Our children’s programs are designed to support what works best for each child and family.

For our Wonder Nest program, children ages 2–3 do require a parent or caregiver to stay with them. We may also require a parent to stay if a child needs support with toileting or if there are specific safety needs that require one-on-one support. We ask about these things on our intake form so we can make sure everyone feels safe and supported.

Otherwise, parents are welcome to drop off for both Wonder Nest and our Children’s Clay programs.

That being said, if your child feels more comfortable having you nearby, you are always welcome to stay for part or all of the class — whether that’s for the first few sessions while they settle in or throughout the entire program. We want children to feel safe, comfortable and confident in the space, and every child gets there in their own way.

Absolutely! We welcome families, and Clay Nest is very much a community space.

If you have a baby or younger sibling coming along who is mostly just hanging out with you and only minimally engaging in the activities, there is no additional charge. Once little ones are around ages 2–3 and are wanting to participate more fully, we do have a reduced rate for that age group. Wonder Nest has lots of sensory art, exploratory materials and opportunities for play that younger siblings often love too.

Older siblings are also welcome to come along and hang out. If they’d like to participate and create with us, just reach out! We’re always happy to chat about what would work best and find a way for them to be part of the experience.

There’s lots of flexibility within our programs, and we want families to feel comfortable and welcome in the space.

Once you register, we’ll send you a welcome email with everything you need to know before your first class.

For Wonder Nest, we spend time creating and exploring both indoors and outdoors in all kinds of weather. Please dress your child for the weather and send an extra change of clothes in case they get wet or covered in art materials. Clothes that are okay getting messy or stained are always best.

For Clay Studio, expect clothes to get covered in clay! Kids are welcome to bring an apron or a pair of overalls that can become their pottery clothes, or we have aprons available at the studio.

For all programs, please send a water bottle and a snack or lunch depending on the time and length of the program.

We love to be outside as much as possible! Depending on the weather, on warm, beautiful days we may even set up the entire class outdoors. Otherwise, our programs often include a blend of studio time and outdoor exploration.

When we’re outside, we often spend time in Wildflower Park in Ranchlands. Our indoor space is a converted garage studio where we gather for art-making and our pottery programs.

Some creations will come home the same day, while others may need a little more time in the studio.

Pottery has quite a few steps before it’s finished. Pieces need to dry slowly, go through their first kiln firing, be glazed, and then be fired again. Because of this, pottery can sometimes take multiple weeks after a class or program to be completely finished and ready for pickup.

With other art projects, there may be another step we need to complete in the studio, or particularly wet, messy or fragile pieces may be better left to dry before heading home.

We’ll always let you know when your pieces are ready for pickup!

If Clay Nest Art Studio cancels a class for any reason, you will always be offered a make-up class or reimbursement for the cancelled class.

If you need to miss a class, please reach out. We’re always happy to chat about whether there is an opportunity to make it up, but because of our small class sizes and program schedules, we can’t always guarantee a make-up class. Refunds are not provided for missed classes.

Every class looks a little different depending on what we’re exploring that day.

Wonder Nest
We often begin with a story or inspiration and a project we work on together, introducing different skills and mediums such as clay, felting, painting and mixed media. From there, we move into more open-ended, process-based art and exploration, often incorporating nature and time outdoors.

Clay Studio
Each class includes a skill or technique we’re exploring that day, with demonstrations and ideas to help get you started. We also believe so much of learning pottery comes from actually getting your hands in the clay, experimenting and practicing. There’s lots of time to create, with one-on-one guidance and support along the way.

Women’s Create + Connect Circle
We begin by settling in together with tea, a gentle guided breath and an intention for our time together. From there, we move into a different creative project each gathering. It’s a chance to try different art forms, make something with your hands and spend time creating alongside other women.