My name is Chris Casey and I've been working in clay for more than two decades. I began ceramics in high school and went on to study sculpture and ceramics at UNM. I've been teaching since 2013 at various studios around Albuquerque, so I'm excited to teach students in my very own studio.

Each class is two hours, and no experience is needed. I'll guide you step by step through throwing cups and bowls on the pottery wheel. Most people make 3–5 pieces, and at the end of class you'll pick your favorite two to keep (extra pieces are $5 each). I'll trim them, glaze them in the glaze of your choice, and fire them. They'll be ready in about 2–3 weeks to pick up, or I can ship them to you for a flat $10.

Yes! Two pieces are included in the class, and extra pieces are $5 each. Just let me know at the end of class which ones you'd like to keep.

Classes run every day at 12–2 PM, 3–5 PM and 6–8 PM. They're $75 per person, all materials included. See open times on the class calendar.

My studio is in the east end of Nob Hill in Albuquerque. The address will be sent with your booking confirmation. Please park in the lot next to the building.

Pick a day on the class calendar, choose a time, enter how many people and their names, then pay at checkout. You can book up to four spots at once. Bookings close 24 hours before each class. By booking you agree to the class terms.

Yes! These classes have 4 people max, so it's already a pretty small class, but we can work out whatever kind of class you want. Send me an email and we can chat.

Comfortable clothes you don't mind getting messy, and please wear closed-toe shoes. Long hair will need to be tied back, and having short nails will make throwing much easier. Everything else is provided.

Yes, ages 12 and up. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult for the whole class. The adult can watch for free, or book their own spot to join in.

Please arrive 5 minutes early and use the door on Silver Ave SE. Classes start and end on time, so if you arrive late, the class can't be extended.

It will take 2–3 weeks for me to get the pieces all the way through the processes of glazing and firing. I will email you when they are ready for pickup.

Yes! If you can't pick them up, I can ship your finished pieces to you for a flat $10. Just let me know.

I'll hang onto your finished work for 2 months, so you'll have plenty of time to pick them up.

Yes! Your pots will be microwave, dishwasher, and food safe.

Small cracks shouldn't be an issue, and I'll try my hardest to get your pieces through the process in pristine shape. But cracks and breaks do happen, and pieces will be presented how they come out of the kiln.

Yes. Up to 24 hours before your class, go to Manage your booking, enter your order number and email, and pick a new time. New times also need at least 24 hours' notice.

Cancel up to 24 hours before your class on Manage your booking for a full refund to your card. Inside 24 hours bookings can't be refunded or changed, but you're welcome to send someone in your place — just let me know their name.

Life happens, so if I ever need to cancel class, you can either get a full refund or rebook the class for whenever is convenient for you.

Yes. Gift cards work on classes and everything in the shop. A $75 card covers one person for one class. You can have it emailed straight to the recipient on the day you choose.

Yes. I make commissions for pieces in my style that aren't in the shop. Tell me about your idea on the commissions page. If you have a design of your own you'd like made, whether it's one piece, a set of four or dozens of pieces, see Desert Brain commissions.

For individual pieces, about 2 weeks is the average turnaround. Depending on the complexity and number of pieces, some commissions will take longer. If you have a tight deadline, send me a message and we can work it out.

I'm in the USA and can ship almost anywhere. Orders within the US usually arrive in 3–5 days. International shipping can take much longer and may have extra fees depending on the country, so send me a message if you're curious.

If the work arrives damaged or you really don't like it, you can get a refund or exchange it for a similarly priced item. Just let me know within 14 days of delivery. Return shipping is on you unless the piece arrived damaged.

Handmade ceramics can take a little more care than dishes you'd buy at the store. Hand washing is recommended. Before filling a piece with a really hot drink, pour in a little of the hot liquid and swirl it around to warm the piece up first. That puts the pot through less strain.

That being said, I put my own work through the dishwasher and pour hot coffee into it daily with no issues.

Hang paintings out of direct sunlight and away from heaters, fireplaces and damp rooms like bathrooms, since strong light, heat and moisture are hard on paint and canvas. To clean one, dust it gently with a soft, dry cloth or brush. Don't use water or cleaning products on the painted surface.

When you move a painting, hold it by the sides of the frame rather than pressing on the front or back of the canvas.