Looking for a creative way to support your mental well-being? Join us for our four-week clay hand-building course, “Clay as Teacher: Listening, Shaping, Becoming.” The course begins on January 14 and runs every Wednesday from 1:00pm–3:00pm at earthen vessels (36 Rosemount Avenue, Ottawa), ending on February 4.
Facilitated by earthen vessels and offered in partnership and collaboration with Pleo, this course provides a calm, welcoming space for creativity, reflection, and renewal. In this course, you can move at a gentler pace, let your imagination take shape, and find comfort in a shared, supportive environment. As you work with the clay, you’ll have space to pause, reflect, and connect with yourself and others. This course is for parents and caregivers supporting children, youth, and young adults (ages 0–25) facing mental health or addiction challenges.
Over the four weeks, we will explore the basics of hand-building with clay, focusing on creating functional bowls and mugs with our hands through techniques like pinching, coiling, and slab work. Throughout each class, Ginger McCoy, the course facilitator, will offer gentle and supportive guidance and encouragement. With a focus on the process rather than the finished piece, you’ll be encouraged to move at your own pace and enjoy the tactile experience of working with clay. After the four-week course has ended, as a final step, the finished pieces will be kiln-fired. Once cooled and fully set, you’ll have the opportunity to take home the pieces you’ve created to cherish.
No previous experience with clay is needed, and individuals of all experience levels are welcome. Materials and tools will be provided at each class. The course is limited to 8 participants, and registration is required. Cost: $225 plus tax per person for the four-week course.
Together, in this shared supportive space, we’ll gather to slow our pace and nurture ourselves and our well-being through working with clay.