About Us – The Community Pottery CIC | Pottery Classes in Bristol

The Community Pottery CIC was born from a passion for bringing people together through the craft of pottery. Founded by artists; Raphaela and Dan, we set out to create a space where anyone in Bristol, regardless of background or experience, could come to explore their creativity and learn the art of pottery.

Located in St. Anne’s House, Bristol, our studio offers a range of pottery classes, wheel throwing sessions, and clay sculpting workshops for beginners and experienced artists alike. At The Community Pottery CIC, our mission is simple: to make pottery accessible to all, while fostering a sense of community and connection through creativity.

OUR VALUES

  • INCLUSIVITY

    Art is for everyone. Our studio offers sliding-scale pricing and collaborative projects to make pottery accessible to all.

  • CREATIVITY

    From wheel throwing to clay sculpting, we encourage creativity and experimentation in all our classes and workshops.

  • COMMUNITY

    Passionate about providing a welcoming, inclusive and inspiring creative space for the entire Bristol community.

MEET THE FOUNDERS

  • RAPHAELA

    Raphaela is a skilled potter and somatic educator with nine years of experience in ceramics and six years of teaching. Over time, her practice has continuously evolved, which is one of the aspects she loves most about working with clay—the endless possibilities and techniques it offers.
    As a passionate teacher, Raphaela enjoys guiding others to discover their own unique approach to clay, emphasising that there is no one-size-fits-all method.

    She recently completed a year of professional development through DYCP funding and is now focusing on integrating her two passions—somatics and clay. Through this fusion, she aims to use embodied creativity for healing and growth, bringing these values to the broader art and community
    spaces.

  • DAN

    Dan is a creative director and has been working with clay for over 7 years. He began his journey  processing clay by hand with a dear friend in Cornwall. His practice has since evolved, with a particular focus on wheel throwing, which has become his passion.

    During the lockdown, Dan established his own pottery studio, and as interest from others grew, he naturally transitioned into teaching—a role he has now been fulfilling for three years.

    Dedicated to bringing the joy of clay to all communities, Dan is passionate about sharing the transformative experience of working with the humble material of clay.

WHY CHOOSE US

EXPERT INSTRUCTION

Learn from experienced potters with years of teaching experience.

VARIETY OF CLASSES

From pottery classes to wheel throwing and clay sculpting, we offer something for everyone.

WELCOMING ENVIRONMENT

We ensure a supportive and creative atmosphere in our studio.

COMMUNITY DRIVEN

Join a thriving pottery community in Bristol.

EXPLORE POTTERY COURSES & WORKSHOPS