Grades: 6-8 Ready to turn a lump of earth into something epic? Whether you’re an experienced artist 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 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. Dates: September 14, 25, October 9, November 10, 19, or December 7 Time: 3:15-5:15 pm 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. Please note that students will be required to review and sign a copy of the studio use agreement. Preview the Clay Days Youth Pottery Studio Artist Agreement here. ⚠️ IMPORTANT: Bus Transportation to the CEC ⚠️Bus Number: Students can take Activity Bus #12 from the Middle School to the CEC Building.Timing: The bus leaves promptly after school, so students must head straight to the bus loop after the final bell.Boarding Reminder: Students need to tell the driver they are getting off at the CEC when they board.Other Options: We provide a head count to the bus garage a week in advance, but taking the bus is optional. Students are welcome to walk, bike, or get a ride to the CEC instead

Mud, Magic, & Masterpieces: Clay Handbuilding for Kids Welcome to the ultimate screen-free, dirt-friendly creative zone! Our handbuilding courses are designed to get kids' hands messy and their imaginations fired up. Handbuilding is all about using the oldest, most intuitive tools we have: our hands. From pinching and coiling to slab construction, your child will learn the fundamental techniques of ceramics while transforming soft clay into permanent, durable works of art. Clay Monsters Date: Friday, October 16thJust in time for Halloween, this pottery class will have you crafting your own spooky pinch pot monsters! You will learn hand-building techniques, you’ll design, sculpt, and decorate your monsters, adding your own eerie touches to bring them to life.My First CupDate: Monday, November 2ndGet your hands messy and create your very own clay cup! In this fun pottery class, young artists will learn basic hand-building techniques as they shape, decorate, and personalize a one-of-a-kind cup. Kids can add fun textures, patterns, or creative designs to make their cup uniquely theirs. No experience is needed—just bring your imagination and get ready to create a cup you'll be proud of!Winter Break Clay Play Date: Monday, December 28th Let your imagination take the lead in this fun-filled pottery class! Students will begin by learning the basics of working with clay, including simple hand-building techniques and how to use pottery tools safely. Then it's time to get creative as they design and build a clay project of their own choosing—from animals and food to fantasy creatures and more! To finish the class, students will bring their creations to life by painting them with colorful underglazes. No experience is needed—just bring your creativity and be ready to play with clay!

Ready to take a spin? This session introduces students to the magic of the pottery wheel. This class guides students through the tactile process of centering, opening, and pulling clay to create their first functional vessels. While designed for beginners, we warmly welcome returning students who wish to refine their technique and experiment with new forms. Our instructor provides personalized demonstrations to ensure every student builds confidence and skill. Grades: 3-5 For after school classes held at the Community Education Center (630 1st Ave NW), students can take the Activity Bus to the CEC from the Primary or Intermediate Schools.

Unwind, create, and explore new art mediums! This Art Studio gives 6th–8th graders a dedicated monthly hour to experiment with visual arts, learn new techniques, and express their creativity in a relaxed, supportive environment. Each session features a distinct hands-on project—spanning clay sculpting, canvas painting, printmaking, and mixed media. No prior art experience is necessary, and all materials are provided.

Ready to turn a blank canvas into a masterpiece? Whether you’re a young artist picking up a brush for the first time or an experienced painter looking to rediscover your creative side, our painting classes are for you! We make painting easy and stress-free with step-by-step guidance. Each session features a unique theme, but the fun remains the same. Just bring your smile and your imagination—we’ll handle the rest! What’s Included: 11x14 canvas, all painting supplies, and expert instruction. Skill Level: Absolute Beginner to Advanced All ages are welcome (adults too) students in Grades K or 1 will need an adult assistant. FALL CLASS OPTIONS Glow in the Dark - October 13th at 2:45-3:45 pmGlow-in-the-dark paintings are so fun! We will create a Halloween scene and then complete the painting by adding some glow-in-the-dark paint at the end. All skill levels are encouraged to register for this class. Spooky Cat - October 13th at 3:45-4:45 pmJoin us to create your very own spooky, funny cat. This will be a great painting to use for your Halloween decor for years to come! All skill levels are encouraged to register for this class. Note: This class does not begin immediately after the school day. Because school dismisses at 2:40 PM and class does not start until 3:45 PM, parents and guardians must arrange for childcare and/or transportation during this gap. For safety and liability reasons, students are not permitted to wait unsupervised in the school buildings. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our students safe! Winter Starry Night - December 7th at 2:45-3:45 pmA twist on the famous Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh. We will be adding glitter to make this painting sparkle! It is very pretty to have a tree with little lights on it and glittery snow! Snowy Snowman - December 7th at 3:45-4:45 pmThe black background makes the snowman and snow pop! Of course, we will be using glitter to make everything sparkle! All skill levels are encouraged to register for this class. Note: This class does not begin immediately after the school day. Because school dismisses at 2:40 PM and class does not start until 3:45 PM, parents and guardians must arrange for childcare and/or transportation during this gap. For safety and liability reasons, students are not permitted to wait unsupervised in the school buildings. Thank you for your cooperation in keeping our students safe!