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THE CLAY TRAIL!

Where your clay journey begins!

Curious about pottery? Whether you’re trying it for the very first time or ready to build your skills, The Clay Trail Pottery Studio offers hands-on clay experiences designed for every level—right in the heart of downtown Rutherfordton.

Choose your path:

Mini Hike
A one-time pottery experience on the wheel—perfect for beginners, date nights, girls’ nights, or checking pottery off your bucket list. Come play, get a little messy, and see what it’s all about.

 

The Muddy Trail
A 5-week beginner wheel course designed to build confidence and skill. You’ll learn the fundamentals of wheel throwing step-by-step and leave with pieces you’re proud of.

Clay Excursion
Not sure where to start? This well-rounded experience introduces you to both hand-building and wheel throwing, plus glazing—so you can discover what you love most and explore it further.

 

Workshops
Themed, creative sessions that change throughout the year. These are perfect for a fun night out, seasonal projects, or adding unique, functional pieces to your collection—no long-term commitment needed.

Clay Your Way
Have something specific in mind? This custom, by-appointment experience lets you create a project tailored to you. Whether it’s a specific piece, a private group idea, or something you’ve been dreaming up, we’ll help bring it to life (with guidance and approval to ensure success).

Perfect for:
• Private sessions
• Personalized projects
• Small groups wanting something unique

No experience needed—just bring your curiosity. We’ll guide you the rest of the way.

STORE LOCATIONS

207 N Main St.

&

211 N Main St.

Rutherfordton, NC 28139

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Studio Hours

*Gallery Hours

Wednesday & Thursday:

11:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Friday & Saturday:

11:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Gallery hours may close early if there are no scheduled classes or low traffic. We recommend checking ahead or messaging before visiting later in the day.

Class Times (By Reservation)

Clay experiences are offered in scheduled time blocks:

• 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM
• 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
• 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM

Class times may vary slightly depending on workshops or seasonal scheduling.

*(Unless there is a planned class or event)

Upcoming Events

  • Slab Vase & Flower Arranging
    Slab Vase & Flower Arranging
    5 days to the event
    Sat, Aug 22
    211 N Main St
    Create a slab vase on August 22nd and come back September 19th to learn how to put a beautiful bouquet together with the instructions of Kristin from The Bloom Shop.
  • Candle Making
    Candle Making
    11 days to the event
    Fri, Aug 28
    211 N Main St
    This two part workshop will let you be creative making a candle vessel then come back to fill it with Fall scents!
  • Witch Hat
    Witch Hat
    12 days to the event
    Sat, Aug 29
    211 N Main St
    Create a fun witch hat for decor, incense holder, or even as a luminary!
  • Ghost Platter
    Ghost Platter
    19 days to the event
    Sat, Sep 05
    211 N Main St
    Ghost Platters are the next big thing.... right?! Come create a ghost platter with it's own character!
  • Halloween Potion Bottle
    Halloween Potion Bottle
    25 days to the event
    Fri, Sep 11
    211 N Main St
    Make a Halloween Potion Bottle or an awesome flask!
  • Gingerbread House
    Gingerbread House
    26 days to the event
    Sat, Sep 12
    211 N Main St
    Start making your Gingerbread House in September so you can have it when you start decorating for Christmas!

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ABOUT US

The Clay Trail community pottery studio has beginner classes, trial classes and a lot of fun workshops to choose from!

It is owned by Britney Gibson. She fell in love with clay in college at Mars Hill University where she was the studio assistant for her work study. Learning all the ends and outs of a working studio.

She owns Dirty Jeans Pottery, which you will find in our gallery.

We want to build a pottery community that brings people together. A community of potters that inspire and support each other.

Up close image of Britney's (the owner) hands while throwing a bowl on the pottery wheel. This process is pulling up the wall.
Shot glasses for glaze testing

CONTACT US

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