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Education

At The Clay Studio of Missoula, we believe that working with clay is for everyone from curious beginners to experienced artists. Our diverse education programs offer something for every age and skill level, including hands-on adult classes, engaging kids and family sessions, immersive workshops with visiting artists, and unique opportunities like woodfiring, field trips, and internships. Whether you're looking to explore a new hobby, deepen your craft, or connect with the local clay community, our educational offerings are designed to inspire creativity and growth.

A caucasian man in a beanie and denim jacket holding up a sculpted owl-face to a real great horned owl that is sitting calmly as a reference for a class of sculptors.

Adult Classes

Our adult classes are a great way to explore your creative side and have a good time no experience needed! Whether you're brand new to ceramics or looking to refine your skills, we offer a variety of classes, workshops, and studio opportunities to help you grow as an artist. Come get your hands dirty, meet fellow clay enthusiasts, and discover the joy of working with clay. We invite you to join us for the fun!

Youth & Family Classes

Clay is the perfect medium for kids and families to express their creativity, build confidence, and have a blast while learning something new! Our kids and family classes offer a fun, hands-on experience for young artists of all ages. Whether it’s after-school sessions, weekend workshops, or family-focused events, we create a welcoming environment where imagination can run wild. Come play with clay and make lasting memories together!

Two young boys working on clay projects. One with dark hair, darker skin, and a gray tshirt works on the body of an in-progress piggy bank, while the other boy who looks related to the first and wears a blue gingham shirt holds up a tool to a mask he is making while smiling for the camera.
Clay Mugs

Project Pickup

Curious about the status of a project you or your child made in one of our one-day sessions or camps? Here you can find a list of sessions that have been fully fired and are ready to pick up.

Woodfire Program & Events

The Clay Studio of Missoula is home to a vibrant woodfire community centered around our anagama and train-style kilns located just outside of town. Our woodfire program offers artists the unique opportunity to experience the ancient and collaborative process of woodfiring where flame, ash, and time create rich, organic surfaces that can’t be replicated in electric or gas kilns. From hands-on workshops and community firings to special events and seasonal kiln openings, our program welcomes both seasoned woodfirers and curious newcomers to take part in this immersive ceramic tradition.

One younger white man unloads a large brick from a wood kiln behind him that is full of earthen colored, recently fired pottery, passing it to an older man who receives it with a smile.
Two young children with blonde hair take a break from making clay masks to smile at the camera.

Field Trips

Our field trips offer a hands-on, educational experience where students of all ages can explore the world of ceramics in a fun and interactive environment. Whether you're a school group, community organization, or just looking for a unique outing, our field trips provide a chance to learn about the art of clay, try your hand at pottery, and discover the creative process behind every piece. We tailor each experience to fit your group’s needs and make learning both engaging and memorable.

Studio Time Sign-Up

Members and Current Students can Sign Up for Classroom Access to spend time on projects or glazing.

A metal and wooden shelf filled with finished clay pottery projects made by young students.
A neat row of clay colorant materials in tupperwares.

Registration Information & Policies

We want to make your experience at The Clay Studio of Missoula as smooth as possible. Our registration process is simple, and our policies ensure that everyone can enjoy a safe and welcoming environment. Whether you're signing up for a class, workshop, or studio time, you'll find all the details you need here to get started. Please review our policies on cancellations, refunds, and other important information to help you plan your visit.

Clay Resources

A curated list of resources both online and traditional media that will enhance your research or inspirational quest through the world of ceramics.

Kids and Family Clay Resources

A curated list of resources both online and traditional media that will enhance your family's research or inspirational quest through the world of ceramics, with simple and fun activities for all ages.

Two rows of teenagers sit at pottery wheels, attempting to use red earthenware to make pottery for the first time. Several teens have promising looking bowls on their wheel heads.
An image of Great Grays by visiting artist Adrian Arleo. A photorealistic woman with lines etched across her skin has three to-scale great gray owls perched on her back and arm as she sits in a morose and tired way.

Visiting Artist Workshops

Exciting opportunities to work with visiting artists from the community and beyond. Masters of their craft come to share their techniques for single sessions, up to week long intensive workshops.

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