Youth Clay Classes @ AMOCA

AMOCA’s youth classes offer children an opportunity to dive into new artistic skills in our ceramic studio. These classes are great for those children who haven’t had the opportunity to try their hands at clay. For those looking for a true ceramic experience in a professional ceramic studio this is the program for YOU! 

  • Guided classes and workshops allow students of all ages to build their toolbox of techniques. 
  • Class sizes will vary with no more than 15 students. 
  • Class fees include all materials, firings, and a light snack, unless otherwise noted.  

Youth Classes

Hand Building for Ages 6-8 • Mon-Thurs, July 27-30, Aug 3 • 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM • $200 ($150 Pomona Residents/SAE Students)

Embark on a journey of imagination and creativity in our immersive 5-day summer class designed specifically for kids ages 6-8! In this hands-on summer program, young artists will explore the fascinating world of clay. No prior experience necessary.

Throughout the program, students will learn fundamental handbuilding skills while unleashing their artistic expression.

Children must be signed in and out of the studio during drop-off and pickup by an authorized guardian. Adult accompaniment during class is not required.

This class meets Monday through Thursday, July 27, 28, 29, & 30, and then again on Monday, August 3, from 10am-11:30am.

What’s Included:

  • Materials and Required Tools
  • Snacks and refreshments
  • Guided Instruction
  • Bisque and Glaze Firing for All Projects

No Included:

  • Aprons. Please bring your own!
Hand Building for Ages 9-13 • Mon-Thurs, July 27-30, Aug 3 • 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM • $200 ($150 Pomona Residents/SAE Students)

Embark on a journey of imagination and creativity in our immersive 5-day summer class designed specifically for kids ages 9-13! In this hands-on summer program, young artists will explore the fascinating world of clay. No prior experience necessary.

In 5-day class (Mon-Thurs, plus the following Monday), students will make a ceramic project based on the instructor’s skill of focus. Throughout the program, students will learn fundamental hand building skills while unleashing their artistic expression.

Children must be signed in and out of the studio during drop-off and pickup by an authorized guardian. Adult accompaniment during class is not required.

This class meets Monday through Thursday, July 27, 28, 29, & 30, and then again on Monday, August 3, from 1-3pm.

What’s Included:

  • Materials and Required Tools
  • Snacks and refreshments
  • Guided Instruction
  • Bisque and Glaze Firing for All Projects

No Included:

  • Aprons. Please bring your own!
Teen Wheel Throwing • Mon-Thurs, Aug 3-6, Aug 10 • 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM • Ages 11-16 • $200 ($150 Pomona Residents/SAE)

During this class the teens will have the opportunity to work in a professional ceramic studio using the same ceramic equipment as the pros use. Guided by experienced instructors, students will discover the joy of wheel-thrown pottery, and learn how to make and decorate multiple forms on the wheel. 

This class will be an introduction to the potter’s wheel that  will begin with centering the clay and creating basic forms, such as bowls and cups. We will spend time learning how to trim and finish the pots we make. Students will be able to sculpt their own style into the pots and paint their work with their favorite colorful patterns.

This class meets Monday through Thursday, August 3, 4, 5, & 6, and then again on Monday, August 10, from 1-4pm.

What’s Included:

  • Materials and Required Tools
  • Snacks and refreshments
  • Guided Instruction
  • Bisque and Glaze Firing for All Projects

Not Included:

  • Aprons. Please bring your own!
Teen Wheel Throwing • Saturdays, September 6, 13, 20, & 27 • 11 AM – 1 PM • Ages 12-16 • $150 ($100 Pomona Residents/SAE)

Teen Wheel Throwing w/Pam Aliaga: During this class the teens will have the opportunity to work in a professional ceramic studio using the same ceramic equipment as the pros use. This class will be an introduction to the potter’s wheel. The class will begin with centering the clay and creating basic forms, such as bowls, cups, and vases. We will spend time learning how to trim and finish the pots we make. Students will be able to sculpt their own style into the pots and paint their work with their favorite colorful patterns.

Class fee includes materials and firing.

Hand Building: Characters & Creatures • Sundays, September 7, 14, 21, & 28 • 11 AM – 1 PM • Ages 9-11 • $150 ($100 Pomona Residents/SAE)

Characters & Creatures w/Aida Lugo: In this 4-week class led by AMOCA teaching artist Aida Lugo, students will learn how to hand build characters and creatures. Using inspiration from media inspired characters and nature, students will work from reference images to create figurative sculptures along with adding details and color. Come to class with inspiration for a character or creature you want to make or use your imagination to invent something from out of this world.

Class fee includes materials and firing.

Coming soon!

Teen Wheel Lab -on hiatus

Wheel Lab • First Friday of the Month • 4:30 – 6 PM • Ages 12-16 • $10 ($35 optional firing fee)

Join one of AMOCA’s teaching artists for a 1.5 hour wheel throwing lab, where youth ages 12-16 are invited to try their hand at the wheel and learn the steps to make their own pottery. With our introductory wheel lab, students will receive step-by-step instruction to open the door to ceramics with the paid option to return to the studio to receive a mini-glaze workshop and fire their work. 

Note: the optional $35 firing fee can be paid the day of class, after we’ve thrown on the wheel.

We ask all parents of children in our one-day kids and teens pottery classes to stay to supervise – we do not allow drop offs. We are sure you will enjoy watching them or participating in the fun!

Wheel Labs need a minimum number of registered students. We’ll reach out to you as soon as possible if your wheel lab looks like it may be underenrolled.

Be sure to register early! Registration closes at 4 PM the day of Wheel Lab to give the instructor time to prepare materials. Click the button below to register.

Things to Know / Policies

  • Refunds are not allowed after the class begins. Refunds requested during the week prior to the start of the class will be honored at 50%. If you would like to request a refund, email education@amoca.org.

  • We ask all parents of children in our kids and teens one-day pottery classes to stay to supervise – we do not allow drop offs.
  • AMOCA may photograph or video visitors for educational and promotional purposes. Attendance to a workshop or event constitutes the attendee’s consent regarding the possibility of appearing in Museum or Studio marketing materials.

  • AMOCA follows current Los Angeles County COVID guidelines. We encourage you to keep up to date on vaccines, wear a mask if you’d like to, and stay healthy!

Questions? Email Education Manager Chinelo Ufondu at education@amoca.org.

For more information about AMOCA’s programs for youth, including Teen Council, the annual High School Ceramics Exhibition, Family Programs, and more, visit our Education page.

Bring Some Culture to Your Inbox

399 N Garey Ave Pomona, CA 91767
909.865.3146 | info@amoca.org
The museum is open Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, 11 AM–4 PM. Plan your visit by clicking here.

For information about Ceramics Studio hours and availability, please click here for the Ceramics Studio.