Youth Programs

For visits to schools, youth programs, organizations and more, we offer a modified version of our Glaze+Go pottery painting program.  During this activity, our skilled instructors will first provide a Q+A format discussion, explaining to the group the science behind clay and the firing process, and showcase various examples of the artwork to be created. Then the participants will brainstorm and sketch a few ideas before choosing from a variety of glazes (aka paints for hardened clay) and tools + brushes to decorate their ceramic piece.  The EWCS team will float through the group, helping those who may need a little creative push, or assisting those wanting to create a more elaborate design. Before finishing, we will provide specialty pens that the participants may write their names/initials/date into the bottom of each, personalizing it so it can be a unique keepsake to be treasured forever!

 

Once completed, the ceramic pieces will be brought back to EarthWorks ClaySpace where our team applies a glossy top coat (making them food-safe!) and fire them in the kiln.  It is a 4-6-week turnaround time for items to be ready for pickup (or we can drop them back off at your site for a small additional fee), depending on group size and availability.

 

Generally, sessions are 90-min long, with 75 minutes dedicated to the art activity and 15 minutes following for our team to reset/cleanup.  We aim for approximately 25 participants in each session, so we may provide individualized attention while having everyone stay on task.  This may mean we split the activity over the course of several days, if necessary, to accommodate your entire group. It is sometimes advantageous to intentionally schedule our team coming at least two different days, so those who may have been absent the first day still have the opportunity to create and enjoy the activity.

 

An example of a schedule we have utilized before was:

SETUP -- 815-845am

SESSION 1 -- 845-10am

RESET/BREAK -- 10-1015am

SESSION 2 -- 1015-1130am

CLEANUP -- 1130-12

 

Ideally, each group/session comes to us in a central location so we can have everything prepped and set up, such as the MPR, cafeteria, library, meeting room, etc. The glaze used is washable if it gets on clothing/carpet/tabletops, but hard floor surfaces are preferred for easy cleanup.  Ample table space + seating is critical; smaller groups of 4-6 participants tend to work best but we are flexible.  Access to a sink is great but not necessary; we can bring jugs of water and basins for rinsing supplies.  We'll provide baby wipes and paper towels, as well as disposable tablecloths if needed (we've had other sites cover tables with butcher paper ahead of time which is really helpful!).  

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We offer three ceramic pieces for you to choose from - this is selected + ordered ahead of time, with all participants receiving the same item.  Above you will find images of the items (mug, tile or vase) - the unglazed product with description is showcased in a green box, with examples of finished work surrounding it.  Participants will get to choose how they want to decorate their pieces, unless you have a specific theme/color scheme you'd like them to stick with.