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Kids of different ages and abilities can enjoy finishing clay pots. colorful pottery image by Gina Smith from Fotolia.com The process of making pottery and ceramic sculptures can be time-consuming, messy and expensive. Few people have the raw materials or glazing supplies necessary; fewer still have a kiln and firing equipment. Businesses and rec centers that offer public kilns are a reasonable solution for teenagers and adults but can present safety concerns for younger children. Seek kid-friendly programs that offer clay painting and classroom settings for safe and economical family fun.
Paint Your Own Pottery Classes
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Many studios and art schools offer paint your own pottery classes for beginners. "Paint your own" classes or programs typically provide participants with an unfired pot, known as greenware. Over the course of one day at the school or studio, students learn about ceramics and have the opportunity to paint the pot.The pots are marked for identification and left with the staff to be fired and glazed. Finished ceramics are shipped, delivered or left to be picked up within two weeks. Examples of "paint your own" classes are called Kids'N'Clay, Color Me Mine and Make Meaning. In addition, some communities have retail locations devoted entirely to customers eager to create their own pottery. Whether you go to one of these places alone or bring a group of children to celebrate a birthday, participants can choose to paint items ranging from figurines (animals, trolls, fairies, butterflies, etc.) to bowls, salt and pepper shakers or vases. Call ahead to ask a staff member about suggestions regarding what items would be best for the kids in your group to create.
Family Art Classes
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Register for a family art class at a local junior college or museum. Family art classes vary in length from one session to year-long courses. Look for a course description that includes 3D design, ceramics or painted sculptures. If you find and choose this option, you'll receive more in-depth education and participate in a wider variety of art activities, which makes it more suitable for older kids and teens.
Recreation Centers
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Reserve a room in a nearby recreation center and set up your own art studio. Purchase unfired clay pots or plates from a local ceramics supplier or "paint your own" studio. Make arrangements with the studio or an independent ceramicist to fire the pieces when complete. You may also choose to hire an instructor through one of these studios to instruct the participants. For a large group, this option may cost less than hosting a party through the studio itself as you avoid facility and instructional fees. Just be sure to use only the supplies they approve. Using unauthorized supplies can damage the ceramics and cause problems when firing.
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