Pottery Wheel Sampler Class: Parent/Special Adult & Child

Grades: Students in Grades 2-12 plus parent/guardian/special adult

Get Muddy Together! This fun, fast-paced 90-minute sampler class is the perfect introduction to the mesmerizing world of the pottery wheel. Forget complicated projects—this experience is all about the thrill of the spin and the magic of centering clay.

Parent/Special Adult and Child pairs will share a wheel, working side-by-side with an instructor. We'll guide you through the essential first steps: how to prepare the clay, how to center it on the wheel, and how to pull up a basic cylinder. It's a fantastic, low-commitment way to test the waters and create a memorable, collaborative piece.

What you'll create: We focus on the experience rather than a finished product. You'll both attempt to throw a small bowl or cup. One final piece per person will be selected, trimmed, glazed, and fired by our staff in the color of your choice (included in the price!).

No experience necessary—just bring a willingness to laugh, learn, and get a little messy!

Register 1 child and 1 parent/guardian (or other special adult).

Dress for mess! Please wear appropriate clothes for making art.

If you or your child has long hair, please pull hair back while working on the wheel.
Long fingernails should be trimmed back as they get in the way for pottery making.
Participants will be provided an apron at class. You might get some clay splatters on clothes or shoes. Clay should wash out easily.

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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