4 Saturdays, May 16-June 6, 9:30-11am
Create a range of fun projects in clay to take home!
Skill Level: All Skill Levels, ages 5-10
Instructor: Bethany Williams
SUPPLIES: All supplies are included in the tuition
More about the class: Get ready to explore the exciting world of ceramics!
If you're between the ages of 5 and 10 and ready for a hands-on adventure, join the Clay Explorers Jr. crew! Guided by an experienced instructor over four fun-filled Saturdays, we'll dive deep into different ceramic techniques, turning raw, soft clay into four incredible, finished projects you get to keep.
Your Expedition Checklist (What You'll Create):
Adventure Stop 1: Deep in the Ceramic Forest, a new generation of builders is rising. Your adventure begins by mastering the ancient coil-building technique, weaving long "ropes" of clay into a sturdy, protected sanctuary. But a nest is just a house until someone moves in! You’ll sculpt a feathered traveler of your own design—giving them a unique personality through expressive eyes and beaks—and fill their home with a clutch of tiny, hand-painted ceramic eggs. It’s a masterclass in nature’s own engineering.
Adventure Stop 2: Prepare for a trek to the ends of the Earth! We are heading to the Antarctic to build a "Frozen Fortress" bowl. After hand-sculpting a dapper penguin companion (complete with whatever accessories they need for the cold), you’ll shape a functional iceberg for them to inhabit. The real magic happens in the kiln’s fire: we’ll add blue glass "ice crystals" that melt into a shimmering, watery pool, teaching you how different materials transform under the heat of the forge.
Adventure Stop 3: It’s time to bring the wild into the kitchen! In this quest, you aren't just making art—you’re creating tools for a feast. Using slab-building techniques, you’ll roll out the foundations for a custom plate set inspired by the animal kingdom. Whether you’re carving the mane of a lion or painting the vibrant spots of a leopard, you’ll learn how to blend functional pottery with high-energy character design, turning every future snack time into a safari adventure.
Adventure Stop 4: Every great treasure needs a protector, and today, you’re the creator of the beast. For our grand finale, you’ll tackle a structural engineering challenge: building a hollow-bodied creature that doubles as a secret cookie jar. You’ll need to master the art of the "Perfect Fit" as you sculpt a removable head that acts as a lid. From scaly dragons to fuzzy bears, you’ll use advanced sculpting and texturing to ensure your "Cookie Guardian" is as impressive as it is useful.
By the end of the course, each student will have completed one-of-a-kind ceramic pieces, gaining confidence in their hand building skills and a deeper appreciation for working with clay. This class provides a supportive and inspiring environment where young artists can learn, play, and explore with clay!
Grab your spot on the team! All clay, tools, glazes, and firing costs are included. Keep in mind that clay is messy when selecting your outfit of the day!
REGISTRATION FOR THIS CLASS CLOSES MAY 15.
Member Tuition: $150
Non-member Tuition: $175
15% Discount with Membership Purchase: You can add a membership to your registration on the next screens to receive 15% off classes all year! Choose “Member Tuition,” add it to your cart, then select your desired membership level when the merchandise “add-on” options are available.