When asking yourself about something to do near me in New York with a group of friends or family, consider
La Mano Pottery
Why La Mano Pottery is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
La Mano Pottery is a full-service ceramic studio located in the heart of New York City, offering a peaceful and creative space for pottery enthusiasts of all skill levels. Established in 1998, it has grown into the city’s largest independent pottery studio, featuring 29 electric pottery wheels, six electric kilns, and a dedicated hand-building area equipped with a slab roller and extruder. This studio provides small, engaging classes in hand-building and wheel throwing, designed to nurture creativity and skill development. With a vibrant community of nearly 100 resident ceramic artists working alongside beginners, La Mano encourages both learning and independent artistic expression. The studio proudly maintains a large selection of two types of clay and fifteen in-house mixed glazes, catering to diverse artistic tastes. Membership options, including monthly and at-home memberships, give flexible access to studio facilities, while private lessons and open practice times foster a supportive environment. The spacious, airy studio also offers a well-stocked ceramic library, making it an inspiring meeting place for friends, hobbyists, and serious artists alike.
Here's what people think of La Mano Pottery
As of recent, La Mano Pottery holds a 3.8-star rating based on 31 reviews.
User reviews of La Mano Pottery reflect appreciation for its welcoming atmosphere and well-equipped facilities. Positive feedback highlights the studio as a clean, beautiful space offering a strong sense of community where both beginners and advanced potters feel supported. Reviewers often praised the knowledgeable, enthusiastic instructors and the availability of equipment and supplies, such as the plentiful pottery wheels and well-maintained kilns. Many users appreciated the small class sizes and the opportunity to develop skills in a relaxed, friendly setting. However, some critical reviews mention occasional issues with scheduling or membership logistics and note that the studio's busy environment might sometimes feel crowded. A few users also suggested that pricing could be a consideration for some. Overall, the reviews suggest that La Mano Pottery remains a cherished hub for creative pottery work in NYC, well-regarded for fostering both artistic growth and community connections despite some operational challenges.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Alicia F
I’ve done three rounds of weekly wheel classes with La Mano. I was a little nervous after reading some of the reviews, but let me offer my perspective. 1. Wheel is incredibly difficult to learn! Try to be patient + kind to yourself. It took eight weeks for me to finally “enjoy” it. 2. La Mano classes are mixed level. This has pros/cons. Pro is that I can learn from others. Con for me was that I felt behind quite often at first. 3. Instructors have pretty different skills — nothing bad/good just different. Some are better at hands-on demos with you, while others are better at aesthetics. I recommend trying different sessions if you can to find an instructor who works for your needs at that time. 4. The studio managers are fabulous and the best ones to communicate with if you have issues. 5. It gets better! The studio doesn’t really “hand hold” you. Be insistent when you need help, don’t be afraid to ask others what they’re working on/tips, and stick with it at least for two go-rounds if you can. (Photos are examples of where I started at the first session to where I ended after a second session.)
Quinn Tully
I have been enrolled in the weekly pottery wheel classes for over a year and a half, and it is such a wonderful experience! La Mano is by far the best ceramics studio in NYC. The staff is amazing and super helpful, and the instructors are top notch professionals who really care about the students. The members are happy to help, too. They have a great selection of glazes made in-house, and the facilities are awesome. Whether you have experience or not, it's a great opportunity for anyone from a novice to the well-seasoned ceramicist. I would HIGHLY RECOMMEND La Mano to anyone interested in ceramics and pottery!!
Alyssa Caridi
Without a doubt the biggest waste of time and money I've ever experienced. Paid over $350 for a class that had essentially no teacher? Class time was spent 1. Listening to the teacher talk about herself and how great she was for 30 minutes straight. 2. Attempting to throw a cylinder with the only instruction being the teacher doing a 5-second demo that no beginner could possibly learn from. 3. Watching said teacher help only 3 very advanced students and wander off to god knows where. I eventually got so frustrated that I stopped coming after week 6. I genuinely thought it would be fun to learn a new craft, but now I never want to see a wheel again. Oh, also- the teacher cancelled a class and then decided to make up for it by adding 15 minutes to the beginning and end of each class. She never even came to the first 15 minutes (surprise), and the last 15 minutes is essentially extra clean up time. Please, whatever you do, if you decide to come to La Mano for class, do NOT take the Thursday night class and be sure to make the most of your studio time. That's the only time you're likely to learn anything. The front desk staff is extremely friendly, and they will help you during studio time if you're struggling.
Teresa Chung
As someone new to pottery, I've really enjoyed my wheel classes. The teachers and other students are friendly and willing to help out. The classes aren't overly structured and you have to be proactive about asking questions if you want to improve as there are other students trying to learn at different levels. Gabrielle was really helpful in teaching me what to look out for and helping me figure out what I was doing wrong. It is a steep learning process but I'm glad i started at La Mano!
Linda Heller
I have been a studio member at La Mano Pottery for a year. Julie, the owner, was so accomodating when I said I needed to sit at a low table because of my back that she ordered two new tables that can be adjusted for height. I also need a strong light and the monitors quickly figured out the best way to attach it to the table. The other studios I went to relied on volunteers to make the glazes and assist the ceramists. These people were often harried and unsure what to do. At La Mano we have a profession staff who are excellent. Throughout the day the floors are washed and swept and all my questions are answered. I've done my best work this year because after a five year seach for a good studio I finally have the space to work, the ability to concentrate and am with fellow ceramist s who are friendly and eager to share their knowledge.
How to reach La Mano Pottery
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Why La Mano Pottery may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at La Mano Pottery with your friends? La Mano Pottery offers a unique and inspiring escape from the everyday hustle of New York City life, making it an ideal spot to gather with friends or family. This fully equipped ceramic studio invites you to engage in a hands-on creative experience that fosters connection, learning, and fun. Unlike typical meetup places, La Mano allows you to craft your own pottery, which means you leave with a tangible, personal memento of your time together. It’s a chance to slow down, express yourselves artistically, and share laughs around pottery wheels and clay, which often leads to memorable bonding moments. The atmosphere is welcoming and vibrant, blending instructional support with space for free creativity, so everyone from novices to seasoned ceramicists can enjoy themselves. Whether celebrating a special occasion or just spending quality time, La Mano transforms ordinary gatherings into memorable artistic adventures, making it a rewarding destination to rally your group.
What activities does La Mano Pottery offer for a group meetup? La Mano Pottery is equipped with 29 electric pottery wheels and a spacious area dedicated to hand-building clay pieces, offering diverse options to accommodate all skill levels and preferences. Groups can take part in ceramic classes that include both wheel throwing and hand-building techniques, perfect for a shared learning experience in a lively studio environment. For more personalized activities, private lessons tailored for individuals or groups provide focused instruction and the chance to make unique pieces with expert guidance. Beyond classes, La Mano offers scheduled practice times that are open seven days a week—ideal for groups wanting to spend ample time perfecting their skills or exploring pottery casually together. The studio also boasts six electric kilns that fire daily to various temperatures, ensuring that the creations are professionally finished and ready for pickup, which extends the joy of the meetup beyond the session. This breadth of activities suits different group sizes and interests, making it a perfect place for creative socializing.
Why is La Mano Pottery perfect for hosting friends or family gatherings? The studio’s welcoming and inclusive environment makes it an excellent venue for groups looking to share an artistic experience that’s both entertaining and enriching. Located conveniently between 6th and 7th Avenues in New York City, it’s easily accessible by subway and bus, removing stress from planning logistics for your meetup. La Mano’s spacious layout supports comfortable socializing while maintaining enough room for individual creative focus, blending communal activity with personal expression. The extensive palette of 15 house-made glazes and two distinctive clay bodies—white and brown stoneware—means every participant can customize their pieces, adding a personal touch and making the activity more engaging. Additionally, the staff's friendly and professional guidance means that even beginners feel confident and supported as they explore pottery, which helps everyone enjoy the experience regardless of prior skills. This combination of accessibility, personalized creative options, and expert support makes La Mano Pottery a wonderful backdrop for celebrations, casual get-togethers, or team-building events.
How does the studio setup enhance group creative experiences at La Mano Pottery? The studio’s infrastructure is thoughtfully designed to foster creativity and ample hands-on time for everyone involved. With nearly thirty electric wheels, groups can work side by side without waiting, promoting a collaborative vibe while engaging in their projects. The presence of a dedicated hand-building section equipped with a slab roller and extruder allows members of the group who prefer molding and sculpting over wheel work to fully participate. With six kilns firing daily, creations can be glazed and fired efficiently, letting your group’s artistic expressions come to life quickly and professionally. This setup not only streamlines the pottery-making process but also encourages experimentation and sharing ideas among friends as they watch their work evolve. The studio also offers a rich library of ceramic books and magazines, providing inspiration and learning tools that groups can explore together. This professional and well-equipped setting transforms the pottery experience from merely a craft session into an immersive creative journey shared with others.
What makes La Mano Pottery a flexible and convenient choice for meetup scheduling? The studio maintains generous hours throughout the week, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate different schedules and maximize availability for groups. Members and walk-ins can access the space almost every day, with operating hours typically ranging from morning until late evening, which is helpful for those balancing work or other commitments. La Mano also offers various membership options and at-home memberships, providing additional convenience for frequent visitors or regular meetup groups. Private lessons can be arranged by appointment, giving groups the ability to tailor their experience to their desired time and instructional needs. Even during seasonal transitions or holidays, La Mano provides updated hours and maintains communication to ensure visitors can plan accordingly without surprises. This level of scheduling flexibility makes organizing a meetup straightforward, allowing groups to focus on enjoying the creative experience rather than logistical hassles.
How does La Mano Pottery support a safe and comfortable visit for groups? In light of evolving health considerations, La Mano follows adaptable COVID-19 policies to ensure everyone feels comfortable while engaging in pottery activities. Mask-wearing is optional, respecting personal choice and maintaining a relaxed environment, while reminders encourage guests to respect personal space and avoid crowding. This balance promotes safety without compromising the social and creative atmosphere that makes meetups enjoyable. The studio’s spacious design naturally allows for comfortable distancing, reducing concerns over close contact during activities. Additionally, La Mano's professional staff monitors operations and adjusts policies as necessary to respond to public health changes, assuring visitors they are entering a mindful and well-managed space. These thoughtful measures help groups feel secure while fully immersing themselves in the artistic process, contributing to a positive and stress-free outing.
What additional benefits can groups expect when hosting meetups at La Mano Pottery? Beyond the creative and social advantages, La Mano Pottery offers gift certificates, which can serve as perfect invitations or party favors for group meetups or celebrations. For groups interested in ongoing gatherings, monthly memberships provide great value and ongoing access to the studio’s full offerings. The studio’s location in a bustling New York neighborhood also means groups can combine their pottery session with nearby dining or shopping, creating a full day of enjoyment around the meetup. The staff’s expertise and friendly approach encourage an environment where participants can grow their skills over multiple visits if they choose to, turning casual friends’ outings into regular creative traditions. Hosting your get-together here gives you not just an event, but a memorable artistic experience to cherish and repeat, all backed by a professional studio dedicated to community and craft. These benefits elevate La Mano Pottery as a remarkable choice for meaningful and fun social gatherings.