Ages 12-17; afternoons; one week
Second Summer 2026 Kids Camp
Instructor: Lissa Bloomer
We are so happy to be offering our fourth summer camp for young artists! Our students will learn the mechanics of wheel work, wedging clay, centering, and pulling cylinders for small cups and tea bowls. We will paint some of our pieces with underglazes and learn how pots are fired in the kiln as bisqueware. Later, we will learn the art of dip-glazing so that our pieces will be watertight and food-safe. Some students who advance quickly may practice hand-building skills, and learn to attach a handle to a cup. We will be sure that each student is able to complete 2-4 pieces to fire in the kiln, but a return visit may be needed to finish some work. Because our studio fires each piece two times (once for bisque and once for glaze), all of their work will be ready for pick-up two weeks after camp ends.
This camp is open to mature young artists, ages 12-17. Because the wheel is a strong power-tool, and we have sharp tools and a kiln present, parents and their children must sign our artists’ community agreement & liability waiver on the first day of camp. The cost is $225 for the week, and your payment will reserve your child’s spot. No refunds can be issued after you register.
Monday – Friday, July 6-10
5 Sessions
2pm – 4:30pm SOLD OUT
$225 / person
What to wear and how this works
Fire and Sky Pottery Studio and Art Center is located at 1301 Downey Street, Radford VA 24141. We are in an old general store brick building that is painted light straw yellow with red trim. We don’t have a sign on the building yet, as some exterior remodeling and painting will be happening soon. Drive into our gravel parking lot, facing away from the building, in two rows, so that we can all fit. We can drive through the far parking lot, through the grass, too.
Entry Door: Please enter through the back side door… it’s facing our parking lot… the door is charcoal black. We will open the studio 15 minutes before your classtime.
What to Wear and Not Wear: Wear clothes that are ok to get dirty… and clothes that allow you to move with ease. I like to wear a men’s big oxford shirt as a smock, over my t-shirt and jeans. Others love aprons. You don’t have to have either, though you will want an old towel to wipe your hands. Wear shoes that completely cover your toes, and avoid hand and wrist jewelry. Long hair should be pulled up, and fingernails cut short. (We keep new hair ties and sanitized nail clippers, if you need.) Avoid clothing with hanging strings, like hoodies or belt-ties. If you have physical difficulties with your fingers, wrists, arms, lower back, or anything at all, call Lissa before your class begins, so we can make helpful adjustments for you. All bodies can work at the wheel!
Bring: an old hand towel, a water bottle or drink, a snack (if you need), and a coffee cup if you want to pour yourself some coffee. (We have K-cups for our coffee machine… if you need other additives, like sugar or creamer, please bring your own.)
If you would like a walk-through of the space and a general pre-talk about how things go and what to expect, give Lissa a call… we want you to feel more comfortable for your first day!
Lissa: text/call: 540-505-4420