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Summer Camp

Camp Information

Looking for a creative and engaging summer camp in Ann Arbor? Throw Art Studio’s 5-day Kids Clay Camp is the perfect way for children to explore pottery, handbuilding, and artistic expression in a fun and supportive environment.

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Ages 5-8: Handbuilding & Guided Exploration

This camp is designed for younger kids who are excited to explore hands-on clay projects in a fun and supportive environment.

  • Handbuilding Focus – Kids will create fun, simple clay projects using pinch pots, coil-building, and slab techniques.

  • Creative Art Projects – Easier painting and mixed-media projects that encourage artistic expression.

  • Studio Tools Exploration – Hands-on experimentation with textured stamps, rollers, and a hand-extruder to add detail and texture to their creations.

  • Wheel Demonstration (No Hands-On Use) – Campers will watch an instructor demonstrate wheel throwing but will not use the wheel themselves.

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Ages 9-12: Wheel Throwing Introduction & Advanced Handbuilding

Older campers will get a more in-depth clay experience, including an introduction to the pottery wheel and more complex handbuilding projects.

  • Pottery Wheel Introduction – Each camper will practice on the wheel under instructor supervision (but won’t keep their wheel-thrown pieces).

  • More Challenging Handbuilding – Using slab construction, coiling, and sculpting techniques to create larger, more detailed projects.

  • Glazing & Surface Design – Learning basic glazing techniques and decorative methods.

  • Studio Equipment Demonstrations – A behind-the-scenes look at the slab roller and extruder, plus an introduction to how kilns work and ceramic chemistry.

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Camp Schedule & Details

  • Dates: 5-day camps running every other week from June to August (see full schedule below)

  • Time: Monday - Friday, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

  • Location: Throw Art Studio, conveniently located next to a café for parents to grab lunch or work while their child is at camp

  • Ages: 5-8 and 9-13 (separate age groups for a better learning experience)

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Summer 2025 Camp Dates

  • June 17-21

  • July 8-12

  • July 22-26

  • August 5-9

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Pricing & Registration

  • $399 per child

  • Limited to 6 kids per age group & session! Registration closes when camps fill.

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Spots fill fast! Sign up today to reserve your child’s spot in Ann Arbor’s best summer clay camp.

Sessions for Ages 5-8

Sessions for Ages 9-12

Parent Information

Drop-Off & Pick-Up

  • Time: Drop-off begins at 10:45 AM; camp starts at 11:00 AM.

  • Pickup is at 2:00 PM. Please arrive on time, as our staff needs to reset the studio for other sessions.

  • We are located next to a café, making it easy for parents to grab lunch or get some work done while waiting.

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What to Bring

  • Water bottle – We will have short breaks, but hydration is important.

  • Snack – Kids will have a scheduled break, so please pack a small, nut-free snack.

  • Clothes that can get messy – Clay and glaze can stain, so we recommend old clothes or an apron.

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Safety & Supervision

  • Our staff ensures a low student-to-teacher ratio for individualized guidance.

  • Kids will be supervised at all times during wheel practice, handbuilding, and painting sessions.

  • We use kid-safe, non-toxic materials, and all tools are demonstrated safely before use.

  • Campers will also learn about how kilns work and see how pottery is fired, with age-appropriate explanations of ceramic chemistry.

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Firing & Pickup of Finished Work

  • Handbuilt pieces will be fired and available for pickup 2-3 weeks after camp ends. Families will be notified when projects are ready.

  • Wheel-thrown pieces will not be kept, as this is a practice-only activity for kids in the 9-12 age group.

  • What will we paint?
    Refer to our schedule by scrolling back up to see selected projects & their planned dates!
  • What materials will be used?
    All materials are included! Throw Art Studio uses Liquitex Acrylic Paint, synthetic artist brushes, & 8x10 canvases. You are welcome to bring your own materials if you prefer.
  • How do we find you?
    We are located at 130 Jackson Plaza, Ann Arbor, MI 48103. We are directly connected to the Homes Campus's "Flex Space," which is the large white & black warehouse that can be found at the back of Homes' additional parking lot. If you are at Dozer or Homes, walk back to the additional parking lot and look to your left!
  • How do we get our drink?
    Check into the studio at the back of the campus additional parking. You can then go to the Homes Campus Bar directly across from Throw Art Studio and get 1 drink item per participant.
  • Where are you located?
    130 Jackson Plaza, Ann Arbor, MI. We are on the Homes Campus, which offers food, drinks, and indoor/outdoor workspaces. Our studio is a warehouse space in the back parking lot of this campus. We are near the exit of the additional parking for the campus; look for our signs!
  • What is the class structure?
    The first 15-30 minutes of class are reserved for a demo. Then, you will receive help from your instructor to try and complete the demo. In the last 20 minutes of class, students are asked to tidy up their stations.
  • When are additional practice times?
    You can come in for an additional unguided practice session during each week you are in class. Open studio hours are listed on our "Membership" page. You do not have to notify us before stopping in, but please check in at the front desk!
  • What will we make?
    You are encouraged to use your creativity to set your own goals for what you'd like to create. We will guide you with goals to set benchmarks for your progress. You will be able to keep & fire anything that you can place on an 11" circular tray without stacking.
  • What if I have to miss a session?
    You can use your open studio time practice session to make up your lesson with the on-staff instructor during open studio hours. We will schedule this make-up session after you notify us that you'll be missing class.
  • Do I need clay experience?
    No experience is required for this course! We welcome both beginners and intermediate throwers, and we can adapt lessons based on individual progress.
  • When Will We Pick Up Our Items?
    Pickups will be approximately 2 weeks after painting your item. Actual pickup times can vary by up to 2 weeks, and we will keep you up-to-date during the process.
  • What Will We Paint?
    When you arrive at the studio, you can choose from a variety of pre-made bowls, cups, mugs, & statues. Prices will vary from $10-30 per item depending on size & complexity.
  • How Long Do We Have to Paint?
    You will be able to paint from whatever time you arrive until the end of our daily pottery painting session. Pottery painting open studio times are listed on our website.
  • How Much is it to Paint?
    There is a $10 fee for to have a seat at our pottery painting sessions, plus the cost of whatever item(s) you choose to paint.
  • Do teens need prior clay experience?
    No experience is required! We accept beginners & those with prior experience.
  • Where are you located?
    130 Jackson Plaza, Ann Arbor, MI 48103. We are on the Homes Campus, which offers food, drinks, and indoor/outdoor workspaces. Our studio is a warehouse space in the back parking lot of this campus. We are near the exit of the additional parking for the campus; look for our signs!
  • What will we make?
    You are encouraged to use your creativity to set your own goals for what you'd like to create. We will guide you with goals to set benchmarks for your progress. Students can fire & keep up to 6 pieces placed on a single 11" circular tray.
  • What will we make?
    You are encouraged to use your creativity to set your own goals for what you'd like to create. We will guide you with goals to set benchmarks for your progress.
  • Where are you located?
    We are on the Homes Campus, which offers food, drinks, and indoor/outdoor workspaces. Our studio is a warehouse space in the back parking lot of this campus. We are near the exit of the additional parking for the campus; look for our signs!
  • How do we find you?
    We are located at 130 Jackson Plaza, Ann Arbor, MI 48103. We are directly connected to the Homes Campus's "Flex Space," which is the large white & black warehouse that can be found at the back of Homes' additional parking lot. If you are at Dozer or Homes, walk back to the additional parking lot and look to your left!
  • Do we keep our pieces?
    After your session is over, you will get to choose 1 favorite piece to be glazed and fired by the studio at no extra cost! Extra pieces beyond that can be finished up and returned by the studio for $15 each.
  • What is the minimum age?
    We recommend ages 10+ for throwing during our "Try Wheel Throwing" sessions. We have streamlined lessons with specialized equipment for parents & kids under 10.
  • Do I need pottery experience?
    No experience is required for Try Wheel Throwing! If you want to take your skills to the next level, consider signing up for one of our August Wheel Throwing Courses.
  • What is the class structure?
    We will begin class after a 5-10 minute grace period. The lesson will begin with a 20-30 minute wheel throwing demo. You can leave and come back at any point during class. In the last 15 minutes of class, students are asked to tidy up their stations.
  • How do we get our drink?
    Check into the studio at the back of the campus additional parking. You can then go to the Homes Campus Bar directly across from Throw Art Studio and get 1 drink item per participant.
  • Where are you located?
    We are on the Homes Campus, which offers food, drinks, and indoor/outdoor workspaces. Our studio is a warehouse space in the back parking lot of this campus. We are near the exit of the additional parking for the campus; look for our signs!
  • Do I need pottery experience?
    No experience is required for our throw and sip parties! If you want to take your skills to the next level, consider signing up for one of our August Wheel Throwing Courses.
  • What will we make?
    You are encouraged to make whatever you want! Our expert instructors can guide you towards the creation of your dreams.
  • Where are you located?
    130 Jackson Plaza, Ann Arbor, MI 48103. We are on the Homes Campus, which offers food, drinks, and indoor/outdoor workspaces. Our studio is a warehouse space in the back parking lot of this campus. We are near the exit of the additional parking for the campus; look for our signs!
  • Do we keep our pieces?
    After your session is over, you will get to choose 1 favorite piece to be glazed and fired by the studio at no extra cost! Extra pieces beyond that can be finished up and returned by the studio for $15 each from the big wheel, or $5 each from the small wheel.
  • What is the class structure?
    The first 15-30 minutes of class are reserved for a demo. Then, you will receive help from your instructor to try and complete a basic piece. After you get the basic piece down, we will help you make whatever you want! In the last 20 minutes of class, students are asked to tidy up their stations.
  • Do we need clay experience?
    No experience is required to participate!
  • What is the minimum age?
    We recommend ages 10+ to throw on our wheel without direct parent supervision. Ages 4+ can throw on our full size wheels with parent supervision. We have miniature wheels for anyone who would prefer; these are great for young kids!
  • How many kids will attend the camp?
    The total number of campers will be capped at 12 for each week this Summer. There will be 6 kids in the 5-8 age group and 6 kids in the 9-12 age group. Each group will do separate activities each day, but will meet for snack and one shared activity each day, too.
  • The session is full! Can you fit one more in?
    Unfortunately, we cannot add more campers to a full session. We keep sessions at 6 kids to ensure individual attention and safety for everyone. We can add your child to a waitlist for a session if you send us a form or call!
  • Will there be snack?
    We will have snack mid-day each day. Kids may bring their own snack or small lunch that does not include common allergens like nuts or fish. One of the camp instructors has a non-airborne allergy to nuts. We will have crackers and cheese as a backup for anyone who forgets or drops their snack.
  • Can we book multiple kids or sessions?
    Yes! Sessions are first come, first serve.
  • What will campers keep?
    Campers will have their handbuilt projects fired. Wheel thrown pieces will not be kept! There is an upper limit of 10 handbuilt projects that can be kept by campers, eachnot exceeding 4"x4"x4" in size.
  • Can parents stop by during camp?
    Of course! We will be in the studio for the entire camp. Parents are welcome to come and go as they please. There is a nearby cafe, Dozer, open on all camp days.
  • Do We Need Our Own Materials?
    No, your teacher will bring all the materials required to participate in the course. All you need to do is arrive on the day of the class!
  • Will there be a break?
    Yes, halfway through the watercolor session there will be a break to get food or drink from the nearby cafe!
  • What Will We Paint?
    Your teacher will take you through multiple guided paintings to build watercolor techniques. You will use these techniques to paint your own watercolor creations at the end of the session!
  • Do I need experience?
    No, this workshop is designed without the need for prior experience. We will work with you even if you haven't painted before!
  • How do we find you?
    We are located at 130 Jackson Plaza, Ann Arbor, MI 48103. We are directly connected to the Homes Campus's "Flex Space," which is the large white & black warehouse that can be found at the back of Homes' additional parking lot. If you are at Dozer or Homes, walk back to the additional parking lot and look to your left!
  • When will items be ready for pickup?
    Approximately ~2-3 weeks after the final glazing session.
  • What is the follow-up glazing session, and why is it separate from the other days?
    The studio will need time to dry the items made by your teen and fire them in the kiln. We are allotting 2 weeks for this process. After the items are fired, they will become "bisqueware" which is better to apply glaze on. Glazing pieces will be the final session.
  • What does my teen need to bring?
    They do not need to bring anything. They should wear closed toed shoes and clothing that they don't mind getting messy. Clay will wash out and doesn't tend to stain. Aprons will be provided.
  • Can I stay in the studio or watch my teen throw?
    Yes, you are welcome in the studio during the sessions. There is a nearby cafe, Dozer, if you want to stay close by without being in the same room.

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Open Studio &
Pickup Hours

Mon-Tues

CLOSED

Wed - Fri

2:30 pm - 8:30 pm

12 pm - 5 pm

Sat - Sun

Need help?

Contact us:

support@throwannarbor.com

(734) 776-8832

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