Ballard Clay is a clay studio offering a variety of classes, events, and workshops perfect for those beginning or continuing their clay journey.

Our new location on the West end of Market St in Ballard is aimed at beginners, hobbyists, and folks who want to learn the joy of playing with clay! We offer many ways to interact with clay from intro nights to 6- week sessions.

Throughout my many careers in film and television, travel, and non-profit events, pottery has always been an outlet for relaxation, meditation, and creativity. I opened Ballard Clay in my home in November 2021 to share my love of the craft and build a welcoming and supportive community. In September 2023 we moved into our current Market St location.

With Ballard Clay, I strive to make entering or returning to the world of clay less of a commitment, less intimidating, and all about the experience. We offer smaller commitments (6 weeks, instead of 8,10, or 12) and small class sizes (8 max) for an individualized learning environment. Whether you are starting out, or continuing your journey, Ballard Clay is the place for you.

I hope to see you in the studio soon!

Rebecca Sorensen
Ballard Clay, Owner

 

Photo Cred: Dylan VanWeelden

Meet the Team

  • Arianna

    She/They
    Instructor/Studio Assistant

    Teaches: Hand-building + Sip & Spin

    Arianna fell in love with clay when she took her first sculpture class in 2009, soon shifting her focus and major accordingly. Since then, as a life-long-learner, she’s taken a handful of workshops and classes from studio production potters to indigenous instructors. Often referring to pottery as perfectionist therapy, she loves the meditative process of both hand-building and throwing, and the magical color combos that emerge after a glaze firing.

  • Rye Herrera- Perez

    He/Him
    Instructor/Studio Assistant

    Teaches: Try It Classes

    Rye’s fascination with ceramics is stemmed from an aspiration to stray from our modern desires of instant gratification, challenging the the ease and fast paced way in which we consume and function through the labor and play of making handmade goods.

    “I enjoy ceramics because its a meditative practice of reconnection for the individual at work. Whether that be with themselves through the body awareness gained from manipulating clay, the earth through the manipulation of raw materials and play by getting messy and seeing what comes from patience, creativity and the art of letting go. My personal work is inspired by utilitarian wares, functional forms for everyday use which commonly comes out as a mug, plate or funky vase/pot.

    I look forward to the opportunity to teach, grow and foster growth with each individual I get the honor to share space and create community with.”

  • Brian Hippern

    He/Him
    Instructor

    Teaches: All Levels Wheel

    “Growing up in Maine, I fell in love with clay at workshop retreat in high school, and went on to study ceramics In college under ceramicist Megumi Naitoh. Inspired by the Mingei Movement, I believe that using functional art in your everyday life can bring much more joy than using mass produced objects from machines and cheap materials. Armed with a passion for clay and the shared objective of Ballard Clay to make pottery a less-intimidating, joyful experience, I’m ready to help artists of any skill level build their skills and find their voice in pottery.”