Fitting a studio art course into a typical academic schedule can be troubling for many Gusties. Fortunately, students with an interest in clay and ceramics may have more opportunities to practice this medium than they realize. The Clay Center, a branch of the Arts Center of St. Peter, offers a variety of one-time and weekly programs for any interested individuals in the community. Located near the intersection of S. Minnesota Ave. and W. Grace St., the Clay Center is a local option for anyone pursuing a hobby in wheel throwing or hand-built sculpture.

“It’s a great place for people to come down and visit,” Coordinator of the Clay Center and Visiting Assistant Professor Nicole Roberts Hoiland said.

David Goldstein, executive director of the Arts Center, is a 2008 Gustavus graduate and has recently been working to involve more students in the Arts Center’s programs.

“I’d love to get more students involved,” Goldstein said. “Our organization presents such a welcoming and creative environment; I’d love to get some students down there.”

The Clay Center regularly offers classes in beginning and advanced wheel throwing and general hand-built sculpture. It also offers special classes, including low fire ceramics, advanced ceramics techniques and raku firing. Classes are typically given weeknights 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. or Saturday mornings. There are multiple sessions of some classes, all of which are open to anyone who registers through the St. Peter Community Center website or office. The Clay Center is a non-profit organization, but it does require registration fees to compensate its instructors. The Clay Center has recently added new instructors, including Liza Domeier, a MA graduate from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Registration fees range from $40 to $119 depending on the class and the number of weeks the class meets. First time participants receive free clay up to 25 lbs., while returning participants are asked to purchase their supplies from the Clay Center.

A unique event the Clay Center hosts is its monthly Open Studio Nights, during which anyone is allowed to come in and work free of charge on the third Thursday of each month. Anyone who is considering taking a class, or is simply curious about the space itself, is welcome to stop in between 5:00 and 9:00 p.m.

“The clay is free, the tools are free and the instruction is free,” Goldstein said. “You have that opportunity, and you should take advantage of it,” Goldstein said.

The Clay Center also hosts private parties in addition to the classes offered. The space can support groups ranging from 5-20 members, and the theme of the event is decided by the visitors. Hand building parties are $15 per person, with a minimum of five participants.

“We’ve had kids’ birthday parties, but we’ve also had students come in and host a party, and they can make bowls or make mugs … It would be themed around whatever they want,” Hoiland said. “We’ve had cakes, we’ve had Richard’s cater it and we’ve had wine and champagne,” Hoiland said.

The Clay Center is also available to individuals as an independent work space. The studio can be rented out to individuals or small groups of individuals for creative work without instruction. In the past, students have rented the space to be able to work on their own time and on projects that they might not have the resources to work on elsewhere.

With so many opportunities for working with clay, the Clay Center is an asset to the entire community, especially to Gustavus students. Non majors can often find it difficult to enroll in studio art courses, especially ceramics and other clay classes. If scheduling around other classes is a problem, the Clay Center may be the solution. Its flexible hours, wide range of classes and welcoming attitude are a good fit for students and the St. Peter community.

“I think the Arts Center is a hidden gem as far as being a resource for art in the community. It’s a great opportunity for our two institutions to work together,” Goldstein said.

Classes Offered: Beginning and advanced wheel throwing and general hand-built sculpture

Class Times: Typically weeknights 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. or Saturday mornings

To Register for Classes: Login to Art Center of St. Peter website or visit its office