Our goal in the Clay Studio at Stumptown Art Studio is to provide access to clay and ceramic education to people of all experience levels, styles, and backgrounds. We want to maintain a space that allows as many folks as possible to work with clay.
In Studio Equipment
- 5 electric wheels
- 1 three-segment Skutt kiln
- 1 small Paragon test kiln
- 2 sinks with clay-traps
- Large hand-building worktable
- Wedging table
- Extruder
- Slab Roller
We provide a variety of communal tools, molds, and storage space for pots in progress. Assorted clay tools are available for purchase in our retail section by the front desk. Our glaze area offers ten standard studio glazes, demonstrated on a 100-tile glaze combination test board, as well as an assortment of color slips and underglaze paints, and a small selection of rotating glazes.
Our instructors offer a variety of classes, workshops, and events aiming to provide knowledge on a broad range of subject matter. Our most popular classes are our monthly intro-to-clay workshops, where we cover both handbuilding and wheel throwing at a beginner level, and guided single-session handbuilding classes for kids, teens and adults in which we make a different project each month. We also host events like no-experience-needed drop-in throwing sessions, and intermediate workshops exploring specific clay techniques.
Our weekly drop-in studio hours are ideal for individuals who have taken a multi-week class, and/or have experience working independently in a clay studio. If you can prep, work/manage your own pots, and clean up in our community studio, get in touch about coming to our open studio hours.
For information about classes and recurring Studio events check the event calendar below and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates and announcements.
Private Lessons: We offer private lessons for individuals and groups, including repeat classes, project planning, specific techniques, or casual group pottery sessions.
To schedule a private lesson or general inquires, use the Contact Form to "Ask Our Clay Studio Manager" or call (406).862.5929
Firing Policy & Clay: We source our clay from The Archie Bray Foundation in Helena, MT. Both studio workers and home creators can buy clay from our stock or request orders through the studio. Firing service is also available for work created outside of our studio. Our regular firing schedule processes work within 10 days of receiving items.
Please Note: The clay studio at Stumptown Art Studio is situated down a flight of stairs and occupies a limited space. This may pose challenges for individuals using mobility aids, service animals, those sensitive to dust, or those at elevated risk for Covid-19. Whenever possible, we host single-session clay events in the main paint-your-own-pottery area upstairs however, multi-week classes and wheel events are typically held in our basement studio.
As an organization dedicated to education and as artists committed to sharing our craft, we are actively working to make our studio, classes, and access to clay more accessible to communities often excluded from ceramics. Please contact our Clay Studio Manager to inquire about specific accommodations or if physical or financial obstacles hinder your ability to work with clay.
