This was the perfect date night location for our group of 4. We went for the pottery class. From the moment we walked in we were greeted and shown to our area. They were very punctual and everything went well. I appreciated our instructor who helped us when needed and for me it was often. If I were local I would come more often. However, I plan on bringing my son because he enjoys making pottery.

The staff is very friendly and my friends and I had a great experience. One of the employees knows American Sign Language which was great.

We had so much fun at our Mud and Merlot class! Our instructor was thorough, super kind, and kept the atmosphere light. We had a blast and came out with our own semi-functional pieces. Not to mention the gorgeous pieces they have for sale in the shop.

Staff were friendly and excellent teachers! I highly recommend their Mud & Merlot class if you havent worked with clay before. Prices for individual projects are well priced too. I will definitely be back.

The Koplow family and family of instructors and regulars here are what makes this place special. The gallery showcases beautiful work from jewelry, pottery, frames, magnets, and on and on from local and artists in residence. Take a glass fusion class with Bree or wander up to the pottery studio for wheel or hand building classes. Want to try mosaics? They have that too. Come and play, create and unwind. Its good for you! Watch for Groupons if you want to dabble and socialize, have a fun date night or take some time away with friends.

My first time visiting I went with my spouse as a date. I enjoyed the Mud & Merlot class and experience so much I thought I’ll bring a group from my sorority as a bonding event. We all loved the down to earth instructor and the experience of learning to make pottery. We all plan on returning again. The staff and owners are so welcoming and personal. Love love loved the experience. Returning customer.

I LOVE the ClayGround! Took one Mud and Merlot class and I am now hooked! Shannon is AMAZING as are all of the instructors and the owner. It is a welcoming home away from home and a place to destress and find your inner artist! Lots of fun and encouragement! Whether you are a beginner, have taken pottery classes in the past, or an expert, the ClayGround has it all! LOVE! LOVE! LOVE!

I called for availability prior to purchasing. Bri the girl that answered, told me to go ahead and purchase and then call back to schedule. I made sure to ask TWICE about a specific date and she assured me I was good to place my order. Hung up. Placed order, called back (maybe 40 seconds to do this). When I called back she said that they aren’t available on the date I am requesting and I can book again on another date anytime within the next 100 days. I am incredibly upset as I called PRIOR to make sure the day in question was available. Now I am out the money and out of patience. She was dismissive and rude.

Went here with a decent sized group, about 8 of us. The instructor was fun, upbeat, and friendly. I took the pottery class, and it is a lot harder than you would think, but you complete it with a work of art you did all on your own (maybe with some help). To glaze your masterpiece you come back in a month or so. After that, you come back in two weeks. Then tada! Its done and you can take it home.The owners are lovely people who care. They take part in the classes and can be encountered around the shop.Looking forward to trying the glass fusion class.

Perfect place for a date night and to learn a bit about clay. They help you if you want them to. Everyone in the place is supper helpfully and knowledgeable.

The Clayground is my favorite place in the world. Just an amazing group of artists who are truly invested in their community. LGBTQ+, all creeds and colors are welcomed and loved. Seriously. Anyone can go in with no knowledge at all and leave making a beautiful piece of art, and learning new skills. Great for a date night, or girls night out, or work team building events. Go, schedule a glass fusion, mosaic or pottery class. You wonder regret it.

Such a fun time joining the ClayGround team for a class! It’s been a while since I threw but the team and space were welcoming & fun! Don’t miss their Groupon for classes - such an amazing deal! Can’t wait to go back!

The staff was so friendly. We had a great time for amateurs. Definitely would go back again

SOOO much fun! Everyone that works there is so friendly and helpful. I had a blast. Also, gotta love BYOB :)

Very cozy, the owner has the best customer service and all around pleasant attitude. If your ever in the area stop by and pay a visit. They have lovely pieces and maybe even take a class or two. Thanks for all your hospitality toward myself and my crew from flagger force.

My good friend Brittany and I came here and had an amazing time. From throwing and forming the clay with Mary to glazing with Alyssa. I recommend anyone come and get this very cool experience! Definitely coming back in the near future.

What a lovely place! We had a great beginners pottery wheel class with Marra and Matt! They were so delightful and great instructors. Perfect balance of demonstrating, letting us do-it-ourself and swooping in to help if they got a please save me! Such a great experience, friendly and warm to all kinds of people as I expect from a HoCo business. Also a cute shop with nice pottery and fused glass pieces. Very reasonable prices for handmade pieces.

The staff was friendly and helpful. I did a fused glass project and loved the experience. Im looking forward to going back again.

This is a really awesome place to have a date night! I loved how well the staff interacted with their customers. They made jokes when we checked in (which allowed us to feel more at ease with the whole experience) and offered free coffee (if you want something else to drink, you will have to pay out of pocket, but its not expensive). We went to the Mud and Merlot session where you could pretty much make anything you wanted (cup, bowl, vase etc). Our instructor was very down to earth, skilled and explained each part of the process throughly. Once you finish your clay mold, you will need to schedule to glaze it (anywhere after 3 weeks). The glazing process is also covered in what you pay for so no worries on extra cost to finish it. When we left, I had forgotten my bracelets at my station and they were nice enough to call me to let me know. I HIGHLY recommend this place to anyone who would either like to go on a date night or to try something new for the first time. It can be a little tricky to find Parking but you can park in parking lot D or B and walk to it. They will tow your car if you park somewhere you shouldnt. There are also A LOT of shops and stores around to check out.Shout out to the instructor that did mud and merlot on 12/28 from 3-5PM.Note: even though it says mud and merlot, there isnt actually wine. You can however bring your own bottle. Check out their website

Great experience all around. The instructors are very fun and helpful, the atmosphere is relaxed and light, and everyone will make something theyll enjoy for years

Love this place! Instructors are great with all skills levels and totally worth the price. Will be back soon!!

I had a great time at my class. Mary was my instructor, and she was a brilliant and fun teacher. She explained every step and gave some really great pointers. As a first-timer, I was a little worried that I would fail magnificently, but my bowl actually looks like a bowl! I would definitely take Marys class again.

Class for throwing the piece was fun and light hearted, but the glazing is self guided. Will definitely be a repeat customer!

Very friendly, family owned. Warm atmosphere.

Great place to explore your artistic abilities. Very friendly staff!!!

I have tried both the pottery classes and the fused glass classes.While pottery isnt my cup of tea (not the instructors fault, Im just not coordinated enough) I am in love with the fused glass! The management is soo friendly and flexible to my schedule. I always have such a great time and the products turn out looking great! Ive taken several friends here and they have all loved it as well! I will definitely be back!!

I did a “Mud & Merlot” night with co-workers prior to the Christmas holiday in 2018. Our instructor Mary was so encouraging and made the whole experience fun. (For reference, I had taken a ceramics class in college for an entire semester and didn’t make anything as nice as what I made during this class!) Mary really encouraged me to take one of the six week classes they offer. So glad I followed her advice! I have now been at it for a few months and I’m making steady progress every session—I’m on session #4! The ClayGround has become my zen place. I look forward to going every week; it takes me away from the pressures and stress of work and they truly have a positive vibe unlike any place I’ve been. The Koplow family are all very genuine, accepting people. I’ve been fortunate to work with a number of their instructors over time: Michelle, Jerica, Mariah, and now Shannon with the wheel, and Maria and Eric with glazing. I’ve also gotten assistance from the other artists when coming by for studio time. Even if you are on the fence about a class, consider coming by to check out the work of these talented instructors, which you can purchase in the gallery.

Great pottery classes

Today, my friend and myself attended a pottery class. Mary was the teacher and she was freaking awesome! She was very welcoming and attentive to everyone in the class! We had fun and learned alot. In addition, Michael was very professional and attentive with answering questions about the classes before attending. The entire staff was just amazinggggg! This was a great experience for my friend and myself. We will be coming back soon. :-)!!!!Thanks again,Britt & Justin

Did a fused glass project to try the place out with my wife and daughter. Will not return. Received no response to first two inquiries about our finished pieces a week apart. They dont contact you; you have to contact them. Upon pickup, the woman who helped find the pieces was sarcastic and irritated that I didnt recognize my daughters piece right away, saying, I asked you about that one already, Jesus! I dont feel that was called for considering fused glass changes appearance slightly.

Attempted to book on several occasions and when I was finally able to do so with my mom, I called to make sure the class would take place, (because a couple of times the classes would be posted and then be gone, so I wasn’t sure what was going on)...Bree answered the phone and was unwelcoming and crass. My first question was if the class would take place tomorrow. She snickered and said, “there wouldn’t be a reason it shouldn’t be.” Okay, misunderstanding...a case of over processing (maybe). But highly unlikely and CONFIRMED once I asked the next question. I asked about the feasibility of my son participating. Her response was unprofessional. Not so much in the wording, but definitely the tone and delivery was like I should know the answers to the three (stupid, I guess) questions I asked. When I explained that I was just trying to get some answers to know how to proceed before making the online purchase, she seemed like I was bothering her. She told me I would need to help him because of the required upper body strength...I wanted to know if it was something beyond what the instructor would support (basically trying to understand if she felt this wasn’t appropriate for him or should I buy one ticket and work with him or buy the tickets and he would receive support from the instructor). When we finished talking she just hanged up the phone...no goodbye, thanks for calling...nada! The classes seems to fill quickly, indicating that it’s something worth trying, but customer service is crucial and was definitely missing in this case.

Staff is super friendly and helpful!

My husband and I bought a Groupon deal for one of their pottery classes and we had a blast! The team is helpful and friendly, and very knowledgeable of their craft. I love peeking through all of the items for sale downstairs. Theres always a treasure to be found!

Lots of fun for a date night

The ClayGround is such a fun and interesting place, full of colorful, beautiful ceramics, beads, and jewelry! They have so many expert-taught classes in making pottery and fused glass for all levels. The place it buzzing with activity, the owner is very welcoming, and I love the made to order fresh juice, coffee & tea bar- its worth a trip just for this. A great place to visit on any visit to Historic Ellicott City.

My friend and I purchased a Groupon for their 3 pm pottery class. When I arrived, they told me that I was scheduled for their fused glass class and not their pottery class. Another female worker who was eavesdropping looked at me and said are you sure you werent the one who made a mistake?. Ten minutes before the class was supposed to start, she called all of the people for the pottery class to head upstairs while I was left behind. Definitely not going there ever again.

Very fun environment!

Great guidance, enthusiastic creative input and support. Your imagination is the limit. Always a fun time. Great for couples or small group outing.

Had a wonderful time at the Glass Fusing class at the Clayground Studio!Bree is an awesome instructor -- fun and energetic. She explained how to use the tools and materials so that we all had a great experience creating our masterpieces. Looking forward to doing it again!

I had a great night! If was the first time I had done anything with clay and it was so much fun. I cant wait to go back.

(This review is being re-posted from two years ago)My sister and I bought a Groupon and took the pottery class on June 11. We really enjoyed the pottery class! It actually is really fun! The instructors were patient and very helpful! And the class was actually a decent size. Only about 9 of us in there and it wasnt cramped or overcrowded at all. The class is in this nice, old stone building that is attached to this row, above the actual storefront. And the town its located in is amazing! It has a really Olde Towne feel to it and it is SO beautiful, if you are into that sort of thing, which my sister and I are, so we thoroughly enjoyed it. Parking is FREE in a lot across the street and it is not a far walk to the shop the pottery class is located in. And the shop is cute too! Very eclectic and artsy. They sell amazing smoothies and snacks in the front of the shop at this little juice bar they named Jehovah Java. We bought the Young Coconut Smoothie, and it was absolutely delicious. They bring out a young coconut from the back and open it right there, use the water and the meat from it - nothing goes to waste! And it is SO fresh! And refreshing, especially on a hot day like the day we went there! Everyone who we met that worked there were really nice. I cant wait to go back for their glass fusing class and to paint our pottery so that they can glaze and set it! It takes them 2 weeks to get it fired up and set for you to paint it, so expect to go back in 2 weeks to paint your work. But its such a great little town off the beaten path that I dont mind having to go back! Im really looking forward to seeing the town, the people at the shop and getting one of those awesome smoothies again! I definitely recommend this as one of your go-to outings!

Loved it! Definately something fun to do with family, friends or a great date idea. The instructor was knowledgeable and very patient and helpful. I would recommend anyone to give it a try!

I love going to the Clayground for their pottery classes. Ive taken the wheel class twice, and the hand-building class once. I love the casual, come on in! feel to the place. They have a juice and salad bar, in case you want to grab something healthy to eat after youre done, or while you shop their gallery. Its laid back and artsy, which is just what I want. Their hourly studio rate is very reasonable so, if you know what youre doing without instruction, you can go play with clay on your own, too.In regards to bad reviews I see about them: they cant guarantee that your piece will not crack during firing, and that happens more often with amateur pieces (I had a bowl come out with a crack in the bottom because I didnt follow instructions just so)...and sometimes pieces get lost because people pick up and take the wrong one (also not the gallerys fault - maybe they could come up with a better system? not sure).

We had a Groupon for Mud & Merlot. Gary was a great instructor and had patience with all of us. It made for a great date night

Got a groupon for this. Just to try something different. Im so glad I did it. I forced a friend to go with me without telling her what we were doing. We had a great time. Would so do it again with our without a groupon. The place is small so great idea for a small get together or party outing.

I was really excited to go here to use our Mud and Merlot groupon. FYI-They do not provide wine, you must bring your own. I was pretty overwhelmed by the amount of pottery that needed to be glazed or just stuff that people didnt want to return for....After the class, I can see why. the people who got there early/on time had to wait for the stragglers...which I think is unacceptable-Especially since as soon as the clock struck 630 the instructor (Jerry)was pretty much gone. I realize they cannot guarantee your piece-but that shouldnt mean they should just ignore you for the rest of the class. My fiance messed his up halfway through the class, and was offered a new piece of clay. I accidentally made mine a little thin and she basically was just like oh well and ignored me for the rest of the night. I have taught paint classes for years and I would NEVER do this to a student. I would at the very least fix what I could for the person so they would atleast walk out happy. She helped everyone but me finish their bottoms and then left. I had to go find her and ask her to help me round out the bottom of my piece. while she was doing that, my piece got worse and I left very unhappy. Instructor didnt even thank anyone for coming, and we JUST barely got our inscructions for the glazing step. I felt very unwelcomed and Im not looking forward to coming back.

Three times we have gone to this place, and all three times we have been treated really well. With staff being really helpful, more than happy to see us.

Glass fusion class had several disappointments. Limited supplies available. Many of the sizes and colors we wanted to use were not of stock. Instructor was not happy to be there. Made you feel like you were bothering her if you asked a question. Went to pick up my glass work and it was not there. Someone else had picked it up as theirs by mistake ... even though my name was on the back of mine. I had to make yet another trip to the studio to pick it up again after the other person brought it back. No apologies from the studio

Had a great time creating a bowl on the potters wheel and later making a beautiful necklace. Very supportive and informative- and very fun.

Wow we just left and I had to leave a review! I bought this activity on groupon and went for my boyfriends birthday...we had a blast! The place is set up like a studio but is very cozy and cute in a very historic area. We made clay bowls for the first time and I literally laughed and enjoyed myself the entire time! I also kind of ruined my boyfriends bowl which is why my laughs were heard through out the building lol you have to come back in 2 weeks to fire it up and make it pretty the. You return in another 2 weeks to pick it up... they also have a gift shop downstairs which is beautifully authentic this is a great place to go on a date or go with your friends I highly recommend

My mom is addicted to the Clayground! She has been going for wheel classes for over 2 years and absolutely loves the atmosphere, the staff and instructors, and the items in the store for sale. Everybody gives her Groupons as gifts and she says, keep them coming! Thanks for providing an atmosphere she is happy in and looks forward to going.

Mary (The Instructer) was boring. Personality didnt do anything 4 me. I wouldnt say she was rude, just not fit for an instructor. Place is just OK. But whatever! Hopefully she isnt the only Instructer

My sister and I bought a Groupon and took the pottery class on June 11. We really enjoyed the pottery class! It actually is really fun! The instructors were patient and very helpful! And the class was actually a decent size. Only about 9 of us in there and it wasnt cramped or overcrowded at all. The class is in this nice, old stone building that is attached to this row, above the actual storefront. And the town its located in is amazing! It has a really Olde Towne feel to it and it is SO beautiful, if you are into that sort of thing, which my sister and I are, so we thoroughly enjoyed it. Parking is FREE in a lot across the street and it is not a far walk to the shop the pottery class is located in. And the shop is cute too! Very eclectic and artsy. They sell amazing smoothies and snacks in the front of the shop at this little juice bar they named Jehovah Java. We bought the Young Coconut Smoothie, and it was absolutely delicious. They bring out a young coconut from the back and open it right there, use the water and the meat from it - nothing goes to waste! And it is SO fresh! And refreshing, especially on a hot day like the day we went there! Everyone who we met that worked there were really nice. I cant wait to go back for their glass fusing class and to paint our pottery so that they can glaze and set it! It takes them 2 weeks to get it fired up and set for you to paint it, so expect to go back in 2 weeks to paint your work. But its such a great little town off the beaten path that I dont mind having to go back! Im really looking forward to seeing the town, the people at the shop and getting one of those awesome smoothies again! I definitely recommend this as one of your go-to outings!

This place is awesome!! I enjoy coming so much. I also volunteer from time to time.

I loved the shop and the people who work it! Its a lovely place to go to!

Had a great experience. Wonderful atmosphere. Will be back, great date idea.

Good selection, ok studio. The staff is just so rude everytime I come there, the owner as well. Ive tried to be as polite as possible when dealing with them, but that has not made a difference. I dont plan on going again, and would not tell anyone too go either. The studio itself is not bad, but there poor attitudes ruins the experience.

First of all, I call them many times to make a reservation so then I gaved up and booked it online. Then when driving to the place, there was a major construction which made impossible to get to the place. I wished that they would contact their customer about it, gussed not.

Great selection of items, very helpful and friendly staff and great classes! check it out!!

Rude employees

Fun!

Very nice