Mudflat Studio in Somerville, MA 02145

Molding goopy, sloppy, spinning clay with your kids, now that sounds like fun...and it is. Especially when you can do it at Mud Flat Studio. The studio, now in its 35th year, offers many classes to children and parents who want to experience the fun of creating pottery together. All pieces created by children and parents are fired, glazed, and returned to their rightful creators. Classes begin in January, April, and September. Summer programs for children take place in July and August.

Handbuilding Workshop: Children ages four to eight can mold with Mom or Dad. This parent- and child-centered workshop encourages families to have fun creating and learning and introduces participants to the techniques of handbuilding. Workshops focus on making animal bowls or other seasonal themes.

Throwing pots: Family fun with the potter's wheel. In Parent and Child Wheelthrowing, which sounds more violent than it is, kids and parents learn how to use the wheel to make basic pottery pieces. This one-day workshop is open to children ages 8 and up.

Classes for kids only: For the kids who "vant to be alone," several other classes encourage kids ages 5 to 7 to learn and express themselves creatively on their own. Kids are grouped by age; younger children work only with clay, and older ones tackle the potter's wheel and more complex techniques. Classes include: handbuilding classes for ages 5 to 8; wheelthrowing classes for ages 8 to 12; and teen clay classes for ages 12 to 17.