Youth   

This class is reserved for McLane Elementary Afterschool students in grades 3-5. Youth Scholarships are made possible by funding from McLane PTSO and the PARC Foundation. Apply here!

This fun ceramics course introduces youth in grades 3-5 to the many possibilities of clay. The instructor will demonstrate different techniques while allowing students time to explore and play with clay. 

Students will progress through learning and practicing techniques for forming, such as pinch pots, and coiling. They will learn about attachments, textures, and painting with underglaze. An example project for each technique will be provided, but students are encouraged to follow their interests and designs. Throughout the class, students will work on their observation and problem-solving skills while having fun and building friendships.

No prior clay experience is necessary. All materials and tools will be provided, and the course includes kiln firings of artwork. Students should wear clothes that can get dirty or bring an apron. The finished pieces will be ready for students a week or two after the class ends, after they are fired in the kiln. 

In this 4-week class, parents and kids will practice teamwork, sensory exploration, and fine motor skills through clay! Pairs may bring home finished bowls, cups, coasters, and small sculptures.

No prior clay experience is necessary. All materials and tools will be provided, and the course includes bisque and glaze firing. Please wear clothes and shoes that can get dirty. You may also bring an apron if you would like. Course fee covers registration for one adult and one child (ages 3-5). 

This fun ceramics course introduces youth ages 6-9 to the many possibilities of clay. The instructor will demonstrate different techniques while allowing students time to explore and play with clay. 

Students will progress through learning and practicing forming techniques such as pinch pots, coiling, and wheel throwing. They will learn about attachments, textures, and painting with underglaze. An example project for each technique will be provided, but students are encouraged to follow their interests and designs. Throughout the class, students will work on their observation and problem-solving skills while having fun and building friendships.

No prior clay experience is necessary. All materials and tools will be provided, and the course includes bisque and glaze firings. Students should wear clothes that can get dirty. You may also bring an apron. Guardians, please plan to arrive 5-10 mins before each class to sign your student(s) in. Students also need to be signed out before leaving. 

Youth Scholarships are made possible by funding from the PARC Foundation. Apply here!

In this introductory whittling and carving class, craft your own jam spreader and a mushroom figurine from a simple branch! Participants will head home with one of each project, and will have the opportunity to carve more pieces if time allows.

For each step of the process, students will follow along with the instructor until the project is complete. This course introduces participants to the art of whittling and carving with a focus on:

• Tool familiarity and safety
• Basic techniques and form
• How to find and source wood, as well as what woods to use for future projects
• Additional resources to dive into the art of whittling and carving after class ends

Please bring water and any snacks you may want during class breaks. No materials or tools required, but students are welcome to bring their own whittling and carving tools if they would like.

This five-day camp is open to rising 3rd through 5th graders. Students will explore a variety of sculptural forms and unleash their creativity by engaging in art games, ceramic lessons, a needle-felting project, and Chinese shadow puppetry. The theme for the week is “Forest Fantasy.”

Participants will learn essential ceramic techniques with instructor Annie Perillo, including pinch pots, coiling, and attachments. They will also gain experience in needle felting technique, tools, and safety with instructor Amanda Hanson, and gain appreciation for the Chinese art of shadow puppetry by participating in a day of storytelling and puppet making with instructor Kuen Kuen Spichiger. Throughout the week, we will discuss concepts such as texture, shape, form, and balance, and explore creativity through mini-lessons and games led by Ivy Aijala.

All necessary materials, tools, and bisque and glaze kiln firing will be provided. No prior experience is required. We encourage parents to bring their child to camp in close-toed shoes, clothes that can get dirty, and to pack a snack, as we will have a short break halfway through the day. Please arrive 5 minutes early to sign your child in at drop-off, and plan to sign them out at pick-up.

Youth Scholarships are made possible by funding from the PARC Foundation. Apply here!