New York/New Jersey Academy of Ceramic Arts — Local services in Jersey City

If you are looking for an environment for learning, where curiosity and questions are welcomed, then this is not the place for you! Save yourself the headache and bad experience and go to a different studio.

During my time here, I’ve discovered that the people that run this studio: • Don’t want you to expand your knowledge beyond what they are teaching you in their studio. Especially if you do practice outside their studio. • Restrict creativity and discourage discussing ideas from YouTube videos or any other shows that are pottery related. • Terrible when it comes to feedback or customer service. • Hostile, manipulative, and accusatory – twisting incidents into allegations.

During my last class, I struggled with a technique, the instructor came over during the middle of class and kept repeating that I was doing it wrong, instead of instructing me on how to correct my technique. I was unhappy with his lack of instruction, so I waited until the end of class to give him my feedback to foster better communication going forward. He didn’t like my feedback and blamed me for “not paying attention during class.” The conversation ended with me only saying goodbye to the studio manager, and that I would see them next week because the instructor had rudely walked away during the middle of the conversation.

I had the misconception that giving feedback to someone who has been teaching for 30 years would be met with understanding, instead of hostility. The following day, the school accused me over email of taking another student’s bag of clay, letting me know that I was disenrolled from the class, the pieces I worked on so far would be thrown out, and that they would refund only half of my tuition without discussing this with me first. I had to file a dispute through the credit card company to recover the rest of my tuition.

Overall, this was dealt with in an extremely unprofessional manner. If I can afford this very expensive class, firing fees, and buy a new pottery wheel, I can afford a $30 bag of clay. Having to file a credit card dispute, and throwing out pieces I have worked on with clay I paid for without allowing me to pick them up is not ok.

If you are new to pottery, this is not the place for you. Go to a studio where questions are encouraged, and where you won’t have a passive-aggressive instructor/business owner who gets offended by feedback. If you do decide to go to this studio, make sure you read their studio policies and print them out because they are...

I’ve e spent 3 semesters in this studio, and I can honestly say that true colors show up when they know you’re no longer signed up for the next course. This studio hinders your ability to be creative and creates an environment where you feel judged asking a question. They are not great teachers. They can only teach you what they “feel” is correct. You’re not allowed to be inspired by anyone else. I’ve even told them that I’ve purchased books to expand my knowledge, and the response I got was “don’t read those books, they teach you the wrong things” meanwhile the book I bought is by Daniel Rhodes and they rave about him. I am sharing the email I received one week before my last class, because I feel it is unprofessional and absolutely tasteless. Frank and Henni have never approached me or any of my fellow students in person. I bought my own wheel from them, and practiced beyond the class. Yet, the syllabus remains unchanged. After the first semester, Frank will start disappearing from class. The website highlights Frank, but does not show Henni’s credentials, yet they tell you that she is the instructor. I have plenty more to say about this couple, and would give a zero if I could. They will make fun of your pieces, but never know how to help you fix it. One example is the fact that they can’t teach you how to spiral wedge, nor can they teach you how to pull handles. Good luck, if...

I'm a beginner potter and part way through my first ceramics course with Frank. I am thoroughly enjoying every class. Frank has created a very special environment at his studio. His classes are the perfect size - with just enough students to allow personal attention, but also a sense of community. He has a unique skill of making a group feel comfortable. Frank is an excellent teacher. He is methodical, clear, and breaks down the process in an easy way. He is supportive and not afraid to challenge students with questions that help them think through the process. I highly recommend his classes and workshops! They are excellent value - both financially and from a learning experience. I've already signed up for the...