FAQ

Workshops + Classes

Ceramics Open Studio

Private Events

Memberships

Gallery + Shop

Workshops + Classes

  • The Lincoln Warehouse is at 2018 S 1st Street Milwaukee, WI 53207 We are in Suite 308 There is a lot in front of the building for parking. If you are able to climb stairs to the third floor, enter the South Staircase closest to the corner of First and Becher near Twisted Path Distillery on the parking lot side. If you need assistance getting up to the third floor, let us know in advance. There is a freight elevator that requires a key to operate, so we’ll make arrangements beforehand to meet in the lobby before class.

  • Wear comfortable clothes that are easy to move around in, sleeves that are easy to roll up, and closed-toe shoes. Most ceramic materials wash right out of clothes, but there are some minerals in glazes that do stain. If you will be throwing on the wheel, pull long hair back. Also, shorter nails are easier to throw with.

  • Yep! All materials are covered.

  • If you are enrolled in a 4 week class, your class works in progress will be stored with us.

  • We do offer some classes for young people, and we are adding more and more opportunities for kids as we can! Find the kids-welcome class category in the sidebar on the workshops page.

  • You sure can! Included in your 4 week class registration is one free Open Studio pass. Open Studio is 3 hour blocks of time on the weekends (we’re adding some weekday afternoons too soon!) Come in and continue work on your projects, or practice your throwing skills. More info is here.

  • Sorry, we cannot offer additional classes when you miss one. If you are enrolled in a 4 week course, use your open studio pass to catch up. You can also purchase additional Open Studio time slots.

  • Work is fired and ready to pick up about 3 weeks after the end of your class. You will receive an email when it’s finished. Pick up hours are Tues, Wed, and Thurs nights 6-8pm and Sat and Sun 12-5pm. 

  • We host workshops in all art mediums and a broad array of topics! Guest Workshops are one time events, organized, promoted, and lead by a guest artist/educator. Submit a proposal for your workshop here and we’ll get back to you to schedule it!

    All ceramic classes are created in collaboration with an instructor under contract with us. Please email toothandnailmke@gmail.com with your resume if you would like to be considered for that type of teaching opportunity.

Ceramics Open Studio

  • Open studio is for people who have some ceramic experience, OR people currently enrolled in one of our 4 week courses. After you have taken a 4 week class with us, you can sign up for Open Studio to continue exploring clay.

  • You will get an orientation at the start of your first session. A staff member will be present at all times to answer questions and assist in making the space safe, educational, and fun for everyone. You will get as much clay as you need up to 10lbs for the day, as well as use of any of our glazes and other materials. We use cone 6 materials including Bmix, brown stoneware, dipping glazes, brushing glazes, and stained slips. You’ll have access to all of our tools and equipment including pottery wheels, extruder, and slab roller. When you show us proof of your next Open Studio reservation, you can have some space on our WIP shelving to store a limited number of works in progress until your next session.

  • Open Studio 10 packs expire after 12 months. We hope you come in more often that that though!

  • Just like the name implies, it’s unlimited. Come in as often as you can and have an entire month of amazing clay experiences! But you must reserve your spot each time. You can be totally last minute about it, though you do risk the time slot being full. That’s said, please do not sign up for slots you cannot attend. If that becomes a habit, we will have to charge you for no-shows because you are preventing others from being able to sign up on popular days. 

  • You are welcome to bring in your own tools, but clay and glazes need to come from the studio. We will only fire in our kiln materials we are super familiar with. That said, if there’s something you are really itching to use, have a conversation with us! It’s likely we can make it happen.

  • Currently, Open Studio hours are Saturday and Sunday 1-4pm, starting March 29th, hours will move to Saturday and Sunday 10am -1pm. Hopefully in April we will begin to be able to offer weekday afternoon hours.

  • Yep! You will need to purchase kiln space. You can do that here.

  • Acuity scheduling on our website makes it super easy to reschedule your Open Studio reservation. Just go to your confirmation email to find the link. 

  • Nope sorry, it’s easy to reschedule as late as 2 hours before the start of your reservation.

Private Events

  • We offer private pottery and art-making experiences for birthdays, team-building events, bachelorette parties, family gatherings, and more. Our most popular option is a private wheel-throwing class, but we also offer hand-building ceramics and other mediums like painting and tassel-making.  Also, feel free to inquire about using the space without an instructor-led workshop.

  • Our studio has enough space, table, and chairs for up to 30 people. The pre-packaged group wheel throwing experience can accommodate groups of 7 participants and is easy to schedule at this link here. If you are looking for a different art experience or to accommodate a larger group, or inquire about other times not listed in that booking page, please email us to discuss options!

  • Most private workshops run for 3 hours, depending on the activity. This includes arrival time, set up, instruction, hands-on creation time, and cleanup. If you would like to add a little hang-out time (BYO birthday cake, etc) you are welcome to add an additional 1-2 hours to your reservation.

  • Each private party includes:

    • Private use of our beautiful studio and gallery space

    • A dedicated instructor to guide your group

    • All necessary materials and tools

      • Clay, glazes, and firing for wheel and hand-building workshops

    • A fun, creative experience tailored to your group 

  • Yes! You’re welcome to bring light snacks and beverages. Alcoholic beverages are allowed for adult groups. We have a mini-fridge, microwave, hot water kettle, and a sink. 

  • If you are interested in a wheel throwing or hand-building experience for up to 7 people, you can book that here. If you have something else in mind, let’s talk! Fill out this form and someone will get back to you in 3-5 business days.

  • We understand that plans change! We offer rescheduling or a partial refund if you notify us at least 2 weeks in advance. Cancellations within 14 days are non-refundable.

  • If your party involves ceramics, your pieces will be fired and ready for pickup in approximately 2-3 weeks. We’ll notify you when they’re ready! 

  • Yes! We love hosting creative parties for kids. We recommend hand-building activities for younger children, but kids 13 and up may enjoy wheel-throwing. We ask that at least two parents/adult friends attend the kids parties to lend a hand.

Memberships

  • Not yet! But we are working on expanding our ceramic studio to accommodate memberships! Our new membership program will give experienced ceramicists access to our tools and equipment 5-6 days a week during our studio hours.

  • Good question! Earliest would be June 2025.

  • If you would like to be one of the first people to gain access to our membership program, please fill out this form!

Gallery and Shop

  • Yep! One side of our studio is a gallery. We have 30 feet of wall and some pedestal/floor space that we dedicate to exhibiting local art work. The mission of Tooth + Nail Gallery is to highlight the work of the underrepresented artists in Milwaukee. And near the door, you’ll find our retail corner. Works for sale there are artists who teach workshops, or have shown their work in our gallery, or are just awesome friends of the studio.

  • The gallery and retail corner are open to the public every Friday and Saturday 12-5pm. Come view the exhibition, shop local art! You’ll also get to sneak a peak at our community making things in the studio.

    We also have opening receptions and special programming for each exhibition. Peep our calendar to see!

  • Yes. Just like our guest workshops, our gallery is open to all mediums. We have had exhibitions in painting and drawing, fiber, mixed media, performance, and installation.

  • We are collaborating with local curators to put shows together all the time. Some are invitational, some we have open calls for. Stay on the lookout for an announcement about our Pride Month Group Show! Otherwise, you can always feel free to email toothandnailmke.gallery@gmail.com to introduce yourself and share a link to your website. We will keep you in mind for future opportunities.

  • Totally! Email toothandnailmke.gallery@gmail.com to introduce yourself as a curator and share your resume. We would love to work with a guest curator to put together shows of any type beginning Winter 2026.

  • Sure! If you have ever taught a workshop, attended a workshop, come to open studio, or attended a gallery opening here at Tooth + Nail consider yourself a part of our community and feel free to reach out! Email us with a link to your website where we can see the quality and price points of your products.

Join us in the studio!