Scholarships
At the Clay Studio of Missoula we want everyone to have the opportunity to experience the ceramic arts! Our scholarship programs are supported by funds reserved to increasing accessibility and creating opportunities for those in financial need.
We welcome donations at any time to sustain our scholarship funds.
Available Scholarships
(For students younger than 18)
This fund is to increase access for individual youth.
For groups or organizations serving under-served youth that may need financial assistance, contact Kelly Seitz at fire@theclaystudioofmissoula.org
(For adults 18 and older)
An educational scholarship founded in honor of Mo Gary, to give adults access to lifetime learning about the ceramic arts.
Youth Scholarship Program
It is vitally important for young students to experience the arts!
Not every child needs to aspire to be a career ceramic artist to benefit from a clay class. Clay is very therapeutic, and can make a lifelong hobby and healthy coping strategy for makers at any level of creativity. Our space and programming are designed to help people learn about and practice ceramics, and our hope is that through scholarship programs such as this one, we never have to turn away passionate young people who want to have creative fun at the Clay Studio of Missoula!
We do our best to keep opportunities affordable for hardworking families in the community, but in today's economy it is not always easy to make room for artistic exploration.
This scholarship program offers full scholarships, as well as partial (50%) scholarships which can be set up with a monthly payment plan to make the remaining balance easier to tackle on a tight budget. Parents or legal guardians of young students may apply to enroll their child in any youth-specific programming such as Youth or Family One-Day Sessions or Youth Camps. This scholarship can also be used to cover tuition to select adult programming for youth age 16 to 17 with parent permission. Such programs include any one-day session, or on-site repeating adult classes of beginning level. Students are eligible for this scholarship until they turn 18 years of age.
Currently recipients are eligible to receive one scholarship per calendar year, but more opportunities may be available if this fund grows. Consider donating to help youth in need access educational clay programs!
VISIT THE SCHOLARSHIP REQUEST FORM AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS WEBPAGE TO REQUEST AN APPLICATION
Mo Gary Memorial Scholarship
The Clay Studio of Missoula is honored to offer the Mo Gary Memorial Scholarship, created in memory of beloved local artist, arts advocate, and lifelong learner Mo Gary.
Mo was a passionate supporter of the arts and believed deeply in the value of creative exploration throughout every stage of life. She immersed herself in learning opportunities at the Clay Studio of Missoula and in arts programs throughout the region, continually seeking new skills, ideas, and connections through creative practice. This scholarship reflects Mo’s generous spirit and her enduring belief that artistic growth and education should remain accessible to all.
The Mo Gary Memorial Scholarship Fund provides financial assistance to adult learners who wish to participate in ceramics classes at the Clay Studio of Missoula but may otherwise face barriers to enrollment due to financial circumstances.
Scholarships may be applied toward:
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Adult classes up to 10 weeks in length
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Select special workshops and educational programs
Recipients are eligible to receive one adult program scholarship per calendar year. Scholarships may be awarded as either full or partial tuition assistance depending on available fiscal year funding and applicant need. Full scholarships cover the cost of tuition minus a non-refundable registration fee required to reserve a place in the class ($25-50, depending on class). Partial scholarships typically cover 50% of tuition costs.
Applicants must complete a short scholarship application that are reviewed confidentially by Clay Studio staff. Awards are prioritized for individuals experiencing financial hardship or limited access to arts education opportunities, as well as those who demonstrate a genuine interest in creative learning and artistic growth.
Through this fund, we hope to continue Mo’s legacy by supporting curiosity, creativity, and lifelong learning within our community.
Full or Partial Scholarships may be awarded for the following programs:
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Any multi week class led by a resident artist instructor or community instructor. This includes 5 and 6-week programs, 10-week programs, and most Sculpture Studio multi-week classes
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Most 1–2-day Community Workshops or Visiting Artists Workshops (some exceptions apply. Please contact staff to make sure an offering is eligible)
Mo Gary Scholarships are not eligible for the following programs:
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Firing Only Option in our Wood Fire Program
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Non-instructional offerings (studio artist access, classroom access only options, etc.)
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Adrian Arleo Workshop
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Individuals under 18 years of age (Youth Scholarship funding is available for Youth programs. Individuals 16-17 years of age can apply for a partial scholarship for 10 week Beginning Pottery through the Youth Scholarship program).
VISIT THE SCHOLARSHIP REQUEST FORM AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS WEBPAGE TO REQUEST AN APPLICATION