When asking yourself about something to do near me in Portland with a group of friends or family, consider
The Mud Room Southeast
Why The Mud Room Southeast is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
The Mud Room Southeast, established in August 2019, stands as Portland's original community ceramics studio located at 2011 SE 10th Avenue. This studio offers an inviting and creative environment perfect for individuals and groups to gather and explore their artistic talents in pottery and ceramics. Whether you're a beginner eager to try your hand at clay or an experienced ceramicist seeking a vibrant community, The Mud Room Southeast caters to all skill levels. It features open studio hours where drop-ins are welcome for pottery painting and ceramic crafting, making it an accessible and spontaneous meetup spot. For those planning ahead, reservations are available, including a dedicated party room accommodating up to 16 people, ideal for celebrations or group events. The studio's staff are known for their supportive and encouraging approach, creating a comfortable space that fosters creativity and connection among friends, families, and colleagues. Beyond just a place to create art, The Mud Room Southeast acts as a community hub for artistic expression and social engagement, offering classes, memberships, and events designed to inspire and connect. Located in the lively neighborhood of Southeast Portland, it is surrounded by great restaurants and cafes, allowing visitors to easily combine a creative session with socializing or dining, enhancing the overall experience.
Here's what people think of The Mud Room Southeast
As of recent, The Mud Room Southeast holds a 5-star rating based on 35 reviews.
User reviews of The Mud Room Southeast consistently highlight its welcoming atmosphere and top-notch facilitation for pottery and ceramic art. Positive feedback frequently mentions the studio's friendly and knowledgeable staff who make the creative process approachable and enjoyable for visitors of all ages and skill levels. Many reviewers appreciate the flexibility of walk-in open studio hours combined with the convenience of reservation options for groups, describing it as an excellent venue for friendly gatherings and creative group activities. The clean, well-equipped facilities and inspiring environment receive repeated praise, enhancing the overall satisfaction and experience. On the other hand, some less favorable reviews occasionally note that peak times can lead to fuller studios and waitlists, which may require some patience or advance planning. A few users have mentioned limited seating during busy periods, emphasizing the benefit of securing reservations ahead of time especially for larger groups. Despite minor inconveniences, these critiques are sparse and generally do not detract significantly from the positive consensus. In conclusion, The Mud Room Southeast enjoys a strong 5-star rating based on 35 reviews, reflecting widespread acclaim for its creative offerings, supportive community, and enjoyable ambiance, making it a standout destination for anyone interested in ceramics and art in Portland.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Hillary Hoffman (The Lost and Fond)
Can’t say enough good things about the Mudroom. I have been a member since 2019 at the SE location. The owners are two incredibly kind, thoughtful and annoyingly attractive people. They have created an inclusive, fun space that nurtures making friends as well as art. This studio is great for seasoned ceramists or for people wanting to take an intro class at the NE location, the instructors are so nice!
Anastasia Pukay
The Mud Room is an excellent community studio. Always very clean and you can feel how everyone is so respectful of your work and handles the space with care. I’ve been with them since 2021 and never had a piece stolen or broken. The studio is perfectly organized and labeled which makes it easy to find things and have a good work flow. They also host community markets two times a year which are a ton of fun. The members make such unique work which is a joy to see. I also appreciate how on the days I’m over there it’s not so busy so I get the space almost to myself and it feels safe and cozy to be there and focus on my work. Liz, Cole and Hannah are kind and responsive people who are always quick to encourage. Overall, choosing the mud room is a great decision :)
Leanne Norden
I've been a member at the Mud Room SE for almost four years now and I've enjoyed my time there immensely! There are plenty of hand building tables, wheels, and glazing stations to work from. Depending on your preference, it can be a quiet space to work on your own projects or a place to chat and collaborate with other members on techniques and glaze combinations. It is rewarding to be part of a community where you have both much to learn from and much to offer to other members. The hands-on augmentations, big and small, to the space show how much the lovely owners are invested in their studio and community. If you're looking for a community studio to create amongst cool individuals then the Mud Room is for you!
Remy
I adore this studio! Where to begin. One of the best parts of this studio is the community - people are friendly, helpful, and so creative. I always feel inspired just being in the space and I learn so much from everyone I get to create with. Also, the owners and staff are super responsive and always willing to collaborate with members to make the studio more functional and comfortable. There's never been a time I've reached out with a need or question that wasn't immediately addressed. The studio is also extremely clean which is something that's always important to me. 24 hour access and clay and tools available for purchase onsite is very convenient. I'm thrilled to be a part of this community and highly recommend to anyone who loves clay, regardless of experience level.
cia mooney
the mudroom is a great community of talented ceramic pros and novices, all sharing a passion for making. the mudroom was established by lizzie and cole, a happy couple devoted to a well-run studio for all. my happy place, for sure.
How to reach The Mud Room Southeast
None
Website: None
Why rally at The Mud Room Southeast with your friends? Because it offers a uniquely enriching social experience grounded in creativity, connection, and hands-on fun, all set in a welcoming and vibrant environment. Unlike typical meetup venues, this ceramic studio invites groups to actively engage in making something beautiful together, fostering a sense of accomplishment and bonding that lasts beyond the time spent there. Nestled in Southeast Portland’s eclectic neighborhood, The Mud Room Southeast embraces an inclusive and supportive atmosphere where everyone—from seasoned potters to complete beginners—feels invited to express themselves artistically. The studio’s commitment to accessibility means no prior experience is necessary, making it a perfect spot for friends or family to break out of routine, relax, and enjoy a shared, meaningful activity. Whether you want to develop new skills, enjoy casual creative play, or celebrate a special occasion, The Mud Room Southeast combines artistic exploration with genuine community spirit, ensuring an experience that is fun, memorable, and enriching for every participant.
What activities does The Mud Room Southeast offer that make it ideal for group meetups? The studio provides an extensive range of pottery and ceramic arts classes, workshops, and open studio time tailored to various interests and skill levels. Core offerings include potter’s wheel classes, which are particularly popular—introductory wheel throwing gives newcomers the thrill of shaping clay on a spinning wheel under expert guidance. For those who prefer to craft by hand, hand-building workshops teach techniques like coiling, pinching, and slab-building, allowing for creative flexibility and personalized projects. Beyond shaping clay, they offer glazing workshops where groups can add color and texture to their creations, making each piece uniquely their own. Specialized courses also cover more advanced or niche ceramic art forms like tile making or sculptural work, catering to those wanting to deepen their craft. Importantly, the studio regularly runs team-building events and private lessons, which are excellent for groups seeking a structured yet fun shared experience. The diversity and adaptability of activities make The Mud Room Southeast perfect for gatherings that want something engaging, educational, and entertaining together.
Why is The Mud Room Southeast’s space perfect for a group meetup or social event? The design and environment of the studio promote social interaction, creativity, and comfort, which are essential ingredients for a successful meetup. The studio is described as warm, inviting, and inclusive, with a spacious layout that accommodates groups large and small. They even feature a dedicated party room that comfortably seats groups, ensuring private and uninterrupted time for friends or family. Natural light, calming aesthetics, and specially crafted woodworking details enhance the atmosphere, making the space feel both inspiring and relaxing. This thoughtful setting encourages casual conversation and collaboration while also providing enough room for individual creative expression. The staff’s welcoming approach ensures that even those who might feel shy or inexperienced soon feel at ease, creating a safe and supportive environment for everyone. Additionally, situated in a lively neighborhood with nearby shops and eateries, The Mud Room Southeast allows meetups to extend beyond the studio, turning the whole outing into a vibrant social experience.
How does The Mud Room Southeast support different skill levels and creative interests within a group? One of the standout qualities of The Mud Room Southeast is its dedication to accessibility and personalized instruction. They offer beginner-friendly classes that break down pottery basics clearly and patiently, removing the intimidation factor and allowing novices to succeed and enjoy themselves. For intermediate and advanced ceramicists, there are classes designed to develop skills more deeply over longer periods, including eight-week sessions that help participants refine their craft through consistent practice and expert feedback. The studio also offers private lessons, giving groups the option for individualized attention tailored to their specific interests or skill development needs. Moreover, the variety of workshops—from wheel throwing to hand-building, glazing to decorative techniques—ensures that every member of a group can explore the creative process at their own pace and in their own style. This inclusive approach fosters a community where all can celebrate achievements, share inspiration, and encourage one another’s growth, making it a perfect setting to build connections through artistic collaboration.
What additional benefits does hosting a meetup at The Mud Room Southeast provide for friends or family? Beyond the creative perks and cozy atmosphere, The Mud Room Southeast offers practical conveniences that enhance the overall outing. The studio accepts reservations, ensuring groups can secure seating and avoid waitlists, which is crucial for larger gatherings or special events. Walk-ins are also welcome, so spontaneous meetups are easy to accommodate. The staff’s expert guidance means that even those unsure about their artistic skills can dive in confidently, with encouragement and help at every step. The opportunity to take home finished, personalized pottery items provides tangible souvenirs of the event—objects that hold memories and stories from the day spent together. This adds an extra layer of value, turning a fun meetup into a cherished keepsake experience. Lastly, The Mud Room Southeast’s location in an accessible area with vibrant local culture means guests can enhance their gathering by exploring nearby cafes, restaurants, and shops, creating a full day of connection, creativity, and enjoyment.
In summary, The Mud Room Southeast is more than just a pottery studio—it is a vibrant community hub where friends and family can gather to spark creativity, learn new skills, and build lasting memories. Its friendly, inclusive environment, diverse class offerings, and thoughtfully designed space make it an exceptional venue for group meetups seeking a meaningful and fun alternative to the usual social outings. Whether you’re celebrating a birthday, planning a team-building event, or just looking for an engaging way to spend time together, rallying at The Mud Room Southeast promises a rewarding experience filled with laughter, artistic discovery, and genuine human connection.