Large Groups & Private Parties

Ideal for both kids (ages 6 and up) and adults:

Large gatherings (we can host up to 50 participants!)

Family groups with children aged 6 and older

Company team-building activities

Special occasions like holidays, birthdays, graduations, engagement celebrations

We can ship! If you’re visiting from out of town, you can arrange for shipping when your pots are ready (standard shipping rates apply.)

If you would like to request a different date or time for your private party, please reach out to us using the button below.

We can accommodate up to 50 people! Please email us for further assistance with your large group.

Email us

Option 1

$110 per person for a 2 hour private class.

This class includes the two hour instructed class, clay, aprons, choice of glaze color, all post production of pots & instructor gratuity.
When booking Option 1 - Your group is welcome to snack & drink during the 15 minute demonstration at the pottery wheels. We do recommend light finger foods that are easy to eat standing up or at the pottery wheel (think foods that do not require a fork and knife as we do not have table space and chairs for all participants to sit and eat before or after your class.

Option 2

$150 for a 2 hour private class + 1 hour mingle.

This class includes the two hour instructed class plus 1 hour extra for mingle (typically 30 minutes before and 30 minutes after the class time) clay, aprons, choice of glaze color, all post production of pots & instructor gratuity.

When booking Option 2 - You will have access to the wheel space for an additional hour to sit and eat your meal without the class happening at the same time so you can chat and mingle with your friends. We typically break up the 1 hour mingle; 30 minutes before the class and 30 minutes after the class.

SCROLL DOWN TO BOOK

When booking a private party for our pottery class, you have the opportunity to have your own instructor or instructors to guide you and your guests through a unique and enjoyable experience. Whether it's a birthday party, team building event, or a family gathering, we can tailor the pottery class to suit your needs. Rest assured, we will put in our best efforts to schedule the best time possible to make your visit with us truly unforgettable. If you have any special requests, such as bringing lite bites or beverages, please don't hesitate to reach out to our management via email to discuss accommodations.

Your group is invited to choose 1 option for your private class vessel during checkout. You can select from a Bowl, a Vase, or a Matcha Bowl.

CHANDELIER ROOM

BACK WOODS PRIVATE AREA

staircase private area

 Important Notes To Know Before Booking at HAYDEN TRACT:

  1. Calendar Availability - Book using the calendar below. Privates must be booked at least 48 hours in advance based on available time slots. Be aware that people book weeks in advance - sometimes months. If the date is blocked out, it is because someone has already booked that slot. Please choose another date/time.

  2. The online calendar maxes at 12 students. Email us if your group is more than 12 people for booking and details.

  3. Privates do not mean the studio is shut down or sections are roped off. You’ll have your own instructor for your group. There will still be other things happening in other areas but it will not interfere with your private/party

  4. No refunds, prorated refunds, or reschedules once you book. We do not offer prorated refunds if less people show than your reservation.

  5. Book for the correct amount of people. If you show up with more than you reserved for, we may not be able to admit everyone - this is about space and staffing.

  6. Kids Parties - Parents/Guardians. Our staff have experience working with children, preteens and teens. For kid privates, we kindly ask that two adults stay for the event. We need space to work and walk around. Drop off 15 minutes before and pick up at the end time listed on your reservation.

  7. Food and Drink are welcome. When you book, you can write a note and we’ll contact you to help coordinate.

  8. Book for the correct location. We have two locations - Hayden Tract in Culver City (which you are booking now) and the Beverly Grove on Beverly Blvd about 15 minutes from Hayden. If you need to book at Beverly, please switch locations in the top menu. Please note that pricing and availability could vary between locations.

  • Privates and parties are with your own instructor(s) at your own time slot. They include step-by-step instruction, clay, tools, choice of glaze color, and post-production of your pots (bisque and glaze firing).

    Your instructor preps the wheel area, clay and tools ahead of time. After a short intro and demo, students receive step-by-step instruction on how to make and design a pot on the wheel. We focus on making a bowl or a smaller pot that are best for beginners.

    At the end of class, the instructor will guide everyone through a quick clean up. After, students choose a glaze color for their piece. Your pots stay at the studio and staff handle all the post-production - glazing and firing. Once every pot in your group is finished, the staff will contact you for pick-up.

    **Please allow 6-8 weeks for your pottery to go through the entire firing process. Scroll further to read the Student Waiver*

  • Please respect your instructor and the others in the studio - put your phones on vibrate, silent or lower the volume. Take all phone calls outside if needed. We encourage everyone to put your phones away completely and be fully engaged in the class to get the most out of it.

    Don’t worry, we’ll make sure you get your pictures and videos.

  • ARRIVAL: Your party must arrive 15 minutes prior to a private booking to maximize your time! You will not be given extra time if you are late.

    DEPARTURE: We kindly ask your group depart no more than 15 minutes after the end of your booking. Other bookings are happening before and after your time, and staff need to clean up properly between sessions. Thank you for your understanding!

  • Food and drink are welcome for parties and privates. However, we are not a restaurant, picnic area, or dining venue. We do not give extra time for sit-down meals and drinks - the pottery class will take up the entire time. There are plenty of restaurants close by that you can visit before or after your party!

    Please coordinate with us if you are planning on bringing cake, food or drinks so we can give you the best recommendations! If you do not make prior arrangements, staff may not be able to accommodate. Contact us for specific protocol and suggestions BEFORE you plan to bring anything to your party. The focus is on the pottery class so everyone’s hands will be covered in clay the whole time.

  • Please do not have anything delivered to the studio before your arrival.

    Staff will NOT accept deliveries on your behalf when you are not present. You are welcome to bring light balloons or small decorations. However, we cannot hang anything, rearrange furniture, or alter the studio space. We cannot accommodate your arrival time more than 15 minutes before your class. Remember the focus is on the pottery!

  • We do not offer refunds or reschedules for missed bookings - all sales are final.

    We cannot change a reservation once it is made and the teacher is scheduled. Because we are getting materials, reserving wheels and teachers are prepping ahead of time, we do not offer prorated refunds if less people show up than your reservation. Everyone in your group must show up on time! Showing up promptly, allows the private to start and end on time without interruptions. If you are late, the class will still end at the listed time.

  • Come dressed comfortably, with long hair tied back and nice jewelry and watches removed (they won’t get hurt but it is a pain to clean the clay off!). Bitter Root Pottery is not responsible for your jewelry or personal belongings. The clay will wash out and we do provide clean aprons; but wear clothes you don’t mind getting clay on.

    And just a friendly tip - long nails are not pottery-friendly because the process involves so much of your hands and fingers (but we’ve seen it done before)!

  • Parking is street parking (metered and non-metered), please pay attention to the street signs.

  • Please allow at least six-eight (6-8) weeks for your pottery to complete the firing process. Staff will contact you when everyone’s pottery in your group is ready to be picked up. From the time of your contact, you have 30 days to come pick up your pottery. After 30 days, your work may not be available for pick-up as we need to clear room for new student work.

    Occasionally, pieces do not make it through the firing process due to air bubbles, construction issues, etc. Occasionally, firings do not go as planned - shapes may warp slightly or glazes may come out different than expected. Staff cannot control the results of firings once a pot is in the kiln. This is simply the nature of the imperfect ceramic process. Completed, “perfect” pots cannot be guaranteed.

    REFUNDS WILL NOT BE ISSUED IF YOUR PIECE DOES NOT MAKE IT.

    You are coming to Bitter Root Pottery for the whole experience of working in a ceramics studio with a knowledgeable, friendly instructor! Our instructors have been working for years in this discipline to learn its many nuances and to get to the skills they have today. These skills cannot be imparted in one 2 hour session. So while you may have ideas of making a perfect bowl, we encourage you to put those expectations down and focus on enjoying the entire experience of working with clay and engaging with the creative process so in-depth.