Lander Art Center
Clay Studio at
Start anywhere, grow your skills, make with community.
START YOUR STUDIO EXPERIENCE
Start here: Wednesday Orientation
Wednesdays, 5:30 to 7:30
Learn the space, tools, and house etiquette, then hop on a wheel with guidance from our Clay Studio teachers: Shannon Wachowski, Stephen Snell, and Rachel Russell. Orientation unlocks Open Studio and Shelf Rental application access.
Open Studio: Drop-in or Punch Pass
Practice during posted Open Studio hours. Ideal for visitors or occasional makers. A punch pass gives you 5 visits for the price of 4. If you are enrolled in a 5-week class, Open Studio access is included during your course dates.
5-Week Classes: Build Skills Fast
Take a project from start to finish. Throw, trim, bisque fire, glaze, and glaze fire with a seasoned instructor.
Shelf Rental: Work Longer, Grow Deeper
If you fall in love with clay, rent a shelf. Get extended access during shelf-renter hours, a door code, and a supportive community. Not 24-hour access, but the next best thing.
YOUR CLAY JOURNEY
Orientation
Space tour, responsibilities, safety, and your first guided wheel time.
Open Studio (included with 5-week classes during your course dates)
If not in a class you can drop in or use a punch pass to build skills between classes.
5-Week Classes
Consistent instruction and repetition that moves your work forward (includes access to the Open Studio hours during your course dates).
Shelf Rental
Extended access, storage, and a core community that helps you grow.
Start at any step, then loop back or level up. Your path is yours.
Tools and Amenities
We have 7 potters’ wheels, a slab roller, coil extruder, a pug mill, throwing and sculpting tools, and lots of table space. You can purchase your own block of clay or use our recycled community clay, included with every session.
PRICING AND HOURS
Orientation
Wednesdays, 5:30 to 7:30. Required before independent Open Studio and Shelf Rental. If you are enrolled in a 5-week class, you may use Open Studio during your course dates even if you have not yet completed Orientation.
Open Studio
Drop-in: $15 per visit
Punch Pass: $60 for 5 visits, which is $12 per visit
5-Week Classes
Pricing varies by course.
Shelf Rental
$50 per month through the end of 2025. Extended access during shelf-renter hours with a door code.
To apply for shelf rental, please stop by the Lander Art Center during open hours and speak with a staff member.
Prices current as of August 2025.
VALUE TIPS
If you plan to come 5 times in a month, shelf rental averages $10 per visit plus added perks. A punch pass is $12 per visit. Choose what fits your rhythm.
Shelf Rental includes
One large shelf to store your work, clay, and tools (studio tools also available)
Firing of your work on the Open Studio schedule (private firings available upon request)
20% discount on clay purchased through LAC
A Trout-level LAC membership ($5/month value), which includes:
– Email and postal communications
– Access to Art in the Afternoon (AITA) Members Preview
– Eligibility to enter the Members Show (entry fee applies)
How Firings Work
Bisque and glaze firings run on a schedule set by staff and studio volume. Shelf-renter work is included on the Open Studio schedule unless you book a private firing. Details are posted in the studio and covered in Orientation.
House Etiquette
Clean your station and shared tools before leaving, label your work with name and date, follow glaze and firing guidelines posted in the studio, and support a shared learning environment.
FAQ
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No. Orientation is the best place to start if you are new. Classes welcome all levels.
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Choose Open Studio drop-ins or a punch pass. Orientation comes first.
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Yes. Classes are beginner friendly. Orientation is still recommended so you feel at home in the studio outside of class.
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No. Shelf renters have extended access during shelf-renter hours. You receive a door code and can check in and out during those windows. Hours are posted in the studio.
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Purchase your own clay here at the studio, we usually have 3–5 options, or use recycled community clay, included with every session.