Fireborn Studios

Pottery, Gallery,

and Pottery Classes

Pottery Shopping

Shop at our gallery for Fireborn pottery along with work by other artists in a variety of media including glass, ceramic, jewelry, and Raku.

Pottery Classes

Adult Classes are for students of all experience levels, from beginner to advanced, with individualized instruction based on students' interests. Basic and advanced wheel throwing techniques will be covered.

Satisfied Customers

"Whether you want to buy pottery or take a pottery class, Fireborn Studios is the place to go in Pittsburgh. The gallery showcases Dan Vito's work but also sells work by other local potters and has a good selection of handblown glass. Pottery classes are offered during the day or in the evening to accommodate busy schedules. The instruction is fabulous, the glaze selection is extensive, and firings are consistently spot on."

"I have purchased beautiful unique pottery gifts from Fireborn Studios for years. Everyone I have given them to has loved them. I enjoy giving a one of a kind gift that will be used and enjoyed. The glazes are extraordinarily gorgeous and varied. And there is always a wide selection that is changing all the time. You are sure to find something you like. I purchased a teapot years ago that I use every day. I love it as much today as the day I chose it!"

"Year after year, for birthdays, weddings, or just because ,we have purchased gifts here. My own cabinets are filled with everything from bowls to mugs to serving dishes and we use them daily!"

"Dear Fireborn, Mr. Vito and everyone there in PA, I write to you from Cape Cod. Years ago I got a bowl with the name Fireborn scrawled into the bottom. A few weeks ago it slipped out of my hands while I was washing it and broke in the sink. It’s my favorite bowl. I know it probably sounds weird but this bowl inspired me to cook. I loved it. My daughter and I made cookies, breads, pancakes…everything and it brought me joy in the kitchen. It’s been a tough couple of years and this bowl breaking just devastated me. I’m hoping I can replace it somehow. I’m including a picture. After looking through everything on your site I guess it’s the Glacier glaze. The bottom of the bowl measured about 4.5 inches and the top probably about 12 inches and it was about 5 inches high. I hope I can replace this bowl. Can you please help?"

Fireborn is perfect for beginners or more advanced students. They mix the class with all levels of experience so you can always learn and get inspiration from those around you. Since the class sizes are small, you get all the attention you need and it keeps it a very relaxed environment. Dan and Dasey encourage and help you make awesome pottery. You really get the most for your money. I took this class for the first time before Christmas and had beautiful gifts to give away. Altogether I had a great experience and I would recommend this class to anyone.

"I've been taking classes at Fireborn Studios for a few months now, and I absolutely love it. Beyond the access to great materials (quality clay and a variety of beautiful glazes) and tools (the wheels for throwing and trimming, the kiln of course), it's a really nice atmosphere and good company. The other students are friendly and helpful, and the teachers are a delight... even when they're on the third round of showing me the same technique, one-on-one. There's a nice balance between structured lessons and the freedom to do what you're interested in individually. I couldn't be happier with my experience!"

Our Blog

Techniques Students Can use in Class

These videos show lots of techniques we think you might be able to apply in class.

Our Glazes

We have over 40 glazes. There are thousands of possible combinations. Finding the right combination for the form and function of the pot is the

Peek into the Studio

The Kiln Our kiln holds about 700 pots. We fire every three weeks on average so there is always fresh new work in the gallery.

How do simple, beautiful objects bind us together?

There is a powerful connection between artist, object and user. Objects made by hand, and touched over time, sometimes passed down from one generation to the next, connect us to family, community and culture in special ways. As a maker, I feel and an obligation to create the best objects I can.

On Mugs

Each mug is one-of-a-kind, made by hand, and noticeably unique. You will appreciate the balance, weight, and handle of each piece. We hope you enjoy using your mug as much as we enjoyed making it.

Mugs deliver pleasure. Hands, lips, nose, and mouth are high on the list of sensual receptors, and mugs deliver pleasure to all of them. The warmth of a mug, the smell of coffee, the taste and feel of a beverage, and the look and design of your vessel can elevate drinking to sensual indulgence and even a form of art. From the tea ceremony to communion, toasting Bottoms-Up or snuggling with a book and a beverage, to the mug on your desk at work, drinking vessels can be part of rituals and sources of sensual pleasure, and reminders of place and time. For us as potters, developing a nuanced awareness and appreciation of the drinking vessel helps us to make and appreciate them more fully. Because of that, they might be the most important thing we create, both for us and for you.

A note form Kim and Bill

Fireborn has been a part of many memories, connections, and family celebrations, and the making of moments to pause and reflect…your example has been an inspiration and your friendship a blessing.

About a Bowl

I write to you from Cape Cod. Years ago I got a bowl with the name Fireborn scrawled into the bottom. A few weeks ago it slipped out of my hands while I was washing it and broke in the sink. It’s my favorite bowl. I know it probably sounds weird but this bowl inspired me to cook. I loved it. My daughter and I made cookies, breads, pancakes…everything and it brought me joy in the kitchen. It’s been a tough couple of years and this bowl breaking just devastated me. I’m hoping I can replace it somehow. I’m including a picture. After looking through everything on your site I guess it’s the Glacier glaze. The bottom of the bowl measured about 4.5 inches and the top probably about 12 inches and it was about 5 inches high. I hope I can replace this bowl. Can you please help?

Shopping

Gallery

Closed until January 3, 2003

Classes

Tuesday and Wednesday Morning
Monday through Thursday Evening