General

When are you open?

We are such a small studio and most of us have jobs /work across the state so the studio is only open during class times. Class times are generally Monday-Thursday 6- 8 pm, and Saturday 10-12pm.

Pick ups are during class times only or by appointment. *Best to email and make sure classes are running, we are not on a session break or closed due to weather.

Classes

What should I do if I am unable to attend the class I signed up for?

We offer limited seating in our class sessions, to ensure that each students is allowed the time and attention they need to be able to meet or exceed their abilities. For this reason, we request that you cancel at least 48 hours notice before the start of your scheduled class session. This will allow us to offer your spot to another Student. You may email us, anytime, at info@kennebecclay.com

Please note, we do not offer refunds. However, if you give us at least 48 hours notice of your need to cancel, we will credit your payment toward another event or class session. However, if you do not cancel with at least 48 hours notice, you will lose any payments you have already made.

What will I learn in the sampler class? How is it sequenced?

We always start with wedging for the beginners, a wheel demo covering the basics of centering and pulling. You usually make 1-3 pieces that night. As well as learning our, very thorough cleaning process. Cleaning up is vital in clay studios.

Your second class will be trimming, decorating, and applying handles etc to the pots you threw the first class..

Your third class is Hand-building. You get to choose from an array of templates or make your own! After the third class, all work is bisque fired so we can glaze them in the fourth class.

The fourth class focuses on glazing. All your work is then glaze fired, and you can pick up 2 weeks following your last class (generally the second week of the following month).

Pick up week dates and times: Monday-Thursday from 6-8, or Thursday & Saturday mornings from 10-12pm depending on enrollment and season.

What should I do to prepare for my first class?

For your first class, you will want to trim your fingernails, pull long hair back and bring an apron, but take it home to wash! Leave jewelry and bracelets at home, they can get messy while you throw!

If you have the time before the first class, watch our training videos as they are VERY helpful to get a jump start on your skills.

I have never worked with clay before. Can I still take a class?

Yes! We offer a Ceramics Sampler course every month which is geared towards students of all levels. We will work through the whole process of creating a hand-thrown piece, from starting on the wheel to trimming, adding features, glazing, and firing. You will also learn the basics of hand building. Check out our classes here.  

I have worked with clay before, but I’m a bit rusty. Which class should I sign up for?

We recommend our Ceramics Sampler class to students of all levels. If you have worked with clay before, this class will help you reorient yourself in a clay studio.

What could I expect in an intermediate class?

At this time, our classes are for all levels of experiences. Our instructors are very good with all levels and helping each student gain the tools necessary to aim for their goals.

What are your class, rental, coaching and material prices?

4-week classes: $150 * increasing to $175 Oct 2023

Kids ages 9 and up 4-week class:              $125

Coaching per hour by appointment $50

Monthly rentals                                 $200

Materials and Firings   variable

How far in advance should I sign up for a class?

We try to open registration for courses two months in advance. We always recommend signing up as soon as possible, as the slots fill quickly! 

I would like to sign up for a multi-week class but I know that I will need to miss one of the days. Can I reschedule?

We encourage students to sign up for 4-week classes during a month that they are free for each session. Creating a ceramic piece is a long, rewarding process that requires specifically timed tasks. We don’t guarantee make-ups.

When can I pick up my finished piece?

Students may pick up their finished pieces during your original class time two weeks after the last class of their session. For example, if you take the Thursday 6-8pm class in January, you will pick up your work between 6pm and 8pm on the second Thursday class in February. 

I would like to plan a group event at your studio. What are my options?

We offer Group Try Nights on Saturdays from 5pm to 7pm. The class is led by a teaching artist and all materials are provided. Choose from wheel-throwing or hand-building. Children are welcome in family groups.

$275 includes a 2-hour event for up to 6* hands-on participants and two finished pieces each. If you love all the lumpy children equally, each additional piece is $10. Finished work will be ready for pick-up after 3-4 weeks.

*Due to time constraints and the cost of materials and firing, we have a STRICT policy on the number of attendees. Should you have more than 6 in attendance, you will be asked to choose the 6 in your group that will be participating, and the remaining may observe.

What about winter weather cancellations?

Our policy is to wait until 4 pm to cancel class during icy conditions. We send an email, text the phone number you submitted at sign-up, and post on the Kennebec Clay Works facebook business page. Please check those and wait until 4 pm. The weather is fickle.

Membership

What are the requirements for becoming a Studio Member?

Membership in our studio is a self-directed experience. To become a member of our studio, you need a basic skill set in clay. Members will be issued a key for access and are responsible for their own cleanliness and direction in the studio. The studio is open to members 24/7, 365 days a year, unless building maintenance requires the studio to be empty. Kindness, Maturity, and Responsibility are required.

I am ready to become a Studio Member. How do I begin and what do I need to know?

Members should first sign up for a class to ensure they understand the ceramic process and how our studio operates. Exceptions may be made depending on circumstances. Materials and Firing are NOT included. You may purchase clay individually at Portland Pottery. We fire to Cone 5/6. Studio Members use BMIX 5, Laguna #60 stoneware, as well as porcelain. Clean up may take extra time and care to ensure a clean space for those working with light/white bodied clays. No dark clays please. Membership includes a shelf section/unit, shared wheels, extruder, slab roller, plaster table, and table space. We have a 10 cu ft. , a 7 cu ft & one 3.3 cu. ft electric kilns. You will be completely responsible for safety, security, and cleanliness. To learn more and/or sign up for a membership, please, click the button below.