Frequent Questions
I'm Curious about pottery but I don't think I want to take a whole class or be a member. Is there some way I can try it out?
Absolutely! We have a few options. For one-and-done clay experiences, we have two different kinds of Encounters. Wheel Encounters are an experience for up to 6 people where you try your hand on our pottery wheels for a couple of hours. Due to the nature of clay, nothing is kept from this encounter.
Hand Building Encounters are project-driven experiences where you will learn skills to create something that we will fire for you to collect in a few weeks. This Encounter shows you how to hand build many functional pieces like cups, bowls, platters, or even create one of our phone gnomes.
For those who want a little more than one-and-done, we offer Casual Studio Passes. This pass grants you 5 hours of supervised studio time with a staff member, usually, over the course of 3 studio visits. We help you learn to use the wheel or create a hand-built project of your own interest.
I am interested in a Family Membership, and I have questions. Can you tell me more?
Our family membership package makes the studio accessible to members who want to bring in their children (ages 8+). Families with this membership share one shelf space with up to 5 family members. It is structured for two adults to have regular access to the studio and three vouchers for our Bozeman Clay Kids classes. When part of this membership, children may also accompany the adults during their time in the studio. Because families are diverse and all may not share a pottery interest, we recognize an "adult" as anyone over 15, but it is not a problem if you have more than three "adults."
Why are memberships 6 months? Can I do less?
YES! We have just introduced a new Premium Flex Membership which allows members the flexibility to cancel any time so long as they provide us one month of notice.
Can you fire my work if I am not a member?
No. At this time we do not have enough kiln space to accommodate firings for those who are not studio members or in a class.
Why does your studio have an age minimum of 8 years old?
A few reasons. The first is that (in general) children younger than eight do not usually have the dexterity and/or patience required and tend to become frustrated. We love clay and want to help foster a love for it in everyone. Start them off at home with playdough! We understand that it looks exciting but really, making them wait helps them love it all the more when they are ready.
Second, our studio is not a safe environment for small energetic humans. We have fragile work everywhere, sharp table corners, water hazards, and much more. Kids should be carefree, energetic, and enthusiastic. We don't want to have to squash their nature.
Lastly, we want our studio to be a relaxing space for adults to come in and be creative... away from their young children.
Are your Saturday Kids Classes at the wheel?
No. All Saturday Kids Hobby Classes are hand-building, project based exercises that are geared towards teaching kids the fundamentals of clay where kids can make creations as spectacular as work made on the wheel without the frustration of underdeveloped motor skills. As clay educators, we recommend beginning with hand-building as it is the best prep for future wheel use.
Can I just come in for a day?
No, our studio is a membership-based studio with limited wheels and equipment. We cannot accommodate one-day studio use outside of Encounters and Casual passes.
How do I schedule an Event or Encounter?
If what you are looking for is not offered on our website, please send an email to Studio@bckstudio.com with your request, and we will get back to you! Please be sure to include the number of people in your intended group and ages (if children are to be included) as well as a good explanation of what you are wanting.
Do you sell used pottery wheels?
Yes, We currently have two kick wheels available for sale! Stop by during studio hours or send us an email to learn more!
Do you do high firings?
Our clay body is fired to Cone 6 (between 2165 and 2232 degrees Ferenheight) wich is considered mid range.
What type of clay do you use in studio and can I use my own?
We are currently using a brown stoneware clay body from the Archie Bray foundation called Wally's Blush. We also carry a dark cone 5 claybody by Plainsman called Coffee, and have a selection of cone 6 clays by IMCO. Stop By and pick some up while you are in town!
Do you sell pottery in your studio?
YES! We have a small retail gallery where we exhibit work created by our members and artists. By purchasing pottery in our studio, you are supporting local artists and hobbyists as well as your local small business! Additionally, we hold special events where you can purchase pottery made by the amazing kids in our Bozeman Clay Kids classes!
In addition to pottery, our retail gallery offers a selection of pottery tools and supplies. Plus, our members enjoy discounts on most gallery items.
Can I hold an event at BCK?
YES! Heather, Ashleah, and Megan are happy to utilize the studio for special clay-related creative events. Email or Call us and let us know about your idea, and we will be happy to pencil you in!
Are you hiring? Can I do a work swap?
We Wish! We are not yet at a place where we can afford to hire someone, and we cannot accommodate work swaps or volunteering because of the legal hurdles. When we do grow enough to hire employees, we will definitely offer positions.
Do you fire things other than clay?
No, We are super sorry, but we depend on our kilns and are thus super protective of what goes in them.