Frequently Asked Questions
Contact & Location
We have two Toronto locations: Queen St West — 1688 Queen St W and Dupont — 300 Campbell Ave, Unit 115. For general inquiries call 437-449-3269 or email info@parkdalepottery.ca (phone & email hours Mon–Fri 10am–5pm).
Both locations are in Toronto neighbourhoods well served by transit — check the location pages for maps. If you have specific accessibility needs, email info@parkdalepottery.ca ahead of time so staff can advise on accommodations.
Classes & Workshops
We run single-session tasters (wheel & handbuilding), multi-week courses for all levels (beginners → intermediate), specialty workshops (seasonal, handbuilding, large project classes), children’s programs and summer camps. See the Classes on the site for current schedules.
Both! Our beginner and multi-week classes teach core wheel-throwing and handbuilding techniques so students can pursue projects in either method.
Yes! We offer taster classes and total-beginner multi-week courses designed to take you from zero to comfortably making basic functional pieces. Tasters are a great way to try a wheel class without making a multi-week commitment.
It’s a single 1.5–3 hour session (depending on the listing) that introduces you to basic forming techniques (wheel or handbuilding). Tasters are ideal as gifts or to test whether you want to do a longer course. Many taster classes include glazing & firing of one piece — check the Try a Class page for details!
Yes! Clay and tools for classes are provided and tasters typically include glazing and firing of one piece (see our Taster Classes). Memberships include different firing allowances depending on location (Queen Street membership includes firings; Dupont membership includes kiln shelf space allocations). However, we do not accept external “firing-only” jobs when kilns are full. Always check the signup page for the class you’re booking.
Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting clay on; closed-toe, non-slip shoes are recommended for the studio. You generally don’t need to bring tools — clay and basic tools are provided. If you bring a bag, make sure it’s stored off the floor near your workspace.
Memberships
Yes. Memberships are available at both locations. Memberships have different features by site — Queen St has set open studio hours with firings included; Dupont offers 24/7 member access with allocated kiln shelf space. Memberships are intended for people who can work independently; typically we ask for ~6 months of prior experience at our studio (or equivalent) before granting membership — if you have experience but didn’t take classes here, email us to discuss.
Specialty Classes & Events
Yes. We run children’s programming and summer camps — age ranges and session lengths vary by program. Summer camps have their own registration and refund rules. Check the Kids & Camps page for current schedules and age breakdowns.
Yes! Private events are offered. Contact the studio with preferred dates, guest count and desired format and the events team will advise availability, pricing, and what is included (materials, instruction, firing details).
Studio Policies
Yes. Members and students must follow studio safety rules (tool use, kiln safety, footwear, space cleanup). These are reviewed in class and posted in the studio — if you’re booking a membership, expect an orientation on safe independent practice.
All classes and workshops are non-refundable (this is standard across class listings). If the studio cancels a class (low enrolment or unforeseen events) you’ll receive a full refund or store credit. Summer camps have a specific refund policy listed on the camp page — consult that page for camp-specific rules.
Typical drying → bisque → glaze firing timelines mean you should expect at least two weeks before pickup in many cases — heavier workloads can extend that. Check the class or open-studio notes for current turnaround expectations.
Generally no. The studio prioritizes its class and member work. At times the kilns are full and the studio will not accept outside firing jobs; members typically have firing included or allocated shelf space depending on membership.
Makeup policies can vary by course. Check your specific class listing or reach out to info@parkdalepottery.ca — sometimes make-up/open studio slots are available depending on space and instructor availability.
Reach out to the studio via info@parkdalepottery.ca and explain the concern with photos if possible. The team will help troubleshoot glazing/firing issues and advise next steps.
About Parkdale Pottery
Parkdale Pottery is a community-based, woman-owned teaching studio with multiple downtown locations, offering a mix of tasters, multi-week courses, memberships and private events. If you want a direct program comparison, let us know which studios and programs you're considering, and we're happy to discuss the differences with you!
We hire practicing artists and instructors — email info@parkdalepottery.ca with your CV, teaching experience and portfolio. Check out our Team page to learn about our current instructors.
Pricing varies by product (taster, multi-week course, membership, camps). The website checkout accepts standard methods (Visa, Mastercard, Apple/Google Pay, Shop Pay, PayPal, etc.). For up-to-date pricing see the product/class listing you’re interested in.
Allow minimum two weeks for drying and firing processes (this can vary by workload). Studio storage policies apply (wet work / greenware stored for a limited time; bisqued & glazed work stored for a set time — after that pieces may be discarded). The studio publishes firing fees and storage rules for large or oversized pieces — check the open-studio / firing fee page for specifics.
Yes — we offer gift cards and single-class gift options (e.g., pottery taster gift cards) you can buy through the product pages. Gift cards are a popular choice for first-time guests.
