[Itlbokay]

My Ds is very interested in working with clay, he watched a movie in art class that really inspired him and I am trying to gather information and resources to help nurture this new interest.

Any information anyone can share would be greatly appreciated

 

[sunnmama]

My dh teaches pottery in the adult/community education program (also a hs pottery teacher). He allows children to take classes alongside a parent, as long as the child is mature enough to actually sit and do pottery for the length of the class. That might be an option to explore. Or are there any local studios that offer pottery classes for children?

The thing with clay/pottery is, there are some really big supplies that make it inconvenient to explore without a pottery studio. Like a kiln, a high quality wheel, and expensive glazes. But if you have some land, there are other firing options. You can fire some kinds of clay in a fire pit, or in a metal trash can.....dh knows how to do these things, but I don't, lol. And there are lots of ways to finish pieces other than glazes....and techniques that do not require a wheel (slab design, pinch pots, coil).

 

[boysrus]

the children's museum in portland or has a wheel and a pottery studio set up, which is really cool/ Maybe other places have this? park and rec often offers classes. reading rainbow has shows on pottery. Also, there is a pottery wheel that you can buy for kids. it is little and runs on batteries.

 

[Wolfmeis]

This is an idea I am so interested in as well. The thing with the kiln is what stops me. I could be a menace with a kiln!

 

[Itlbokay]

An art league near us offers classes for children, but there seems to be something specific being made in each one, i.e. platters, bowls. I think my Ds would much rather learn techniques and be able to go from there, not be expected to make a platter because that is the course, or is that how most classes are?

 

[Lillian J]

I've seen children's clay classes in all sorts of places - a lot of teachers prefer working with children. You might look in those little family fun newspapers that are left at shopping malls, and also check the phone book.

In the meantime, there is clay available that can air dry or oven dry - check at art supply stores. You can read about them in the Dick Blick site. - Lillian

 

[Itlbokay]

Thanks, Lillian.

I did buy some clay to use here at home, and the art teacher at their PS offered to let us use the kiln there...I don't know if that offer will stand once I pull them out to homeschool them, I'll ask her

Even though the clay I bought cracked easily, my boys had a great time using it!

It must have been one heck of a movie his art teacher showed because he was inspired! He rolled clay out, wrapped it around a cardboard toilet paper core and next thing I knew he had made an awesome mug!

 

[simple living mama]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Itlbokay My Ds is very interested in working with clay, he watched a movie in art class that really inspired him and I am trying to gather information and resources to help nurture this new interest. Any information anyone can share would be greatly appreciated

Any chance of finding out what the name of that movie was??? Thanks!

 

[Itlbokay]

Quote:

Originally Posted by simple living mama Any chance of finding out what the name of that movie was??? Thanks!

I'll find out. I do know it's old, though. My DS told me that in it the instructor stated that one shouldn't pay more than $7 for 50 lbs of clay. When I talked with his art teacher I told her what he said, and that I had paid that much for 5 lbs - she laughed and told me that the movie was made around 1970.

 

[simple living mama]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Itlbokay I'll find out. I do know it's old, though. My DS told me that in it the instructor stated that one shouldn't pay more than $7 for 50 lbs of clay. When I talked with his art teacher I told her what he said, and that I had paid that much for 5 lbs - she laughed and told me that the movie was made around 1970.

Wow. There's nothing like the price of things to show you how old something is huh? Thanks.