North Carolina
The Art of Working Clay by Hand
Program No. 21934RJ
Discover the thrill of working clay by hand as you join experienced instructors to create your own unique masterpieces. Plus, explore the natural beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains!
Participant Reviews
Based on 17 Reviews
SHOWING
This pottery retreat in Montreat was an amazing experience. The instructors were not just skilled at their craft; they were so passionate and knowledgeable, and that energy was infectious. It's a joy to learn from people who truly love what they do. Between the beautiful pottery and the beautiful surroundings, this place has become my 'happy place.' I can't recommend it enough.
— Review left September 22, 2025
Unbelievably, my 2nd trip for Clay at Montreat was as special as the first. The access students are given to the teachers, the studio, the equipment, and the property are unbelievable. The clay studio itself is beautifully organized and has every single tool and toy that exists to make creating with clay accessible, fun, and successful for students of all skill levels. Montreat is an idyllic location full of serenity and beauty. I am returning for the 3rd time in 2026.
— Review left August 31, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed "Working with Clay"! All skill levels were accomodated, all the instructors were totally approachable & very helpful. We went home with many pieces of self-made pottery & lots of great memories. Montreat is a great facility--the rooms were comfortable, meals were good & the staff was always super helpful. They are well on their way to total recovery from devastating hurricane damage.
— Review left August 30, 2025
Linda K from Philly 2025
5 Stars---- enjoyed the pace of the class, the knowledge of the instructors as well as the assistants.
Well worth the time. Left wanting another few days to continue practice and creating with the pottery wheel.
— Review left August 14, 2025
Great for beginners and experienced alike. The program leader potters provide opportunities for everyone to discover or hone their skills.
— Review left August 10, 2025
A lifelong dream of mine was to learn how to craft pottery and not only did that get fulfilled, but the skills I learned by the phenomenal instructors I will carry forward into a new hobby. All instructors genuinely encouraged all participants to find their creative spark and I learned far more than I expected to. Close friendships were formed among our fellow participants and many shed tears when the program concluded. Not only did I enjoy the experience, but I found a little bit of peace. Even if you aren't an artist, be sure to add this retreat to your bucket list, you won't be disappointed.
— Review left August 9, 2025
Ann and Becky are great teachers for the potter program. I feel like I made a friend with both of them. I am already planning my next program with them.
— Review left May 17, 2025
Loved it - just wish I could have taken the pottery I made on the wheel home with me - would have gone back to NC to retrieve it when it was out of the kiln.
— Review left January 8, 2025
Excellent program for a beginner and someone with some previous experience with clay. The staff was excellent as were the facilities. the location was beautiful. Highly recommend.
— Review left September 23, 2024
If you like doing rather than listening, this program is for you. Proudly left the program with my first-time-ever, hand made items. It was exciting, exhausting, educational under the direction of excellent faculty who kept things moving under unpredictable timing of firing kiln etc. Bravo.
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— Review left September 14, 2024
A surprisingly transformational experience. I got so much more out of my week in Montreat than I expected! The time with the instructors was so personal and caring, and the level of skill they brought into the room was simply awe-inspiring. The love Becky and Ann have for pottery and ceramics, and the clay itself, and for people, and each other, and for the world as a whole is palpably obvious in the way they teach. I felt my whole mind gain clarity and peace with each passing day. I signed up for the 2025 session while I was on day 3 of the 2024 trip and I am already counting down the days.
— Review left August 27, 2024
I loved every minute of this program! I learned so much in such a short time. This class is totally worth your time. Treat yourself to clay joy :)
— Review left May 5, 2024
I truly enjoyed this class and want to return next year, and bring a friend. I can't find it in the catalog. When will this same class be available to sign up for? I guess that tells you how much I enjoyed it since I plan on coming back and bringing a friend!
— Review left October 22, 2023
The Art of Working Clay by Hand was an excellent experience! The instructors and participants were all fantastic and I enjoyed the camaraderie that was built while creating clay projects I wouldn't have thought I could achieve.
— Review left September 2, 2023
My experience provided by Road Scholar lived up to my expectations and desire to experience pottery. The instructors were so knowledgeable! The participants became like family.
— Review left August 21, 2023
This had to be the friendliest group I have ever been with in my 49 programs
— Review left May 7, 2023
The Art of Clay pottery is a program way deeper than working with clay. I came away with a fulfillment artistically, physically, and spiritually.
— Review left May 6, 2023