Kids & Family Programming
Our classes provide a fun and educational environment where children can explore their creative interests in ceramics, focusing on self-expression through handbuilding techniques. Classes for teenagers can include time on the potter's wheel.
Age ranges are set to allow students to thrive in their peer age group. All classes will cover the basic skills needed for the course, but at a pace set for the age range. Little Kids (5-8) will have slower paced, more hands on instruction, and projects that are simpler to build. Big Kids (9-12) courses cover basics at a quicker pace, and explore thematic, multi-step projects which are more complex, usually beyond the capabilities of younger children. Teen (12-18) classes are reserved for preteens and teens. These classes explore methods that are too difficult or utilize equipment not suited for children at lower growth milestones, such as the potter's wheel. Older children may take classes intended for younger groups if they are interested and feel comfortable with younger peers. Students may only be allowed into an older bracket if they are within 3 months of the minimum age requirement.
Family and Friends Workshops are becoming Buddy Drop-In Days starting in May! To make it easier for busy folks to visit the studio, these days will feature accessible project guides that can be made in 30-60 minutes during a special drop-in period, so you don't have to worry about being late or an extended stay if you finish early. An instructor will still be on hand to aide pairs with their projects, but it's time you can spend making something special with someone you care about! All ages are welcome, children under 12 must have a trusted adult as a buddy.
Week-Long Camps available over *Spring Break and Summer Break for ages 5-8, 9-12, and 12-18. Camps explore themes and projects in more depth and allow younger students the chance to have independent fun with clay with ample time to learn without frustration. During these times there will be Preteen/Teen classes available which explore the potter's wheel or other methods of making which are not ideal for shorter format courses. Camps allow time for more complete learning and exciting successes with the material.
Youth and Community programming instructors will apply clear glaze to projects when necessary to the project. Please note all works are fired in busy community kilns by a small staff, and progress can be delayed due to slow-drying projects, or high kiln demand. We will fire projects as quickly as reasonably possible: typically the process takes about a month. Parents will be EMAILED at the provided email address when projects are ready. Add fire@theclaystudioofmissoula.org to your contacts to ensure your spam filter doesn't block the bulletin. You can also check pickup status on our studio blog. If you have received no notice after 6 weeks, you can email info@theclaystudioofmissoula.org for information.
CLASSES FILL UP QUICKLY!
If you see something you are interested in and it is full, please contact us to be added to the wait list!
Please familiarize yourself with our refund and cancellation policy below prior to signing up for a class
Join our mailing list to receive updates and class additions once they are announced.
SUMMER CAMPS ARE COMING!
Enrollment opens to the public on March 4!
Enroll in Youth and Family Classes
Waivers required for Youth to engage in Clay Studio Youth Classes.
Waivers are valid for the calendar year they are signed,
up to January 31 of the next year if updated information is not yet available.
Your student cannot participate if you do not fill out a waiver annually.
Fill out and print the above PDF and turn it in at the studio or email completed to info@theclaystudioofmissoula.org
Anything shared on your child's waiver will only be seen by studio staff. Please share any pertinent information that would help us provide the best learning experience for your child, such as learning differences, allergies, and so on.
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Please note: the PDF version of the form must be downloaded and saved, filled, then printed or emailed to studio staff. You can print a copy and mail it to the address in the footer or drop off in person if you prefer pen and paper.
Clay Kits and Tools for Home
Friends and Family Clay Kits, for clay activities and learning in the comfort of your home! Kit includes list of at-home tool alternatives, but tools are also available for sale.
Cancellation Policy & Refunds
Thank you for your interest in our programs! Occasionally people sign up for classes and unexpected situations may arise where taking a class may not work in their schedules. We do have a fair policy in place for cancellations. Please familiarize yourself with our policies before registering in case you do need to make a request to cancel. You can find this information on our Registration & Policies Page
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YOUTH SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM
The Clay Studio of Missoula's youth scholarship program is a need-based program that allows young people access to Clay Studio of Missoula classes and camps for free or reduced price. This program also accommodates collaborations with local organizations working with children with less access to arts education opportunities. This program relies upon ongoing community donations to maintain funds to accommodate scholarship requests. The Clay Studio is happy to report that there has been an upsurge in the use of this program, and we want to ensure we never turn someone away due to hardship.
*Due to scheduling and instructor availability, camps may not be available for all age ranges during spring break. Programming for the different age groups will be offered as often as possible.
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If you are interested in birthday parties or private workshops for friends and family, 2+ hour workshops can be booked for 12 people or less, of any age, with a call to the office. Check our "Private Events and Tours" page for more information. Private events must be booked in advance based on workshop type.