 wheels with more coming in the future. Not all potters are the same, and not all wheels are the same. Because of this, I have made an effort to supply different wheels. I am sure you will find one you like! Look for leading quality brands like Skutt and Clay Boss.

A limited number of lockers (in 2 different sizes) are available for tools, clay and personal items. When they are gone, they are gone.

If you can’t get a locker, consider using a tool box, small bucket, or gardening belt to carry your supplies back and forth with you.

Clay storage of up to one bag (25 pound limit) is provided in the throwing room.

Shelves are provided for all greenware while it dries. Ceramicware should be picked up and taken home as quickly as possible to make room for more work. If for any reason you can’t pick up work within a week of firing, please discuss your options with Flipped Pot management or email at info@flippedpot.com

We are located at 317 4th Ave E. Olympia, WA 98501.

The Intercity Transit Olympia Transit Center is visible out the front window, and less then 2 blocks away. More information can be found at https://www.intercitytransit.com/

All downtown parking is managed by either the city of Olympia Parking Services, or Diamond parking. There are several lots with monthly memberships available within a block or two. There is street parking with a 2 to 3 hour limit directly in front of the Flipped Pot, and 9-hour street parking only a block away.

The Flipped Pot is a membership based studio, and all services provided are established for members and their dedicated hours of work. As such, all work fired here must be made here.

Classes will start on time, please arrive on time. Missed classes cannot be made up. All classes and workshops have a 10% processing fee, with a minimum of $10, which cannot be refunded. This is not an extra fee, and is built into the cost. You may cancel any class or workshop for any reason up until 2 weeks before the start of class minus the processing fee. After that, you may cancel for a Flipped Pot credit of the full cost if there is a waitlist.

Follow this link to see a chart that shows the frequency of visits in the studio.

You can also download the app, which will show how many people are currently in the gym. As each member scans their key fob to come in, it will show the current number of members present.

Our covid policy is pretty straight forward. Please don’t come in sick. If you have recently tested positive, or been sick, please follow the CDC guidelines for wearing a mask.

This community is very supportive. If you feel safer with masks on everyday, we got you! Every Monday we ask all members to wear a face mask rated N94 or N95. There are masks available in the shop, should you forget yours.