Clay Days: Summer Pottery Studio

Grades: 6-9 (based on Grade in Fall 2026)

Ready to turn a lump of earth into something epic? Whether you’re an experienced artists or just want to see what the hype is about, our Clay Days are designed for ultimate creative freedom.

This isn’t your typical follow-the-leader class. Each 2 hour session is an open-studio experience where you take the lead. Bring that project you saw on TikTok/YouTube or Pinterest, start a collection of handmade mugs, or just experiment with texture and form.

What’s Included:

3 lbs of Earthenware Clay: Each student receives a fresh block of clay (approx. 3.5" cube) per session—plenty for two mugs, a medium planter, or several smaller sculptural pieces.
Glaze: We use special glazes that can be used on greenware clay, which means you don't have to wait for your piece to be bisque fired.
Building Consulting & Technical Assistance: Stuck on a handle? Can’t get your walls to stay up? Our studio staff will be on hand to act as "building consultants," helping you troubleshoot your designs and teaching you the technical tricks to make your ideas structural and sound.
The Wheel Experience: For those who have prior wheel-throwing experience, wheels are available for use.
Professional Tools: Full access to ribs, loops, stamps, and glazes to finish your work.

Flexibility: Sign up for one day to try it out, or book multiple sessions to tackle several or more complex pieces. Students may leave early (with your permission) if they finish early. Please discuss this with your child ahead of each session.

We offer a varied schedule - day of the week and time of day.

Morning Sessions 9:30-11:30 AM: June 4, June 18, July 14, July 15, or August 11

Afternoon Sessions 1-3 PM: June 11 or August 4

Please note that students will be required to review and sign a copy of the studio use agreement. Preview the Clay Days Summer Pottery Studio Artist Agreement here.

Katie Schmitt

Katie Schmitt is an artist who has experience teaching engaging classes and camps at art museums, galleries, and community organizations in Minnesota and North Dakota.

She has a BA in Studio Art and Art History at Gustavus Adolphus College. During college she studied abroad in Florence, Italy. She began working in the arts at the Plains Art Museum in Fargo, ND where she led education programs for youth and adults. After returning to southeastern Minnesota, she continued to work in the arts and non-profits, including the Rochester Arts Center, Girl Scouts, Southeast Service Cooperative, and teaching at the annual Young Authors, Young Artists conferences.

Katie loves designing, painting, laser-cutting, crafting, and ceramics. As a teaching artist, she focuses on the process of making and provides opportunities to explore creativity and multi-disciplinary connections with her students.

Katie works in Community Education at Byron Public Schools.

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