Youth Clay Intensive (Ages 8–13) at Elemental Studios

Let your child explore the joy of creativity this summer with our Youth Clay Intensive! Meeting for a total of six sessions Monday through Wednesday over two weeks from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, this program offers kids a hands-on experience with clay in a fun, supportive environment.

Led by Brittney Baldwin
Our intensive is led by Brittney Baldwin, an experienced educator with a BFA in Art Education who also teaches in Portland Public Schools. Brittney’s approach is rooted in mindfulness, play-based learning, and community connection.

What Participants Will Do

Start Each Day with Participant Circle:
We begin with grounding breaths, a check-in, and an introduction to the theme of the day. Activities like mindful movement or a creative spark story set the tone.

Master the Pottery Wheel:
Participants will spend the entire first week and part of the second week working on the wheel, learning how to center, throw, and shape clay.

Create from Start to Finish:
Students will learn the full clay process, from wheel work to drying, trimming, decorating, and firing and glazing their creations, gaining a complete understanding of how to bring an idea to a finished piece.

Explore Clay Projects with Mindfulness:
Projects are designed to spark creativity and self-awareness. Examples include:

Nature Impressions: Gather natural materials to press into clay, creating textured tiles or wall hangings that encourage presence and exploration.
Creatures and Where They Live: Invent clay creatures and their tiny environments, blending storytelling and sculpting.
Inside/Outside Bowls: Craft pinch pots that explore inner and outer self—the outside showing what we share, the inside what we hold close.

What to Wear/Bring

Clothes that can get dirty
A water bottle

Elemental Studios is a place where kids can express themselves, make friends, and experience the calming power of creativity. Our Youth Intensives are all about gratitude, exploration, reflection, and community.

(Ages 11 to 13) Youth Pottery Intensive: Wheel Throwing & Handbuilding