When asking yourself about something to do near me in Los Angeles with a group of friends or family, consider
Not Another Pottery Studio
Why Not Another Pottery Studio is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Not Another Pottery Studio (NAPS) is a vibrant and uniquely welcoming pottery studio located in the heart of North East Los Angeles. Renowned for its quirky and beautiful setting, NAPS offers a creative sanctuary for potters of all skill levels—from complete beginners and families eager to get their hands dirty to seasoned potters seeking a new home. The studio boasts state-of-the-art amenities including brand-new Shimpo Whisper wheels, custom sit-stand workbenches, and a versatile glaze bar featuring over 100 brushable and dippable glazes and underglazes. This extensive variety ensures that the only extra cost for artists is the clay itself, encouraging unlimited creative exploration.
Moreover, NAPS fosters a close-knit community atmosphere focused on kindness, cleanliness, creativity, and connection. It offers memberships, classes, workshops, paint-your-own-piece sessions, and event space rentals, making it ideal both for casual visits and frequent creative sessions. The studio also dedicates itself to the local North East Los Angeles community by organizing free and low-cost arts events beyond pottery, inviting everyone to engage with art and with each other in an inclusive and inspiring environment. With convenient hours during afternoons and weekends, NAPS stands out as an excellent place to meet up with friends, learn, create, and be part of a supportive artistic community.
Here's what people think of Not Another Pottery Studio
As of recent, Not Another Pottery Studio holds a 5-star rating based on 15 reviews.
Reviews of Not Another Pottery Studio reflect a strong appreciation for its welcoming and supportive atmosphere, its high-quality facilities, and the extensive variety of creative options it provides. Users praise the studio for being an inspiring and comfortable place, highlighting the excellent equipment like the Shimpo Whisper wheels and the innovative glaze bar system that simplifies access to over 100 types of glazes. The community-centric focus and the kindness of the staff are frequently mentioned as aspects that make the studio feel like a true creative home.
Positive reviews emphasize the helpfulness and friendliness of the instructors and staff, the well-organized classes and workshops, and the value of the memberships which include firing and extensive materials. Many appreciate how NAPS caters both to novices and experienced potters alike, providing a diversity of tools and opportunities that encourage artistic growth and experimentation.
Negative feedback, though limited, occasionally points to the studio’s popularity possibly leading to busy times that may affect accessibility or scheduling. A few reviewers mention that occasional wait times may occur during peak hours, but these are generally viewed as minor trade-offs given the studio’s quality and community spirit.
Overall, the reviews paint a picture of Not Another Pottery Studio as a highly regarded destination where creativity, community, and quality combine to offer a rewarding pottery experience in North East Los Angeles.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Farz Tex
What's an amazing experience. We did our company event here and the instructor was so friendly and so caring. Very Chic and modern environment. This was one of the most peaceful and relaxing experiences I've ever had and the outcome was wonderful. Definitely be coming a regular. Highly recommended for couples or company events . A+ Thank you Lauren
Dianna Lopez
the best pottery studio in all of LA! The teachers are so kind and determined to help - the studio is clean and organized, and the owner, Lauren, makes it feel like home. special shoutout to my teacher Mimi for being patient with me and my class, even when we need to learn for the 6th time how to properly center a piece. 10/10 recommend you sign up here!
Leanne Pedante
I can't say enough good things about this studio and the folks who run it. I was a complete novice, and I don't have an artistic bone in my body. But I took one intro class a year ago, and I fell in love with both the practice of making things with clay and with the NAPS community. I've brought friends and family members of all ages here for their first class, and everyone has had wonderful experiences. The instructors are amazingly welcoming and experts at their craft, the space is clean and welcoming, the tools you get to work with are above and beyond the standard. And parking is easy! What more can you ask for in LA?!
Helen Shih
Came here for an “Artist’s date” session and it was great to have some studio time to play with clay. Lauren and the instructors are kind and knowledgeable. Beginner friendly. Really lovely space that you won’t want to leave!
Mollie Lief
This is not just another pottery studio, it is a magical oasis of calm, joy and creativity. The second you enter, your blood pressure drops and you are warmly welcomed in by Lauren, the incredibly wonderful owner. I first experienced the studio on a weekend soon after the fires, in which Lauren offered free time and clay (and juice boxes!) to all - young or old. A few friends and I came with our young daughters, who loved it. Soon after, Lauren was generous enough to hold a session for a group of my middle school students - all of whom have lost their school and homes in the fire. When we arrived, Lauren had thoughtfully set out snacks and waters for the girls as well as offered them beauty products that had been donated. At first, the girls were quiet and shut down. But as soon as Lauren sweetly and gently began her lesson and the girls dug their hands into the clay, they came alive and transformed back into to their silly, chatty selves. It was astonishing. Lauren’s studio is beyond healing. It’s a community space filled with warmth and light. If you’re going through a hard moment, go make a pinch pot and watch your stress melt away. Cannot recommend NAPS enough. Thank you, Lauren!
How to reach Not Another Pottery Studio
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Why Not Another Pottery Studio may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Why rally at Not Another Pottery Studio with your friends? This standout creative space in North East Los Angeles offers a unique and welcoming environment where you and your group can share an exhilarating artistic experience together. Unlike typical hangout spots, Not Another Pottery Studio (NAPS) invites you to roll up your sleeves and shape your own ceramic pieces, making every meetup an interactive adventure filled with meaningful handiwork. Its vibrant community focus ensures that whether you're a novice or a seasoned potter, you’ll find encouragement and camaraderie. The studio’s clean, quirky ambiance equipped with quality tools and a vast selection of colors sparks creativity and conversation, turning the simple act of pottery making into an unforgettable social activity. Plus, with a perfect blend of casual drop-in opportunities and structured classes, NAPS caters flexibly to groups seeking anything from casual fun to intense creative workshops. Rallying here transforms a regular gathering into a memorable, artistic bonding experience, giving your group tangible keepsakes crafted by your own hands.
What activities can you do at Not Another Pottery Studio and why are they perfect for groups? NAPS offers an extensive range of activities tailored to diverse skill levels, making it an ideal hub for group meetups. You can start with "Paint Your Own Pottery" sessions where each person picks from a wide variety of ceramic pieces—mugs, plates, whimsical pet bowls, or fun sculptures—and decorates them with one of over 100 brushable glazes and underglazes. This activity requires no prior experience or reservation, which is excellent for spontaneous outings. For those wanting a deeper hands-on experience, the studio provides wheel-throwing and hand-building classes that unfold over weeks or as single-session workshops. These classes allow group members to learn pottery fundamentals and nurture their artistic expression side-by-side, which is perfect for building collective memories. The studio is also a flexible space for hosting private events or group rentals, providing exclusive access to its well-equipped facilities including new Shimpo Whisper wheels and custom sit-stand benches. This suite of offerings, combined with friendly support from skilled instructors, ensures every group member—from beginners to experienced ceramists—can engage creatively and socially.
How does Not Another Pottery Studio create a sense of community that enhances group visits? Community lies at the heart of NAPS, where kindness, cleanliness, creativity, and support weave a communal fabric that welcomes every visitor like family. The studio holds regular free and low-cost arts events beyond pottery, fostering local engagement and encouraging artistic exploration for people of all ages and abilities. For groups, this means joining not just a studio but a vibrant network of creative individuals who share inspiration and feedback. Membership options deepen this participation, offering perks like studio access during open hours, clay firing, unlimited glaze choices, and discounts. Members find themselves part of a lively creative hotspot in North East Los Angeles, meeting regularly to swap ideas, refine techniques, and simply enjoy being in a shared artistic space. This atmosphere makes group meetups at NAPS more than just crafting sessions—it's about belonging to a forward-thinking, supportive culture that values creativity as a social connector.
What kind of classes and workshops does Not Another Pottery Studio offer for groups? NAPS’s educational offerings are broad and engaging, designed to suit a range of interests and group dynamics. For groups seeking structured learning, the studio provides comprehensive six-week wheel-throwing classes and concise hands-on workshops, including popular slab-building and handbuilding techniques. These sessions guide participants step-by-step to create functional and artistic ceramic objects, providing a fulfilling artistic journey from start to finish. There are also exciting one-time events such as date night classes, where couples or friends build mugs together and glaze their finished pieces, turning the class into a romantic or fun group bonding experience. Specialty workshops led by guest artists offer unique opportunities to learn signature techniques like intricate underglaze painting, ideal for groups looking to delve into advanced skills. Each class and workshop fosters an interactive and supportive environment, encouraging group members to learn at their own pace while enjoying the process together.
Why is Not Another Pottery Studio’s environment ideal for hosting a group meetup? The physical space and atmosphere at NAPS are meticulously designed to be welcoming and inspiring for groups. It features a quirky yet clean aesthetic that combines practical pottery equipment with artistic ambiance, making it a stimulating place to spend time. Brand new Shimpo Whisper wheels, ergonomic sit-stand workbenches, and an outstanding glaze bar stocked with over 100 different colors provide both comfort and creative freedom. This means your group benefits from state-of-the-art tools and endless design possibilities, ensuring no one feels limited in their artistic expression. The studio’s open hours from Tuesday through Sunday give you flexibility in scheduling gatherings. Importantly, NAPS promotes a culture of inclusivity and support, where every group member’s creativity is respected, making it easy to relax, experiment, and connect. It also offers event space rentals for private celebrations or team-building exercises, providing a unique alternative to typical venue offerings.
How accessible and user-friendly is Not Another Pottery Studio for groups with varying experience levels? Accessibility is one of NAPS’s core strengths. Whether your group consists of seasoned potters or first-timers, the studio’s offerings accommodate all skill levels without pressure. You do not need any prior experience to jump into painting pottery or try hand-building workshops. The expert instructors are always on hand to provide guidance and encouragement, helping participants feel comfortable and confident in their creative endeavors. The studio’s carefully curated tools and glazes simplify the process—reviled technology like QR codes on glaze jars streamline your workflow and make exploration fun. Drop-in opportunities and flexible membership options give casual visitors freedom while serious creatives can opt for ongoing memberships and classes. This versatility makes NAPS an ideal choice for groups seeking an inclusive artistic experience, whether you want a casual creative outing or a deep dive into ceramics.
What makes Not Another Pottery Studio stand out compared to other pottery studios for group events? Several unique features set NAPS apart and make it a prime choice for group meetups. The studio’s commitment to affordability ensures most expenses are limited to clay and fees, with firing, glazes, and tools included for members. This transparency and value encourage repeated visits and group participation. The broad palette of over 100 glazes means you’re not restricted to a narrow color range—each piece can truly reflect individual personality and style. Its community focus goes beyond pottery by hosting accessible arts events that invite diverse groups to interact and grow artistically. Additionally, the studio’s location in vibrant North East Los Angeles places it within a lively cultural district, making it easy to incorporate into broader day plans. The welcoming, meticulously maintained environment, comprehensive offerings, and community ethos combine to make Not Another Pottery Studio a destination where groups create meaningful memories, cultivate artistic skills, and enjoy each other’s company in a lively, creative setting.