Kids Clay Room

Kids Clay Room is a specialized pottery studio dedicated exclusively to children’s ceramic arts education, located in Chicago’s Lincoln Park neighborhood. The studio teaches children ages 5 and up how to create ceramic pieces from wet clay using various handbuilding and wheel-throwing techniques. Students learn to use molds, coils, slabs, and underglazes to transform clay into fun and unique ceramic pieces that are fired and glazed for durability.

The studio operates on a scheduled basis rather than drop-in hours, ensuring proper clay preparation and instructor availability for each activity. Class sessions are offered for different age groups and skill levels, including Clay Handbuilding sessions for ages 5 and up, Clay Handbuilding/Independent Study for ages 8 and up, and Wheel Throwing classes for ages 10 and up. Students progress through skills at their own pace while creating functional and decorative pottery pieces.

Kids Clay Room offers multiple program options including ongoing class sessions, camps and workshops throughout the year, birthday parties, field trips for school groups, and private workshops that can be customized for special occasions or groups. Summer camps run for multiple weeks during June and July, providing intensive pottery experiences for young artists. All completed ceramic projects are kiln-fired and typically ready for pick-up approximately three weeks after creation.

The studio provides all necessary materials and tools, with experienced instructors guiding students through each step of the pottery-making process from forming to finishing. For adult pottery classes and programs, the studio refers interested parties to their sister facility, Park West Ceramics. The focus remains on creating a supportive, creative environment where children can explore their artistic abilities while learning valuable skills in patience, focus, and craftsmanship.