The Alphabet of Uzbek Ornament
with Alisher Nazirov
Sunday, February 1, 10 AM - 4 PM

​In this masterclass with master potter Alisher Nazirov, students will learn a variety of traditional Uzbek surface decoration techniques. Working on unfired clay, Nazirov will demonstrate how he applies time-honored decorative motifs to the surfaces of his ceramic work. Students will learn the history of different Uzbek patterns and the methods used to bring these illustrations to life in clay.

After a presentation on Nazirov's life and work, Nazirov will demonstrate how he uses metallic oxides to paint ornate flora and fauna onto his work. Nazirov will work with students apprentice-style as he guides them on the subtleties and flourishes of Uzbek brushwork. While tiles will be provided, students may also bring in their own leather-hard work to decorate if they wish.

By the end of the workshop, students will have knowledge of traditional Uzbek design motifs, understanding of master surface and sgraffito techniques, and their very own masterwork tiles!
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*This master class takes place in conjunction with Alisher Nazirov's solo exhibition, Speaking in Symbols: Masterworks of Traditional Uzbek Ceramics, at the Sandy Spring Museum. Co-curated by Alisher Nazirov and Dee Harris, the show runs from January 25 - April 22, 2026. Those interested are invited to a free reception on January 25 from 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM.

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Passover Pottery:
Make a Ceramic Seder Plate
February 15 - March 1, 2026

In this special 3-week intensive, Laurel Schwartz will guide students through the process of creating hand-built ceramic seder plates for Passover! Laurel will discuss different formats for seder dishes, including a compartmental dish or a matching set of individual dishes. Students will also discuss the benefits of each format and the importance of ceramics in cultural traditions.

By the end of the intensive, students will have experience making large serving dishes, their own homemade seder plate(s), and new knowledge in Passover traditions!

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Queer Clay One-Shot!
Saturday January 17, 5:30-8 PM

In this specialty One Shot! workshop, District Clay Center is holding a safe space for all members of the LGBT+ community to try throwing at the wheel.

During your class, you'll get a wheel, clay, a nice instructor, and 2.5 hours to try your hand at the pottery wheel. You may be mesmerized... or not. The wheel looks easy but it can seem to have a mind of its own. We do promise that you'll have fun.

​For materials, we'll provide almost everything! Just bring a small towel or apron.

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DCC's Connor Czora on DCTV 📺

District Clay's Creative Director and teacher, Connor Czora, joins DCTV to discuss throwing techniques! The second broadcast in this 2-part series airs at 8 PM on Tuesday, November 18.

​Watch online via YouTube or check local cable channels 95 / 96 (Comcast), 10 / 11 (RCN), or 10 / 11 / 28 (Verizon Fios).

Watch Part 1, on social activism in ceramics, HERE!

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Now on YouTube: Art Across Borders with Sergei Isupov

District Clay Center and the Embassy of Estonia are proud to present an artist talk with internationally renowned artist Sergei Isupov. Hosted at the embassy in Washington, DC, Isupov is joined by Aari Lemmik (Counselor for Press and Cultural Affairs).

Viewers may learn more about the show at our exhibit page.

To learn more about Isupov's work, visit SergeiIsupov.com.

To learn more about the Embassy of Estonia, visit Washington.mfa.ee.

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Become a District Clay Artist!

For those who want further access to District Clay, plus expanded shelving and discounts on advanced classes (among other benefits), check out our Community Artist program.

* Best for those with significant clay experience who are also interested in Independent Study. 
* Free drop-ins for regular wheel classes included.  

We have 119 slots and are currently seeking applications.

If you want to see District Clay before making a decision, you can schedule a tour by going here.
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​For more info on the program,  go here.

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Private Parties, One on One Instruction & Corporate Events

Create the perfect birthday, anniversary or friends and family Private Party Event using our socially distanced wheels and handbuilding stations.   Or take a private lesson with a District Clay teacher.
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Or plan a Corporate Teambuilding Event for your staff and use our Teambuilding Guides to enrich your work experience.

Either way, you'll have fun.  Just let us know how many people and what format you would like.  Find out more here.

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Give us One-Shot!

Brand new to clay and want to take one of our potter's wheels out for a test ride?
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Try a One Shot! class held on Friday, Saturday & Sunday nights at 5:30 pm & special Federal Holiday Mondays at 10am & 12:30pm.  For $85, you get a wheel, clay, a nice instructor and around two hours to try your hand at throwing some clay.   

You may be mesmerized . . . or not.  The wheel looks easy but it can seem to have a mind of its own. 

​We do promise you'll have fun.  ​

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Want to Check out District Clay?  

We are now offering 30 minute private tours during weekdays and weekends. 

Come and see the largest clay studio in the DC area, see our kilns and wheel rooms and hear about all the ways we are making District Clay a safe place to play with clay.  
 
Sign up for a private tour here.

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Why Take a Pottery Class?

The Best Places to Take Ceramics Classes Across the US, Artsy, 6/2018 (District Clay made the list!)
94% of District Clay Students Give DCC a Good or Excellent rating, 1/2020
 Local Company Changing the Pottery Scene, WUSA9 Feature on the District Clay Center: 8/18
District Clay Center Provides Holiday Shoppers with Pottery Bonanza, OnTap, 12/10/2019
Pottery is the new Pilates..., the New York Times, 11/2018
Creating Ceramics Can Help Combat Depression, Artsy, 9/2017
25 Reasons to Take a Pottery Class, Amaranth Stoneware, 7/2015​

Where is the District Clay Center?

The District Clay Center is located at 2414 Douglas St NE in Washington DC on the first floor of the Off the Beaten Track Warehouse.  We are minutes from Brookland, Union Market, and Catholic U. 

Our doors are on the left hand side of the building facing the street. Parking is available directly in front of the building.
 
Click here to contact us. Leave us a voicemail (301) 615-1434‬.