Bitter Root Pottery hosts beginner pottery classes in Marina del Rey, Beverly Grove, and Culver City.
Their most beautiful and client-friendly options are Marina del Rey and Beverly Grove, where you can take the whole class outdoors at sunset looking out over either the marina or the LA skyline. Both locations also have an indoor space if that’s preferred, or you luck out and organize your event the same day as one of LA’s three days of annual rain.
You’re welcome to bring food and drinks, and they recommend foods that don’t need too many utensils since there isn’t much of a formal table to sit down.
Private groups can opt for the 2-hour class, which includes a 10-minute introduction from the teacher and a 10-minute break in the middle.
They also offer a 3-hour option that includes up to an hour to mingle/eat before getting into pottery. The associate I spoke with recommended the 3-hour since it’s LA and no one arrives on time and most groups want to catch up and eat for a bit before wheelin’ and dealin’.
At the end of your class, you’ll leave your beloved creation, most likely a bowl, vase, or matcha bowl, at the venue. The Bitter Root team will let it dry, put it through multiple kiln firings, and notify you when it's ready for pickup, or ship it to you. The process takes 4-6 weeks and your finished piece will be food-safe, microwave-safe, and dishwasher-safe.
Reservation note: It’s easy for them to add people to your group, but you’re not able to remove people from the group. If you’re not sure of the group size, or just have some flaky people in the mix, they recommend booking a smaller number of spots and then adding people closer to the day of the event. Once you’ve reserved, the event date cannot be moved.
Marina del Rey location (IG video preview):
Groups of 5 or more - Reserve here.
$135 per person for a 2-hour class.
$175 per person for a 2-hour class plus 1 hour to mingle/eat/drink before.
Groups of 16 have the additional option of a 30-minute mingle.
Groups of 4 or fewer - Reserve here.
$150 per person
2-hour class
Address: 4655 Admiralty Way, Penthouse 200, Marina Del Rey, CA 90292
Phone: (310) 342-5217
Contact page
Beverly Grove location (IG video preview):
Groups of 3 or more - Reserve here.
$128 per person for a 2-hour class.
$160 per person for a 2-hour class plus 1 hour to mingle/eat/drink before.
Address: 7461 Beverly Blvd (5th floor Penthouse), Los Angeles, CA 90036
Phone: (323) 938-5511
Contact page
Added value: Like surfing and skiing on the same day, this one feels like one of those things out of California lore. Great option if you’re seeking a very ‘Gram-friendly artsy experience with your client. As a plus, if you decide to pick up the pieces once they’re ready and drop them off with your clients, you’ll get to relive the magic all over again.