Secret Critters Clay Camp: Where Tiny Creatures Hide in Plain Sight!

Lift a lid, peer into a jar, or turn a dish just right — and surprise! A clever critter is waiting inside. In this 5-day pottery camp, young artists will explore the world of hidden animals as they create delightful dishes and lidded jars full of secrets and charm. Using both handbuilding and wheel-throwing techniques, campers will craft pieces like a sleepy sloth tucked into a leaf bowl, a gecko curled inside a treasure jar, a turtle peeking from a tidepool trinket dish, or even a surprised frog hiding under a mushroom lid. Each project blends functionality with a playful surprise — and no two creations are alike! Campers will sculpt, pinch, coil, slab, and throw on the pottery wheel, design imaginative animal hiding spots and learn real ceramic techniques while bringing their own ideas to life. By the end of the week, campers will head home with a handmade collection of whimsical critter containers — perfect for keeping jewelry, coins, buttons, or tiny secrets safe (with a creature guarding them, of course!). Sack lunch option available for purchase at check-out.

Teacher Bio: Rachel Ptaszek is a dedicated educator and ceramic artist with more than 13 years of teaching experience in Denver Public Schools and Cherry Creek School District. She holds a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on Engaged Learning Through the Arts. She has led a thriving clay club at a CCSD Middle School and brings 11 years of ceramic practice, including training from the Art Students League of Denver. Her work blends wheel throwing, hand-building, and surface design inspired by nature, mythology and astronomy. Outside of work, Rachel loves spending time with her husband and baby boy. She continues to grow her own pottery practice and enjoys hiking, cooking, baking, and exploring art walks and museums. Rachel is passionate about sharing the joy of clay with middle school artists and helping young makers build creativity, confidence, and curiosity through hands-on exploration.

Room: Clay Studio

Subject: Visual Arts/Clay

Time: 8:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m.

Lunch can be purchased through Kent Denver for all classes below 50 in number. Students may bring their own lunch.

Materials Fee: $55