Join our shared clay studio!
People of all levels and abilities can join. Beginners and families are welcome.
We love working with clay, and are excited to be able to offer the opportunity for people to work with this wonderful medium. It’s what Mudpie is all about! If you are interested in joining, please contact the director to arrange a time to see the studio.
Membership
As a studio member, you will have private shelf space and access to the studio 24/7. Your monthly membership fees are $75-105, depending on the size of shelf you choose. Partial work exchanges may be available. In January, we each contribute an annual maintenance fee of $35. We also participate in 2 work days and 4 members meetings per year.
Clay, glazes, and firing
Members can use the studio glazes. We have four glaze palettes: earthenware majolica, low fire, high fire/stoneware, and raku. Glazes are sold to members for a reasonable fee. Members purchase their own clay, usually from Amherst Potters Supply in Hadley. We usually do group firings once per month. Firing fees are at cost (as is everything else), and usually range about $1 per piece for high-fire, less for low-fire and bisque. You can estimate that a 25-pound bag of clay will cost around $40 total for the clay, glaze, and firing.
Instruction
Instruction is available in all areas and at all levels through classes, workshops, and affordable individual lessons. Members can choose to learn how to mix their own glazes or fire the kilns. Safety certification classes in these areas are offered at a reasonable cost ($10-30).
Facilities
Enjoy Mudpie’s professionally equipped studio:
- 10 potters wheels (electric, kick, treadle)
- Downdraft Baily’s gas kiln, 20 cu. ft.
- Downdraft Olympic gas kiln, 15 cu. ft.
- Electric kiln
- Raku kiln with excellent raku facilities
- Primitive firing area
- Slab roller, extruder, and hand-building areas
- Fully stocked glaze pantry
- Dedicated glazing room
- Wedging tables, clay reclaim area