When asking yourself about something to do near me in Miami with a group of friends or family, consider
Mercy Pottery
Why Mercy Pottery is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Mercy Pottery, located in Miami, Florida, offers a unique and inviting environment that makes it a wonderful place to meet up with friends and immerse yourself in the creative world of ceramics. Founded by Mercedes Gavazzi, known affectionately as Mercy, this studio blends a welcoming atmosphere with expert instruction, making pottery accessible and enjoyable for all skill levels. The studio's focus on community and artistic growth creates a supportive space where friends can learn, create, and bond over clay. Highlights of Mercy Pottery include a variety of workshops such as wheel throwing and handbuilding classes scheduled at different times during the week, including Thursday nights, Saturday mornings, and special themed workshops like figure animal crafting. The monthly pottery membership encourages continuous engagement and artistic development, allowing members to create masterpieces over time. The intimate group sizes and hands-on guidance from Mercy herself ensure personalized attention, enhancing the creative experience. The studio's location in Miami’s vibrant art scene further adds to its charm, making it an inspiring destination where friends can meet up, relax, and craft together while enjoying the therapeutic benefits of working with clay.
Here's what people think of Mercy Pottery
As of recent, Mercy Pottery holds a 4.8-star rating based on 24 reviews.
User reviews of Mercy Pottery consistently reflect a highly positive sentiment, with a strong overall rating of 4.8 out of 5 from 24 reviews. Reviewers frequently praise the studio for its warm and welcoming atmosphere, highlighting Mercy’s passion and dedication as a ceramics instructor and community builder. Many users noted how the workshops are both therapeutic and skill-enhancing, appreciating the balance between professional guidance and creative freedom. Positive reviews often mention the quality of instruction in wheel throwing and handbuilding classes, the cozy environment of the studio, and the sense of community fostered among participants. Some reviewers praised the flexibility of class schedules and the well-organized membership options, which make it easy to stay engaged and improve pottery skills over time. Conversely, a few negative remarks centered on occasional issues with class availability or limited space due to small group sizes, which can restrict immediate access for some interested participants. There were minor comments about pricing, with a couple of users expressing that the workshops and memberships are a premium investment, although many justified the cost given the quality experience. Overall, the reviews indicate that Mercy Pottery is highly regarded for its artistic offerings and community spirit, making it a desirable destination for those interested in pottery and creative expression in Miami.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Zach Henson
This studio is awesome for classes and members. Big windows with lots of light in paradise inside of iron side. Very knowledgeable artists as teachers. Services include classes, workshops, memberships and commissioned work if needed for small or large projects. Have enjoyed making bonsai pots here.
Lujan Stegelmann
I had the absolute joy of joining classes at Mercy Pottery during my stay in Miami (Feb–Mar), and to be honest, I’d never even touched clay before. I didn’t go in with any expectations—just curiosity—and what I found was something much deeper than learning the basics of ceramics. Mercy, with her kind approach, not only taught me how to work with clay but also how to sit with the process itself—with patience, with presence, and with humour (especially when my piece cracked or crumbled because I may not have followed her instructions… 🙈😂). Looking back now, what really stayed with me wasn’t just the technique, but the quiet life lessons baked into every session. Mercy Pottery became a space where I connected with myself, with others, and with the raw honesty of the material in front of me. I learned to let go of perfection, to respect the pace of the process, and to embrace what is—whether it’s a lopsided bowl or just a moment of stillness. To the whole team at Mercy: thank you, truly. What you offer is so much more than a class. It’s a gentle, grounding reminder of what it means to create with care and heart. I’m grateful from the bottom of mine 💛
Nicholas Guerra
AMAZING experience and ambiance. I loved the hand pottery + brunch package and the instructor was super sweet, supportive, and ready to help out when needed. It was a smaller class and felt so personal and it was really fun and a great way to also meet new people. Amazing value for the price and a great experience!
Tami Rauch
Mercy is super knowledgeable and has the patience of a saint, and does it all with a huge smile. The studio is spacious and well equipped. Being a total novice, who never did wheel throwing before, I took the full 5 classes course with her and will definitely come back to keep learning more.
AKB
I’ve been attending Mercy Pottery for about a year, and while I appreciated the opportunity to work consistently with clay, my experience has been disappointing overall. Unfortunately, two significant incidents left me feeling let down. A piece of mine I had been working on for many weeks was broken and while I understand that accidents happen, there was no communication, acknowledgment, or offer to make up for the lost time, effort, or materials. I was simply told to “recycle” my craft… On that same occasion, I found out that a piece drying on a shelf disappeared. Again, no explanation, no follow-up. These things might be understandable if there were clearer policies or more accountability, but the lack of responsiveness and care has been frustrating. As artists and hobbyists, we put a lot of time and energy (and money) into our work, and it’s discouraging when a studio doesn’t reflect that same level of respect for the process. I hope Mercy Pottery takes this as constructive feedback and improves how it handles communication, especially when things go wrong. The community has potential, but basic professionalism and care need really to catch up.
How to reach Mercy Pottery
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Why Mercy Pottery may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Mercy Pottery with your friends?
Gathering your friends at Mercy Pottery offers a uniquely enriching experience that taps into creativity, relaxation, and bonding all at once. The studio is not just about making pottery; it is a warm, inviting space where artistic expression flourishes under the guidance of an experienced artist, Mercedes (Mercy) Gavazzi. The personalized attention and small class sizes ensure that both beginners and seasoned potters feel comfortable as they shape clay into one-of-a-kind pieces. Whether you want to try your hand at wheel throwing—a mesmerizing, hands-on craft—or focus on handbuilding and sculpting, Mercy Pottery provides the tools and encouragement to make this a memorable social outing. Moreover, the studio fosters a community vibe, allowing friends to share laughs, exchange ideas, and watch each other’s works evolve during the creative process. This shared journey makes it perfect for reconnecting and creating lasting memories beyond the usual dinner or movie night. The soothing nature of clay work combined with the studio’s cozy atmosphere means your meetup won’t just be fun; it will also be a fulfilling artistic escape.
What activities can you enjoy at Mercy Pottery with your group?
Mercy Pottery offers a rich variety of hands-on ceramic workshops and classes that cater to all skill levels and interests, making it an ideal venue for groups who want to engage in creative activities together. One of the most popular options is wheel throwing, where participants use a potter’s wheel to create bowls, cups, and other vessels from a spinning lump of clay. This tactile and rhythmic experience is captivating and often brings out everyone’s competitive spirit in a friendly way. The studio hosts multiple wheel throwing sessions, including Thursday night, Thursday morning, and Saturday morning classes, each designed for six-week periods to provide sufficient time to hone skills.
For those preferring a slower, more detailed approach, Mercy offers handbuilding workshops where you can sculpt and form your projects without the wheel, perfect for crafting personalized gifts or artistic figures like animals. The FIGURE ANIMAL workshop is a special class focusing on sculptural pottery, letting your group explore whimsical and imaginative creations. Mercy’s monthly pottery membership adds flexibility, allowing participants to attend various classes and work on projects at their own pace. Groups can even book a single wheel throwing class for a one-time fun session, which makes for a great spontaneous outing.
Why is Mercy Pottery perfect for group meetups?
The environment at Mercy Pottery is carefully tailored to foster community and creative collaboration, which makes it a perfect place for groups. The studio is known for its welcoming, supportive atmosphere led by Mercy herself, who is praised for her friendliness and helpful guidance. Every visitor receives individual attention on technique and design, enabling even novices to feel confident and accomplished. For larger groups or multiple friends meeting up, the space is flexible enough to accommodate collaborative projects or individual works side by side while sharing tools, ideas, and support.
The variety of classes means groups can mix and match sessions to suit different interests, so everyone finds an activity that fits them—some might enjoy the focused precision of wheel throwing, while others prefer the freedom of handbuilding or painting ceramic pieces. This diversity encourages conversations and new discoveries among friends. Additionally, Mercy Pottery’s hands-on approach encourages slow, mindful creativity that contrasts with the digital distractions of everyday life, perfect for reconnecting with loved ones. The studio’s emphasis on building a community through art means your meetup is not just social; it’s also a chance to inspire and uplift one another through crafting.
What makes Mercy Pottery’s workshops stand out compared to other studios?
Mercy Pottery stands out because of its founder’s personal journey and dedication to creating a nurturing artistic space. Mercedes Gavazzi, better known as Mercy, brings a deep passion for ceramics combined with a heartfelt mission to build an encouraging artistic community. This personal touch resonates in every workshop, where students benefit from Mercy’s expertise gained both from professional pottery practice and her own story of reinvention as an immigrant artist.
The workshops are thoughtfully structured, ranging from single class offerings to multi-week sessions lasting six weeks, giving participants the opportunity to thoroughly develop skills. Each class is small enough to ensure direct interaction with Mercy, who provides tailored feedback and creative inspiration. The diverse schedule of classes—including wheel throwing, handbuilding, monthly memberships, and special sculptural workshops—caters to a wide spectrum of interests and skill levels, a flexibility not as commonly found in larger studios. Additionally, the pricing is competitive and transparent, inviting regular return visits without breaking the bank.
Another key distinction is Mercy Pottery’s focus on community beyond just the studio sessions. It is a place where friendships naturally form and artistic growth is fostered outside formal classes. This makes it especially attractive to groups who want not just to create art but also to engage in a shared, meaningful experience together in Miami’s vibrant creative scene.
How does Mercy Pottery support your artistic growth?
At Mercy Pottery, artistic growth is nurtured through hands-on learning, personalized mentoring, and a motivational creative environment. The workshops are designed to build foundational pottery skills gradually, from beginners to intermediate levels, ensuring each participant gains confidence in shaping, glazing, and firing ceramics. Mercy’s role as a caring guide means that artists receive constructive advice tailored to their pace and style, helping to unlock their potential rather than pushing for perfection.
The studio encourages experimentation with different techniques—wheel throwing, handbuilding, figure sculpting—allowing attendees to discover which mediums and methods resonate with them the most. The consistent scheduling of workshops and memberships offers ongoing opportunities for practice and refinement, which is vital for mastering pottery skills. Furthermore, the warm, communal atmosphere provides inspiration; seeing others make progress and express creativity sparks motivation and artistic curiosity.
By focusing on artistic development within a supportive community, Mercy Pottery helps artists build both their technical abilities and creative confidence. This environment is especially beneficial for groups who can learn together, share feedback, and celebrate each individual’s breakthroughs, making it a place where your pottery skills grow alongside your friendships.
Why should you choose Mercy Pottery for a special event or celebration?
Choosing Mercy Pottery for your special event—whether a birthday, reunion, or just a fun day with friends or family—turns an ordinary gathering into a unique and memorable experience. Unlike typical venues, Mercy Pottery offers an interactive creative activity that guests can participate in regardless of age or artistic experience. This inclusivity ensures everyone feels involved and valued, strengthening group bonds through shared hands-on projects.
The studio’s cozy, artistically inspiring setting brings a relaxed and joyful energy perfect for celebrating togetherness. With Mercy’s guidance, your group will not only craft beautiful pottery pieces but also enjoy a personalized experience that feels both intimate and special. The session-based nature of workshops means events are organized and timed, so there’s a smooth flow that keeps everyone engaged but not rushed.
Additionally, guests take home their creations as lasting souvenirs of the day, making your celebration tangible and meaningful beyond the event itself. Mercy Pottery’s combination of creativity, community, and caring service make it an excellent choice for those seeking a heartfelt and distinctive venue for their group meetups.
What do customers say about their experience at Mercy Pottery?
Customers consistently praise Mercy Pottery for its welcoming atmosphere, personalized instruction, and inspiring artistic environment. Many highlight how the studio stands out for its supportive community vibe and Mercy’s attentive, friendly teaching style that puts even first-timers at ease. Guests comment on the variety of classes, well-organized sessions, and the opportunity to create meaningful, beautiful pottery items.
Reviewers often mention coming with friends or loved ones and leaving with not only handcrafted pottery but also memorable social experiences. The hands-on nature combined with thoughtful guidance tends to exceed expectations, making it a top spot for creative outings. Some guests emphasize how the studio helped them discover new passions or improved their pottery skills significantly in a short time.
While most feedback is very positive, a few note that space and brush availability can be a bit limited during busier times, but they still describe the overall experience as enriching and well worth it. Mercy Pottery’s high rating confirms its reputation as a cherished community hub for pottery lovers and groups looking for a unique artistic meet-up.
How can you plan your visit to Mercy Pottery with your group?
Planning a meetup at Mercy Pottery is straightforward and flexible, making it easy to coordinate with your friends or family. The studio is located in Miami, providing a charming and accessible destination for locals and visitors alike. Booking can be done online through the website, where you can choose from single classes, multi-week workshops, or membership plans depending on your group’s availability and interests.
It’s advisable to select your preferred activity in advance, especially for popular time slots like Thursday nights or Saturday mornings, to ensure your group can be accommodated together. Mercy Pottery’s team is helpful and responsive, ready to assist with special requests or to help design a custom experience suited to your group size and skill level.
For larger groups, consider splitting sessions or combining handbuilding with wheel throwing to offer variety. Bringing snacks and drinks for a casual social intermission is often welcomed in the cozy, artistic environment. Clear communication with the studio about your group’s needs will help create a smooth and enjoyable visit that blends creative engagement with quality time spent together.
By taking advantage of Mercy Pottery’s diverse class options, expert guidance, and community focus, your group meetup promises to be a creatively fulfilling and socially meaningful occasion.