The Clayart Studio of Rhode Island

This is not a «paint yourself a cute piggy bank» kind of place; it’s the real deal. Here you will receive serious, expert instruction in the creation of pottery, starting from wet clay. Using «hand building» techniques, which pre-​date the invention of the pottery wheel you will make a pottery piece from the beginning. Rena Bidney, the proprietor, is an artist. She is not trying to sell you a mug, she’s offering to teach you about the entire creative process. Hers is a working studio, so it’s a no frills setting. There aren’t a ton of project options to chose from, especially as a novice or beginner, you will probably be making a small bowl (dish.) It’s an entirely organic experience and also really great fun. A friend of mine set up a mini class for our children to take over the Summer. The kids started by learning to how to handle a wet lump of clay and prep it for shaping & decoration. This process took an entire 2 hour session. When we finished, the kids left behind fully formed, wet bowls that they had decorated by pressing beads, small pinecones, various stamps & similar items into the clay. During our absence, and after the clay had fully dried, it was fired by Rena into a piece of unglazed pottery. We brought the kids back to the studio a several weeks later (the time frame was extended beyond what was necessary mainly because we couldn’t find a date that worked for everyone) to glaze the pottery. Each child used a single color, one of a limited number of options. We left without our pieces again, which now needed a second turn on the kiln. Finally a week or so later, one of the moms picked up all the pieces form the studio to distribute to the participants (5 kids total.) The bowls are gorgeous, and 100% kid made, start to finish. We will treasure them always! Pricing is extremely reasonable, and Rena offers adult instruction as well; This is a great way to gain some exposure to an ancient and timeless art form without a big commitment of your time or money. Check out the website.