So far just one class with my 5-year-old son, but I'm very impressed on multiple fronts. After the initial drop-in class yesterday we purchased weekly classes with the full expectation this initial great experience will only be surpassed. Husband & wife team Matt and Chelsea (owners) and Matt's sister Stephanie are lovely. It's a really great space and Matt is preternaturally good with younger kids. I shadowed my son for a bit in the studio to observe both my son's behavior in a structured environment and the instructors' teaching style. My son is both young and inherently independent (and often distracted) so this was bound to be revealing. Matt and Chelsea's approach to teaching is closer to informed guidance and it seems to work very well with my son and the other kids I observed. They let the child initiate their creative intent and then equip them with the technical information they need in a manner that is both empowering and not overwhelming. As for my son's proclivity to essentially 'not listen,' Matt in particular was excellent at focusing my son's attention on the task at hand and contextualizing what needed to be done so that he could 'own it.' It's clear his forthcoming studio experiences will be about so much more than learning and enjoying ceramics. This isn't 'OK class today we're going to make a coil-built pot. First I want you to take your clay and...'. Not at all. In an hour and fifteen minutes, my son made two objects in distinctly different techniques: a bowl thrown on the wheel and a slab-built shark. In the course of building those two pieces he was exposed to: centering clay on the wheel; managing the clay to expand, compress, elongate and widen his bowl; keeping his eye on his work; keeping the clay moist; the effects of various pressures applied to the clay on the wheel; scoring and attaching separate pieces with slip; scribing; use of various tools; under-glazing; clean-up, and more. I imagine he'll have to revisit every one of those lessons in subsequent classes but it's a gentle teaching style that works well here. Matt and Chelsea always had an eye on each of the kids and were great about transitioning between them to give guidance in a way that seemed very natural. The space itself is wonderful and can only be described as luminous. Well, that and clean. This is not a stereotypical 'mad potter's studio,' nor is it an anal 'everything in its place mausoleum.' Instructors have a clear view of everything going on in the space at all times. There's a front seating for parents/nanny's to hang out (WiFi available) and get some work done if you want to wait. Parking in the neighborhood doesn't seem to be a problem. The most critical measure of Kids-n-Clay is the reaction from my son, who really didn't want to leave and spoke of it more or less non-stop the rest of the day. Looking forward to what's next here. If you attend a drop-in class, be aware it takes about 2-3 weeks before pieces cycle through the process and can come home with you. But that's just ceramics. Highly recommended. read more

My kid loves this place! The kids can use the pottery wheel or just mold clay on the table. There are assistants there to guide the newer sculptors, and the owner, Matt, encourages the kids to design what they feel. read more

Kids 'N' Clay Pottery Studio - Unicorn! - Art Schools Near Me - Berkeley, California

My daughter started going here when she was around 4 or 5 and has attended dozens of classes, 3 or 4 camp sessions, and had a birthday party there. Our experience has always been very positive---Kevin (now retired) was very friendly and helpful, and Matthew is all-around, a fantastic person who is great with children of all ages (and adults). This is an entirely different (and better, in my opinion) experience than the more common businesses that offer decoration of pre-made ceramics. The children make everything here and are involved throughout the entire process. One can either drop in unscheduled (call ahead to make sure they have space) or sign up for a class (typically, on a monthly basis). There are also adult classes, but I have never attended one. read more

The staff was friendly and helpful. The instructor thoroughly explained and demonstrated how to use the clay, the tools and potters wheel. My boys had a great time and can't wait to pick up their clay pieces. read more

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This was a very fun experience for my older camper! He went in not knowing anything about ceramics, and was able to experiment with throwing pieces on a wheel, build sculptures, and learn about firing and glazes. He was very proud of his creations and is excited to continue this new hobby. The counselors there are very patient and kind; especially Matt. It's hard to find camps for older kids, and this is definitely one to consider! read more

Both of the kids (9&6) absolutely love this place. The staff is super friendly, and they are very hands on with the teaching. We can't wait to try the adult class one of these Wednesday's. read more

Best kept secret in local summer camps. Kevin, David and their staff of college students are a sweet and talented gang. Third year for my child, it's a ceramics workshop where kids produce art, rather than the usual 40 lb. vase. Two thumbs waaaayy up! read more

This place is fantastic for kids who like to create and get messy. Kevin and his staff, truly enjoy being with kids and they never talk down to kids and they are all very present and engaging with the kids and the medium. They facilitate the kids about how to work with clay, but they allow the child complete freedom to explore his or her creative process. The classes are mixed ages. You can take a free trial class to see if your child likes it. Many parents that I know actually sign up too if there is room in the class. read more

My two children have been taking art class here since last 3 month. They have a lots of fun.It is a great place for children to learn how to work with Clay.The staff are very freindly .I am always looking forward to see what kind of art they are bringing home ,they look forward to go back each time.I have plenty of their work every where at home, Cups,Plates and all kind of different things which they make in there. I would for sure continue to bring them in to learn the kind of art ,even if i miss one or two month in between,i will sign them up again. read more

The wife and I popped in yesterday to get hand and footprints of the kid in clay. I didn't get any names (my bad), but everyone we met was very friendly and complimented the baby (a social must for people with kids). The gentleman with the red bands on his arm was great, and helped us a great deal. For $40 we got his hands and his feet cast, and they should be fired and done in two weeks. I take one star for the sick one (no sick around kids). I will update when we get the work back. read more

Was a little tentative about putting my "jock" kid into one of Kids'N'Clay's summer camps. I should have jumped in with both feet sooner. My son was RAVING about this opportunity the minute he saw me after his first day there. Such a warm, loving, nurturing, caring environment with fantastic instructors (some kid instructors even better) made this experience the golden ticket of summer camps! Thank you Kids'N'Clay - you are truly a wonderful find that allows kids to express their creative selves. YOU GUYS ROCK! read more

My kid has had a wonderful time here through the years. The instruction is the best. Also, it is great to have a beautiful ceramic piece of art to commemorate their cuteness. It will be gold to you when they're older! Grandma & Grandpa's favorite gifts! read more

Just had a terrific birthday party for my 11-year old son, his little sister, and ten friends. The staff was super friendly and helpful, so that even the most tentative kid made several cool creations. I didn't expect them to try to throw anything on the wheel, but they were all over it! With the patient help of the young staff, these kids made some beautiful bowls and cups in addition to sculptures. The studio is bright, parking was easy, and Catahoula Coffee is a couple blocks away ;) read more

My daughter asked to do pottery for her birthday and I stumbled upon this venue online. What a GEM!!!! The birthday was the most creative, serene, joyful experience I could imagine for a 7 year old's party. The teaching team was outstanding and the look on the kids' faces as they used the potter's wheel revealed the most beautiful mixture of surprise, pride and bliss. Every parent raved about the luminous, beautiful studio and experience and wrote down the contact info so they could bring their kids back for more another day. What a delightfully smooth and inspiring birthday! read more

The kids had a great time, and there were tons of staff available to help. The staff also went out of their way to help make sure the kids got their pottery back after it was fired. Seems like a worthwhile destination for kids who want to have fun doing crafts. read more

This place is fabulous. I took my 3.5 year old here for a few months, dropping in for the Mud Pie class (the one geared to his age). My son, who generally isn't a messy-tactile sort of guy (although taking a pottery class was his idea, I think from seeing something on Caillou/PBS), absolutely loved coming here, spending most of the time on the wheel. Kevin and his staff are so genuine and treat the kids with so much care and respect regarding their interests. I only stopped going to the classes because we moved 40 minutes away and are a one car family -- I used to take the 72 bus from the Del Norte BART station and then walk from the University Ave bus stop, while in the 3rd trimester of pregnancy, pushing a stroller (in the rain) to get us to the studio -- that tells you how awesome the experience was for my kid. Totally worth it :) read more

We had a "claymergency" for reasons that are too ridiculous to go into, and Kids N Clay really came to our rescue. They were so helpful and knowledgeable about pottery and they were very inclusive and warm to our kiddo. We have also been to this studio for a birthday party and they just do a wonderful job. read more

My daughter (11-12 YO) has attended the past two summers and both times she was largely bored and we were disappointed. The staff really aren't knowledgeable about pottery and there is very little structure. No one worked with my daughter to try anything creative or to help her get out of her shell and try to do some interesting things. She was largely embarrassed of what she brought home and it didn't spark any good memories for her. You can definitely do better, at least for that age group. read more

I am hesitant to post a review because all of the summer camps are booked up! My 10 yr old son rated this camp a 10 out of 10. He love love loved it! Wonderful instructors, great environment.... this is my child's favorite camp! Only two things that I wish-that we could get into another camp this summer and that mom's could go too! Cheers! read more

It was a wonderful experience working with this company to host our daughter's birthday party! Kids had a great time celebrating creativity. The staff members were amazing, very welcoming, patient, kind, and all worked extremely well with the kids. The courtyard area was a perfect set up for lunch, refreshment, and cake. If you are on the fence about hosting a party here, just do it! read more

This is such a wonderful, warm place for children to be truly creative, start to finish. (My child homeschools through a county charter school, and KnC is one of their vendors--woohoo! My tax dollars at work in the most heartwarming way!!!) Always a warm smile, respectful professionalism, support for all kids' ideas and creativity, and lots of amazing "Where are we gonna PUT all these awesome things?!" art projects for home. Proud happy kid faces at pick-up time, every time. Worth every penny. read more

Not sure why I haven't thought to write a review before -- but here goes. My son has been to Kids & Clay for 6 years, on and off, mainly on. I've seen him go from bringing home misshapen lumps of clay ("its a marble whacker") to imaginative compositions ("it's a snail going to vote for Obama") to lovely, and I mean lovely, raku-glazed vases. All of this with gentle guidance and no pressure, first from Kevin, and now from Matt, Kevin's wonderful successor. Kids and Clay is where to go for a low-stress high-creativity artistic experience that your kids will love, love, love. read more

This is a very educational and creative place to go. The kids aren't told what color is wrong or right, they are set free in their own imaginations! thye can make something by hand, or on one of many pottery wheels. The counselors don't bug you by telling you what to do. They let you simply create whatever you want. They will kindly come and help you if you ask. But don't get the idea this place isn't supervised.... it's heavily supervised. The kids have fun there and can be themselves. A definite 5 stars. read more

Great place for kids parties. Excellent instructors. Very good setting. Some of work from the regulars is amazing. Was worth coming from San Jose read more

Stay away from those Color Me Mine "studios!" Have your kids create art from start to finish. Kevin and his staff are great! My boys (8 &10) aren't enrolled in the art classes but they've done several drop-ins. Drop-in fee is $30. Do call first to ensure that space is available for a drop-in. The fee includes use of the studio and materials. The kids can either work on sculpting or pottery wheel. Kids are encouraged to follow their own artistic direction. This is *not* a color within the lines studio and I LOVE THIS as do the kids. Creations aren't available to take home same-day as they need to be glazed and fired/baked. Sessions are about 1hr and 15 min which gives mom and dad some time to stroll around the area. If your kids want more to ooh-and-aah about, take 'em across the street to the East Bay Vivarium for some reptilian fun and possible inspiration for their next project at Kid 'N' Clay. read more

Kids 'N' Clay is a gem! My 3-year old son has been attending classes for a few months and my 6-year old twin girls come when their school schedule permits and they all have a great time. David and Vanessa are fantastic teachers. Vanessa and David help kids create what the child envisions, supporting, but not taking over, the child's work. They talk to kids in such a respectful way and seem to take the child's process seriously. I enjoy the time in the studio with my son. We attended a birthday party there as well and it was also great fun. I can't say enough good things about Kids n Clay! read more

My kids have taken a weekly class here for several months - and have loved it entirely. The staff make this place fantastic - they are engaged and supportive, and allow kids to drive the projects they do entirely. The studio is spacious, clean and well-cared for. I love how my children come up with creative and unique ideas, and the staff supports their efforts all the way to the end. Kevin has a team of awesome folks - Matthew is fantastic, and runs the place so smoothly and Chelsea, David, and Josh have been amazing. The ratio of teachers to students is great. We have loved it - and felt it's a perfect place for our kids to get messy and make some cool stuff! A great afterschool activity! read more