Private Pottery Experiences
A nature-based ceramics experience for groups—designed to build connection, creativity, and lasting wellness practices.
More Than a Typical WorkshopWhether you're planning a birthday, team gathering, or group celebration, our experiences are designed to be:
Grounding
Creative
Connection-driven
We combine hands-on ceramics with elements of nature, mindfulness, and climate-conscious making to create something your group will truly remember.
Choose Your Experience
Perfect for a single gathering, celebration, or team outing.
• Clay foraging + sculpting
• Hand-building ceramics
• Relaxed, creative atmosphere
• Take-home pieces
One Time Workshop
A Deeper Group Experience
For groups who want to go beyond one event, our 5-week series creates:
• Stronger connection over time
• Multiple creative projects
• A shared rhythm your group returns to
• A lasting creative & wellness practice
* Ideal for teams, organizations, and groups that want ongoing connection
Recommended: 5-Week Series
(Clay Foraging + Natural Processes)
This offering explores clay not only as a material, but as part of a larger ecological and cultural cycle—including:
gathering & shaping/ sculpting
when appropriate, traditional firing methods such as pit firing and open-air firing techniques.
Participants are invited to engage with clay as it has been practiced across many cultures for thousands of years—through hands-on, land-connected processes that honor the relationship between people, material, and environment.
*Offered as standalone workshop, or part of the 5-week series for deeper exploration of process, ritual, and continuity.
Seasonal Earth Based Practices
What Makes Us Different Rooted in Nature & Care
Our approach to ceramics goes beyond technique.
We incorporate:
Nature-Based Practices
Working with clay in outdoor environments and connecting to natural cycles
Climate-Conscious Making
Exploring alternatives to single-use culture through handmade objects
Mindful Process
Creating space to slow down, reflect, and be present
This creates an experience that feels both creative and meaningful.
Strengthen connection outside the workplace through a shared creative experience.
• Team building that feels natural (not forced)
• Supports employee wellbeing and stress reduction
• Encourages creativity and collaboration
• Option for multi-week engagement
Popular choice: 5-week series + ongoing studio access
For Teams and Corporate Groups
A space to restore, reflect, and reconnect.
• Trauma-informed, inclusive environment
• Grounding creative practices
• Accessible and adaptable to group needs
• Supports meaningful group bonding
Especially impactful for mission-driven teams
For Nonprofits & Community Groups
A unique and memorable way to celebrate.
• Hands-on and engaging for all ages
• Creative keepsakes to take home
• Relaxed, joyful atmosphere
• Can be playful or more guided depending on the group
A celebration that feels both fun and meaningful.
For Celebrations (Birthdays, Gatherings, Kids Parties)
WHAT TO EXPECT-
Depending on your chosen experience, participants may:
• Work with clay in our studio or outdoors
• Learn hand-building techniques
• Create functional or sculptural pieces
• Explore simple reflective or creative prompts
• Share the experience together in a relaxed settingNo experience needed—just curiosity.
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For groups who choose a multi-session experience, something deeper begins to form:
• Familiarity and comfort with the process
• Stronger relationships within the group
• Creative confidence
• A shared rhythm outside of daily routinesMany participants continue:
• Returning to the studio together
• Creating outside of sessions
• Building small personal rituals with their work -
We offer:
• Group membership rates
• Open studio access
• A space to return, create, and unwindPerfect for groups who want to keep the experience going.
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Led by experienced guides who know how to hold space, encourage participation, and keep things moving with purpose.
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Our events prioritize comfort, safety, and respect—so you can show up as you are and fully engage in the process. All sessions are beginner friendly!
Customer Love Notes
“Booked a team-building event with Artillery, and we had a fantastic time! They were super helpful when organizing - their guidance made it easy to find a plan suited my team's schedule and personalities - and the session itself was fun, flexible, and very chill.”
— Tobi from SQUAREUPI work for a non-profit organization and the studio gave us a very generous deal to take our clients for a mug making workshop class. every single one of our clients enjoy it so much that we are planning to have a second class in the future! thank you Artillery for working with the community!
— Robin Varguez Wellness Coordinator
Shanti Project | LAASN program
Pronouns: they/them“I loved how the moment the instructor started explaining about clay our group members from Chiapas, Yucatan, El Salvador and Guatemala unlocked their childhood memory of harvesting clay, playing with clay as children, prized clay cooking pots from elders, the freshness of water kept in a clay pitcher etc. It was a magical moment and the whole purpose of the trip was to experience the mental wellness properties of a clay practice. On top of it we made a copalero which will unlock another wellness practice.”
— Adriana Camarena Somos Remedios, a grassroots research group ; researching ancestral practices with mental wellness benefits
Clay Foraging
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Handbuilding
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Wheel Throwing
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Clay Foraging 〰️ Handbuilding 〰️ Wheel Throwing 〰️
Plan Your Group Experience- Submit Form
From one-time celebrations to multi-week programs, we’ll help you create the right experience for your group.
*We design each group experience with care. This form helps us create something aligned with your group’s needs.
Thank you for filling this out ahead of time.
Common FAQ
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Yes! Your pieces will be fired and glazed by our team. They’ll be ready for pickup in about 3–4 weeks (or we can ship for an additional fee).
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We’re located in the heart of San Francisco’s Mission District. Street parking is available, and we’re close to public transit.
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Simply fill out the Private Event Inquiry Form above — tell us your group size, preferred dates, and any special requests. We’ll follow up within 1–2 days to confirm details and finalize your booking.
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Most private workshops are 2–2.5 hours, but we can adjust timing for your group’s needs or add time for team reflection and connection.
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This depends on your type of class.
Single Firing (no glazing/ underglazing) - 2-3 weeks
Double Firing (double glazing) - 4-6 Weeks