Let’s chat about one of the most commonly asked about craft skill sets- CLAY. And the answer is such a long winded one that I get caught up without a full reply. There are so many things to consider, and your journey into clay can be more of a conversation than one set answer. So in an effort to bridge the gap of what yous want to know, and what you need to know, I put this together for us all. Things to Consider:
Type of Clay Work: Hand Building fireable clay- Great for everyone, if wheel throwing is a goal you’ll still need to know handbuilding eventually, it is the building block of most/all clay work, can make work for the outdoors can make food safe items like cups bowls etc, can be cost prohibitive, in order to fire your work you’ll have to be a member or current student somewhere but some few places will fire work of outside artists Or Wheel Throwing fireable clay- Great for anyone hoping to become a production potter or to sell in quantity, can make work for the outdoors, can be used to make food safe items, not necessary for sculpting, can be cost prohibitive, in order to fire your work you’ll have to be a member or current student somewhere but some few places will fire work of outside artists Or
Polymer Clay Sculpting- it’s possible to do from home since they’re cooked in the oven, there are thousands of online tutorials etc to learn on your own, is mostly limited to objects smaller than about 12 square inches, can not withstand the elements to exist outdoors, can not make food safe items Or
Air Dry Clay Sculpting- this stuff it mostly just for fun, inexpensive and easy to find, great for practicing the process of sculpting, finished work isn’t food safe, will fall apart if wet without further treatments, can not withstand the elements to exist outdoors, can not make food safe items Goals: Hobbyist - It’s not a cheap hobby, but it is awesome. Some people find it very therapeutic. If you know you don’t have much money, or much spare time to dedicate, but want something that feels good to do- handbuilding can have less barriers, and it’s possible to use clays like polymer and air dry to make things without access to a kiln. Career Path - You’ll need to learn it all. Start by being taught as much as possible in as many different areas as possible. It doesn't make much money, requires a lot of money to get started and keep going, and looks a lot easier from the outside. You’ll either need your own kiln and studio or you’ll want to become a member somewhere until you grow enough to get your own space. Now that we've worked out most of the specifics that should tell you what your clay direction will be, you can look into where will be best suited for that path. Some studios below will only offer classes, which is a great way to start if you have the money to drop. If you don't have the money upfront there are a couple places listed that offer tuition free and low cost options. Few studios will offer membership but I would wait until you know a lot more about clay to think about that, since you wouldn't need to have a membership if you're enrolled in a class. And no one will accept you as a member until you know enough about clay to work independently. If you've read all of this and you're still not sure but you know you're still interested- Join me at a Clay Play Session. These events are great for newbies since we will walk you through the basics of clay and make sure you have the support to finish your piece in one session. We can also give you more specific info about other workshops and classes that might be good for you. If you're into clay already and just want somewhere to hang out and do it, it's also a good option for a drop in clay session that you can sit and make whatever you'd like with our low fire clay and stroke and coat glazes provided. __________________________________________________________________________________
Places to get into Clay Craft Coven Clay Play Sessions: ~$30 per person One Day sessions- ongoing open studio every other Wednesday Queer Clay: Single Sessions once/month $10-15 sliding scale
Black Hound Clay Studio: Full Classes ~$ 435/ 8 weeks and One Day sessions ~$35 Handbuilding Workshops are priced sliding scale at $25, $40 or $55/ personWheel Throwing Workshops are $60 per person
Fleisher Art Memorial: Full Classes only $265 /9 weeksThey will sometimes offer one day clay offerings called ‘jumpstart’ eventsTuition assistance is always available, and they have many tuition free classes every semester
Arts League: Full Classes ~$325/ 9 sessions hand building and throwing
Yay Clay: Full Classes ~$465/8 sessions and One Day sessions ~$
Clay Dates ~$150 for 2 people in a private lesson or group
Also offer drop off firing for making work at home. Also offer a membership program for $150/ month unlimited access
Main Line Art Center: Classes: $100+up, but also some tuition free, lots of options adults and kids Workshops: $60=up lots of options adults and kids The Clay Studio: Full Classes ~$390/10 sessionsOne Day Workshops ~$35+ some free community, both hand building and wheelSummer Camps for kids ~$180 per week
Neighborhood Potters: Class Sessions ~495/10 week session, kids and adult classes
Focus on handbuilding for beginners but have wheels after your first class session/ for experienced throwers Philly Art Center: Class Sessions ~$333/ 8 sessions adult and kids classes The Pottery Gym: One Day sessions for $150 per couple for 2 hours instructed wheel timeHas events calendar with other offeringsMembership: $150 per month for 24/7 access or $55 per month for remote/firing privilages Outlaw Arts: Class Sessions: Adults ~$240/ 6 sessions Handbuilding and Wheel, Kids ~$200/4 sessions Membership $100/ month with prerequisite 4 session class
No Wet Clay, Painting on Bisqueware only:
Only painting bisqueware
Studio fee $6+cost of item you’re painting ~$30 per person, adults and kids
BYOB after 5pm
(couple in the area, one in Wayne, Haddonfield, Glen Mills) Do you know of another Philadelphia addition to this list? Please email it to Info@TheCraftCoven.org and I'd be happy to add it :-D
__________________________________________________________________________________
I’ll come back and update this randomly if I think of other places to add, or for updates on pricing. And if you’re real lucky I’ll put it together on a cute little chart! Ok, though, for now just go get into some clay because I know you’ll love it.
Comments