Course Info

Classes begin the first week of every month.

Affordable

For over 21 years Creative Claythings has been one of the most affordably priced privately owned teaching studios in Chicago.

Beginning Classes are $160.00 for 8 weeks. All materials are included. Classes meet for 2 hours and allow an extra 1/2 hour for finishing and cleaning up. There are 2 make-up classes.

Beginning classes meet once a week on Tuesday or Wednesday evenings from 7-9 pm. A make-up class is available the 2nd Sunday of every month from 1-3 pm in the afternoon, so if you miss a class or two you can still get all the skills and information.

Intermediate/advanced classes are $130 for 8 weeks. All materials are included. Classes meet for 2 hours and allow an extra 1/2 hour for finishing and cleaning up. There are 2 make-up classes. Intermediate and advanced classes are held on Sunday and Thursday evenings for those who wish to continue with their studies.

Studio membership is $65.00 a month. You will have your own shelf space for storage and unlimited access to the studio. The clay is a white low fire earthenware talc body and and must be purchased from our studio for a charge of $.50 a pound because it includes both a bisque and a glaze firing. You buy your own cone 05 or 06 glazes. Most folks choose to have different looking glazes for their work. There is an initial minimum contract for 3 months. After the initial 3 months you have the option of a 30 day cancellation (this locks in the cost of your studio membership until you decide to cancel). Members who leave in "good standing go to the top of the waiting list when they decide to return. When you find this activity as exciting and fulfilling as we do and your busy schedule allows, then it makes sense to invest more time and money. Remember that health club membership? As a bonus you get to take the 8 week intermediate/advanced class for only $40.00.

Professional

Our degreed staff has the combined teaching experience of over 80 years. All instructors are proficient in both handbuilding and wheel throwing. We offer proven effective teaching practices.

In addition, specialized techniques have been developed to compensate for "tactile memory" and specific muscle development which can only be mastered with experience. If you attend all the classes, you can be assured of the completion of at least 6 unique and successful projects. The works of our instructors are shown in our gallery as well as galleries statewide and art fairs.

Atmosphere

Class size is limited to 14, which is the ideal number of people to make things interesting, but intimate enough to assure individual attention from the instructor. We are dedicated to bringing you the well-documented stress reduction and healing properties of clay. Creating an emotionally safe, fun atmosphere of acceptance and inclusion is our priority. The classes are structured to facilitate positive interaction and easy conversation. So, if you have plenty of friends, bring them with you. If your new to the city or the neighborhood we make it easier to meet and make new friends. Whatever your goals are for taking the class you will find this activity personally empowering. You will be taking a lump of mud into your hands, forming it into something beautiful and useful and then transforming it into an object made of stone that can last a lifetime. So whether your goal is: to make unique presents for your family and friends, have a fun night out to gather and meet others or to become a "master potter", we have the resources to help you on your journey.

Safe & Clean

Our studio has a filtration HVAC system and a cleaning schedule designed to keep the studio safe and clean. Every month the the studio is completely hosed down. The tools and equipment are washed. Non-toxic glazes are used that conform to ASTM non-toxic and dinnerware safe standards.

Registration is Easy!

You can use your Visa, Mastercard, American Express or Discover card over the phone to reserve and hold your space in the class. You have 48 hours before the class begins to cancel with no penalty. The night of class you can bring a check, cash or your credit card to pay for the class. Because we have kept class sizes small and our fees affordable, you must agree to clean up after yourself and there are no refunds after the beginning of the first class.

No Additional Charges

All clay, glazes, firings, use of studio tools and studio equipment are provided. You need only bring comfortable, washable clothes and tennis shoes to wear.

Location

We are located on Grand Avenue, one block east of Western. (Map)