Island Pottery and Studio — Local services in Town of North Hempstead

It breaks my heart to write this review because I really did think that this pottery class was for me and I was really looking forward to it. I also want to emphasize the owner was very kind, and so were the other people taking the class.

However, based on the website and what I thought I was signing up for- this was very different. After many times being on the waitlist, I finally got a spot. I signed up for the 4 week class on my first day.

Week 1:

I was then introduced to my instructor. My instructor gave me a tour of the place and helped me get started. She must have been having a bad day or going through something because she was in and out taking phone calls and she also told me "today we are going to clean up early" at 8:35 for the class that ended at 9:30. I know everyone has off days, but I am spending a lot of money to be here- and I wish I got the full time. She also laughed at my wedging and how fast I pressed the pedal. Once again, this is basically totally new to me, so I obviously was still getting used to it. Honestly, the other people in the class were helping me more than the instructors.

Then, she told me that she would be away the next two weeks and that I would have a different instructor. Everyone deserves a vacation, but having inconsistent instructors made it very confusing to learn new techniques and ask for help. This would have been useful information to know before starting the class.

Week 2 and Week 3:

For the next two weeks, I did two more classes with John. Before starting, the owner had me throw out the first two pieces I made in the first week because they were not good enough for the techniques I was going to learn. (Once again- not sure why the first instructor did not tell me that these would not be good enough and had me end early instead of trying again.)

John tried his best to help for the next two weeks, but I was very confused why he was making his own piece while helping me with mine. I felt very out of place asking him questions- because he had to stop his project to help me with mine. I felt like my questions were not welcomed or that I was bothering him. Once again, this confused me because the class fee I paid included instruction.

One of my pieces broke because I did not do the technique correctly. I know this happens, but I wish John was watching me with this new technique to at least try and prevent errors like this. I did not realize that the instruction was going to be so on and off from the instructors.

Week 4:

I mentioned to the owner during week 3 that I would like to glaze my bowl on the final week 4 class. He said that would absolutely be fine. However, no one told me that I had to place the piece in a separate place so it could be fired. So, when I returned for my fourth and final class and I went to grab my piece to glaze, I was told it was not ready. I explained that I never was given instruction to leave it in a different place, and that because this is my final class it does not make sense to go on the wheel again. (Funny because John stopped me on the way out last class to wipe a table that I hardly used, but he couldn't tell me where to put my piece).

One of the other customers helped with a solution for this final class. She said that it would make the most sense to come back another time when the piece is fired. Jocasta agreed with this solution. However, I was disappointed because I drove over an hour for this class. I asked Jocasta if she could assure me that the piece would be ready in time for next week. She said she is not sure, and they cannot call me to let me know. Not sure what I could do from here, because I am not looking to come back again if my piece is not ready.

This class is more of an open studio. It is not a class to learn if you are a complete beginner unless you are willing to spend a lot of time and money, make mistakes, and figure out the techniques yourself by trial and error rather than...

Great studio for both kids, teens and adults. My son started hand build few years ago and has been taking pottery wheel this past year.Both his teachers Linda, the owner, and Adele have great patience w kids to continuously thrive & push themselves, not just in the creative way but the technical as well. He's taught me a few thing or two since started pottery wheel myself as well.I like that the adults classes are 'adults only', so i can break away fully from the daily grind and immerse myself in full focus into the clay and the process of building a piece. All the potters teaching are experienced and bring an open ended approach on teaching.If you've been looking for some me time in a relaxed atmosphere this is the place.I originally wanted to start a year ago but broke my left wrist.Upon going to physical therapy,I found that I'd possibly have to go back for more 6 months after(not unusual i was told).I decided that the out of pocket expenses for one hour physical therapy would be best spent into pottery wheel where that left wrist would work more, the clay helping soothing the senses and the 2hrs & 1/2 or so process bringing more to my physical being & soul ! :) The space has a retail window where you can regularly see new pieces.I've found more then few to my liking and made handsome gifts to friends and family. Each piece my son brought home is appreciated daily basis whether for its use or visual stimulus! Island Pottery is a little gem for the soul in Mineola.Thank You...

I’ve been going to this pottery studio for years now, and the best part is that the more time you spend here, the more it starts to feel like family. There’s a wonderful sense of community that grows with each visit, and it really makes you want to keep coming back.

When I first started, I did find that beginners sometimes need to be a bit proactive — you might have to ask more than once to get the help you need. Maybe because it feels like family, everyone is a little bit casual... not everyone's cup of tea, but it’s clear they care about making it a welcoming space for everyone, whether you’re just starting out or you’ve been throwing clay for years.

There’s a great balance here between structured learning and the freedom to work independently as a studio potter. It’s a place where you can grow your skills at your own pace, with people who share your passion.

Overall, if you’re willing to speak up when you need help at first, you’ll find this studio is a gem — and over time, you’ll find your clay...