The Bowen Park Pottery Studio is a welcoming space filled with all the tools, equipment and supplies you need to create at your own pace. Children, when accompanied by an adult are welcome, both must register. Youth who have taken a pottery class are invited to enjoy independent studio time as well. While we don’t offer formal instruction during drop‑in sessions, our team is happy to offer light guidance when we can.

If it’s your first visit, we’ll give you a studio orientation that includes a tour, and demonstration on how to use equipment, an overview of our studio guidelines, cleaning expectations after your session, and an overview of our clay details. We encourage drop‑in participants to have previous pottery experience so you can make the most of your time in the studio.

POTTERY STUDIO DROP-IN SCHEDULE

(closed on all statutory holidays)

Sunday: 1-4 pm
Monday: 12-3 pm*
Tuesday: 10:30 am-1:30 pm* & 2:30-5:30 pm*
Wednesday: 1:30-4:30 pm* & 5:30-8:30 pm
Thursday: 12-3 pm*
Friday: CLOSED
Saturday: 9:30 am-12:30 pm

*If you are over the age of 60, you can join the Harbour City Seniors and take part in several programs for a nominal fee. For more information, please call 250-755-7501 or see their newsletter.

DROP-IN INFORMATION

$14 per session or $7 during the (*) sessions for members of the Nanaimo Harbour City Seniors.

Register at recreation.nanaimo.ca or through the widget below. You must have an account with us in order to register online.

PURCHASING POTTERY CLAY

Clay used in the Bowen Pottery Studio must be purchased from one of the following City recreation facilities: Bowen Park Complex, Beban Social Centre, Oliver Woods Community Centre, Nanaimo Aquatic Centre or Nanaimo Ice Rink. please note: all facilities have varying hours of operation.
Clay can be purchased in-person or by telephone.
To receive your clay in studio, you will be asked to present your receipt. Cost of clay includes all firing and glazing fees.
Clay purchased from organizations other than the City of Nanaimo are not permitted.
We are only able to fire projects made within the Bowen Park Pottery Studio.

CLAY FEES:

Grey - M340: $40
Red - M390: $45
White - M370: $50

POTTERY STUDIO REGISTERED PROGRAMS

Each season, we offer a variety of pottery classes. Be sure to check our current Activity Guide for all the details.

Children (Mud Pies & Pottery Pals Handbuilding)
Youth (Handbuilding for Youth & Youth Intro to Pottery Wheel)
Adult (Play with Clay Try-It Class; Whell Throwing or Handbuilding, Handbuilding 101, Clay & Coffee, Beginner Wheel Throwing, Beyond the Basics Wheel Throwing, Clayful Expressions Masterclass, Workshop Week - Pottery with Personality)

PLEASE NOTE:

We kindly ask that you choose a class that truly reflects your current skill level. Our courses are thoughtfully structured with progressions to support learners at each stage of their pottery journey. Selecting a class before you are ready can impact not only your own experience, but also the learning environment for fellow potters and the ability of our instructors to guide the group effectively.

Thank you for helping us create a positive and supportive learning environment for our community studio.

POTTERY STUDIO REMINDERS

Taking home unfinished projects or clay is allowed but must be signed out by staff.
If you have never glazed at our studio, please ask staff for help.
If you want to use your own glazes or underglazes you must show the bottle to studio staff to confirm it is compatible with our kiln firings.
It takes approximately 1 month for a project to get through both firings, and we do our best to keep projects moving through our kilns but if maintenance is required it can delay the firing schedule. We encourage you to start projects well in advance if you need something by a certain date.
Blow dryers are not permitted in the wheel room.
Sanding is not permitted in the studio.
Tie long hair back.
Dress for mess – we do not provide aprons.
Clean-up is everyone’s responsibility and essential to a safe and healthy space to create.
Studio staff will cue you 15-30min before the end of your session to begin clean-up.

Last updated: April 2, 2026

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