Parties FAQ
Are masks still required onsite?
No, Clay Art Center is mask-optional onsite.
Can I bring food and drinks?
Drinks are allowed inside during class. Food is allowed inside for an additional half hour before or after the party for a fee of $60. We have picnic tables outside that you are welcome to use, weather permitting. Contact us with any questions.
Are the clay and glazes food safe? Dishwasher safe? Microwave Safe?
Yes, Yes, and Yes. Note that only a fully glazed, smooth surface is safe for food.
What if my headcount changes?
Please contact Clay Art Center via email within 48 hours before your party to let us know.
Can I pay balance on day of the party? Can I give my payment to the teacher?
All party dues are due in full to confirm the party date. Please pay tips directly to the instructor and/or assistant.
Is gratuity customary?
Yes, though it is customary to tip your instructor and assistants, gratuity is not required.
When will the work be ready?
Approximately 3-4 weeks after your party. The front desk will email or call you.
What does the project involve? Is it just painting a pot?
Students build a project with wet clay. For pottery wheel lessons, students can pick the color of the glaze for their handmade piece at the end of class, and Clay Art Center will glaze it after it gets fired a few days later. For a handbuilding and sculpting lesson, there is the option for the student to color the artwork after you build it during the party.
Can each child make what they want, free-form style?
No. The teacher will demonstrate one project in a class, but each student may apply their own creative expression.
What are project themes offered?
Animal Mugs
Cupcake Box
Coiled Flower Pot and Saucer
Garden Gnome or Fairy
Platters and bowls
Slab cups
Bud vases
Feel free to suggest!
Special-Needs students
Clay Art Center has instructors experienced teaching children with special needs. Please let our staff know and we will be sure to pair the best instructor with your child's party.
Where are the classrooms?
The Annex classroom is at street level on the left side of the building, reachable from the sidewalk. Its is a good idea to bring balloons to let your guests know where you are located. The Main classroom is reachable from the parking lot, to the left of the big Tree mosaic, up the stairs to the left side towards wood steps.
Where do our guests park?
On the street or in the NON-Permit parking areas of the parking lot in front of the building. Email mail@clayartcenter.org for a diagram of the parking lot.
When should we arrive if we need to set up?
10-15 minutes before your party time.
In the event of inclement weather, may we reschedule? Who will communicate with us about studio closing?
Yes, you may reschedule. The front desk will contact you or feel free to call us.
If we are delayed, who should we contact?
Please contact the front desk and leave a message by phone (914) 937-2047 x223 or email mail@clayartcenter.org Office hours are Monday - Saturday 10AM-5PM.
Cancellations
You can cancel up to 72 hours before the party with a $25 cancellation fee. What you paid for the party is not refundable within 72 hours of the party.
My finished project looks different from what I expected!
While Clay Art Center makes every effort to help participants make beautiful and successful works of art during their party, we cannot guarantee perfect results because of the fragile and unpredictable nature of clay and the firing process. These classes are geared towards a creative “making” experience rather than an end product. That said, projects made by party participants will be glazed and fired in a timely manner and with the utmost care. As with any first time project, if instructions are not precisely followed, some objects might not make it through the firing process.