Artshack Brooklyn Ceramics — Local services in New York

Update: I had a deeply troubling experience at Artshack. The environment at this studio is far from welcoming, especially for Black artists and people of color. The behavior exhibited by the staff and management reflects a lack of inclusivity and respect for the community. We're talking Bed-stuy and Crown Heights here!

The atmosphere at the studio is contemporary and cold, lacking any warmth or genuine connection. The staff and teachers may still be skilled, but the underlying issues of racism and exclusion overshadow any positives. This studio is not a safe or supportive space for Black artists and others who seek an inclusive environment.

Artshack is essentially a white establishment that hires a few diverse individuals to meet quotas for non-profit funding, which is deeply troubling. If I am wrong on this. Provide proof that i am wrong, because I have plenty receipts!

This review isn't a call to action but a reflection of my personal experience. It's important for others to be aware of these issues and consider supporting more inclusive and respectful businesses.

Just a heads up on the reviews for this establishment. The stats show: most of the 5 star reviews are from white people. Don't believe me? I can provide the metrics...

Attended a one-off throw class. Instructor was rude and did little teaching (a lot of "you should do this or that" without demonstration). Came back to pick-up our items after 3 weeks. Building was closed (with no notice on the website). Especially since they are so explicit about "don't call us" to check on when your pottery is ready, some public notice that they're closed would be helpful. However, it was clear from the street that the studio/annex was open, or at least had someone in it (coincidentally, the same instructor for the class), but we were turned away and just curtly told to "come back on the 3rd". Not worth the money. Not customer friendly at all. Definitely not recommended.

In regard to your reply:

1. The person (the instructor for our session) was working on a piece when we arrived, not cleaning. 2) She could have brought the pieces to us if we gave her our names: we were not seeking to come inside. 3) The response that we should just go "elsewhere" is very telling and reflects the our experience,...

Went for date night, and the class itself was very nice. It’s everything else that left quite a bad taste in my mouth. The signage in the storefront is very unclear. Doors were locked with no one answering knocks for about 5 minutes. When trying to pick up our pottery weeks later (guessing when they’d be ready because you’re not allowed to call before hand), the pickup door was again locked- with multiple people inside that didn’t look my way. I went into the cafe (sign said closed but it was clearly open) to ask where to pick up my pottery, the barista had no idea. She ended up doing me the courtesy of asking herself. I spent the next several minutes rummaging through a bin chock full of ceramics from 3 different classes, and my name was on none of them… For a place that is so insistent on not calling them and just showing up, it’s amazing how difficult they make...