Information on Classes for Kids under Age 16
Do we offer classes for kids?
We do not offer kids classes for open sign-up on a regular basis. The Valley's young people are busy!: We tend to have had trouble finding a time when enough kids of similar ages who are interested in learning similar skills are available during the same timeframe. To solve this problem, this is our policy on scheduling classes for kids under 16 (Ages 16+ can enroll in classes for adults):
We do not offer kids classes for open sign-up on a regular basis. The Valley's young people are busy!: We tend to have had trouble finding a time when enough kids of similar ages who are interested in learning similar skills are available during the same timeframe. To solve this problem, this is our policy on scheduling classes for kids under 16 (Ages 16+ can enroll in classes for adults):
- If you can put together a group of at least 4 children who could be in a class together during the same timeframe (dates, days of the week), we will work with you to try to schedule a class. That depends partly on the availability of our instructors and whether we already have classes scheduled for those times/dates, so scheduling might require some patience. Try to get in touch at least a month in advance of your desired start date, as scheduling generally requires some back-and-forth. Email is our preferred form of contact.
- In general, a multi-session class (so, once per week for 4 or 6 weeks would be typical) would be $27.50 per kid per session. So, a 6-session class would be $165 per student, and we would require a minimum of 4 students. (Or, groups smaller than 4 can pay a higher rate.) See below for information on single-session workshop or party-type events.
- These classes could involve wheel-throwing or handbuilding. Wheel-throwing utilizes the pottery wheel. Kids younger than about 10 (really, 12 or 13 would be better) aren't well-suited for wheel-throwing because it requires some arm strength. Parents/guardians should also be advised that this can be a challenging skill to learn and to consider whether this is a good fit for what they and their child are hoping to get from this experience. Handbuilding includes skills like coil-building, pinch-pots, building from slabs, and more. These skills are adaptable to various skill and strength levels, which makes them suitable for younger children, as well as adaptable for groups with a wider range of ages.