The Craft Council Clay Studio is a facility where the general public can become more closely acquainted with the craft community and where they can learn the skills necessary to working with clay. It is also a centre where professional craftspeople can expand their skills. The studio introduces younger people to the artistic and craft communities and assists developing craftspeople in obtaining a local profile and hands-on experience with clay. Promotion of the craft of pottery is a major focus for the Clay Studio. The Clay Studio endeavours to heighten public awareness of the professional potters in the community, their skills and level of expertise.

Sculpting at the Craft Council Clay Studio, Devon House Craft Centre

Current Clay Studio Course Listing

Open Studio and Studio Rental Information

Clay Prices

Artist in Residence Program

General Programming

The Craft Council Clay Studio offers pottery classes for students of all ages. Classes may be recreational or professional and range from introductory to advanced levels. Topics include hand building, throwing on the wheel, sculpture, raku firing and glaze chemistry.

Children’s programming is a priority and the studio hosts weeklong activity camps during Easter and summer vacations. In addition, weekly classes for children and teens are available throughout the school year.

There's been big changes in the Clay Studio as of late! The Clay Studio is delighted to welcome potters, Mike Gillan and Erin McArthur of Northeastern Folk Art, as interim Clay Studio coordinators. Heather Stone has left the position of Clay Studio coordinator to pursue other interests and we wish her all the best in her endeavors. Mike and Erin look forward to welcoming you to the Clay Studio with new workshops and classes. Spring classes are set to begin in April; classes and workshops will be announced soon. On-going: Come In and Get Dirty Drop-in Class The first Sunday of every Month, 1–4 PM   Looking for a fun way to spend an afternoon? Want to try the pottery wheel? Join us for an afternoon of fun with clay! No experience is necessary, come down to the Craft Council Clay Studio and we will help your creativity take form. Some clay is included and an instructor will be on hand to guide you. Bring your imagination and come play with some mud! Times do NOT have to be booked in advance; children must be accompanied by an adult participant.   Children ages 5 - 11, $5 / Hour Adults, and children ages 12 and up, $10/ Hour   Important Information A $50 deposit is necessary to sign up for a class. Deposits are transferable up to one week before class starts, but non-refundable. Open studio vouchers will be given for a total of one missed class. Refunds may be given for medical reasons only. Classes are subject to adequate enrolment. To register, call 753.2749, or email claystudio@craftcouncil.nl.ca Back to Top

Equipment The clay studio is equipped with three electric kilns plus one raku kiln that is used for regular bi-monthly workshops. There are regular weekly firings of both bisque and glaze ware. Nine electric wheels are available for general use. The studio also has a clay mixer, slab roller, clay extruder, fully stocked glaze kitchen, three work tables and storage space for students.

Open Studio/Studio Rental Open Studio sessions are available to anyone who wants to drop in and be creative.  Costs are $4/hour, HST included. Clay is not included. Times do not have to be booked. Monday 9:00 am - 12:00 pm Tuesday 900 am - 12:00 pm Wednesday 9:30 am - 12:30 pm Friday 6:30 pm - 9:30 pm Saturday 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm Sunday 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm These hours may change for the summer depending on programming. Please call to inquire. Both shelf space and studio space are available to rent. Studio rental includes 24-hour access to the clay studio. Rental is on a month to month basis. Back to Top

Clay Prices Prices include HST. Glazes and firings are also included in the cost of the clay. Some clays may not be available at all times. Clay is sold in 10 lb blocks. Reclaim Clay $16 Reclaim Porcelain $18 White Stoneware $22 Red Stoneware $22 Raku Clay $24 Sculpture Clay $24 Porcelain Clay $24 Black Clay $24 Back to Top

A raku firing at the Clay Studio

Artist in Residence Space is available throughout July and August for an artist-in-residence. This space is free of charge; however materials will be the responsibility of the artist. The resident artist will have 24-hour access to the studio plus use of wheels, kilns, glaze kitchen and other necessary equipment. In exchange for studio use, the artist will lead a workshop for the students of the studio. The topic should be based in the artist’s own construction methods. The Craft Council Clay Studio is located in the Devon House Craft Centre. 59 Duckworth Street, St. John’s, NL A1C 1E6 Phone: (709) 753-2534 Fax: (709) 753-2766 Email: claystudio@craftcouncil.nl.ca Back to Top