About Us
What began as a small creative space has grown into a multi-faceted studio and gathering place serving Claremont, Hickory, Catawba County, and the surrounding communities. Today, CREATIVE is home to several unique creative experiences designed to inspire artists, makers, families, and beginners of all ages.
At the heart of our studio is CREATIVE Clay, our community ceramic studio offering wheel throwing, handbuilding, pottery workshops, clay memberships, specialty classes, camps, and open studio experiences. From first-time clay artists to experienced potters, our studio provides a welcoming environment to explore the art of ceramics and handmade pottery.
CREATIVE is also home to our paint-your-own pottery studio, where guests can choose from a large selection of pottery pieces and create personalized works of art in a relaxed and inspiring atmosphere. Whether you’re planning a girls’ night out, family outing, birthday party, date night, or creative escape, our pottery studio offers a fun experience for all skill levels.
Inside the studio, you’ll also find The Creative Brew — our in-house coffee, tea, and soda shop serving handcrafted coffee drinks, refreshers, dirty sodas, smoothies, baked goods, and seasonal specialty beverages. Designed to complement the creative atmosphere of the studio, Creative Brew gives guests a cozy place to gather, relax, and create.
Beyond pottery and clay, CREATIVE hosts a variety of workshops, themed events, trivia nights, kids’ programs, camps, private parties, homeschool art experiences, and community gatherings throughout the year. Our studio has become a place where creativity and connection thrive — a welcoming space where people come not only to make art, but to make memories.
Upstairs, The Loft at CREATIVE offers an additional creative extension of our space, designed for photography sessions, content creation, workshops, meetings, celebrations, and meaningful gatherings.
Located in the heart of historic downtown Claremont, NC, CREATIVE | Paint Your Own Pottery & Coffee Shop continues to grow as a destination for handmade art, pottery, coffee, creative experiences, and community connection. Whether you’re visiting for a pottery class, clay membership, coffee date, workshop, or simply to explore something new, we invite you to create with us.
Camp Dates
Choose Your Week
Monday-Thursday
9am-1pm Morning Session
1pm-4pm Afternoon Session
June 8-11 (rising K - rising 4th)
Clay Handbuilding Morning Session
Clay Wheel or Mixed Media for Afternoon Session
June 15-18 (rising 5th - rising 9th)
Clay Handbuilding Morning Session
Clay Wheel or Mixed Media for Afternoon Session
July 6-9 (rising K - rising 4th)
Clay Handbuilding Morning Session
Clay Wheel or Mixed Media for Afternoon Session
July 13-16 (rising 5th - rising 9th)
Clay Handbuilding Morning Session
Clay Wheel or Mixed Media for Afternoon Session
July 20-24 (rising K - rising 4th)
Clay Handbuilding Morning Session
Clay Wheel or Baking Camp for Afternoon Session
July 27-31 (rising 5th - rising 9th)
Clay Handbuilding Morning Session
Clay Wheel or Baking Camp for Afternoon Session
Sample Itinerary
A peek into a day at camp!
Morning Clay Handbuilding
9:00: Welcome time & Creativity warm up
9:30: Gathering or botanicals
9:45: Create Botanical Platters
10:15: Snack Time (provided by us)
10:30: Free Time & Games
11:00: Lunch break (bring from home!)
11:30: Clay creations: Ornaments
12:30: Finishing touches & Group Clay Pictionary
1:00: Pick-Up Time!
Afternoon sessions
Afternoon sessions vary based on the camp selected, giving campers the opportunity to explore different creative experiences. Each session includes welcome time, a creativity warm up, hands-on project time, snack time (provided by us), free time, and games—designed to create a fun, relaxed, and inspiring environment.
Clay Handbuilding
Morning Session
Clay Handbuilding (9:00 AM–1:00 PM)
Campers will begin their day working with clay through handbuilding techniques such as slab, coil, and sculpting. Students will create both functional and decorative pieces while exploring texture, form, and design.
Each session includes welcome time, a creativity warm up, guided instruction, and hands-on project work. Campers will also enjoy snack time (provided by us), free time, and games. A lunch break is included, and we ask that campers bring a lunch from home each day.
$350 for the week!
Pottery Wheel
Afternoon Session
Pottery Wheel (1:00–4:00 PM)
Campers will be introduced to the pottery wheel in a small-group setting, allowing for more personalized instruction and hands-on guidance. Students will learn foundational wheel techniques such as centering, pulling, and shaping clay while creating their own unique pieces.
The session includes welcome time, a creativity warm up, guided instruction, and dedicated time on the wheel. Campers will also enjoy snack time (provided by us), free time, and games—creating a fun and balanced experience while learning a new skill.
⚠️ Limited to a small number of students for the best experience.
$375 for the week!
MIXED MEDIA
Afternoon Session
Mixed Media Art (1:00–4:00 PM)
Campers will explore a variety of creative projects through painting, mixed media, and hands-on art activities. This session encourages imagination and personal expression while building confidence in a relaxed and supportive environment.
Each afternoon includes welcome time, a creativity warm up, guided project work, and time to experiment with different materials and techniques. Snack time (provided by us), free time, and games are also included for a well-rounded and enjoyable experience.
$275 for the week!
BAKING CAMP
Afternoon Session
Baking Camp (1:00–4:00 PM)
Campers will step into the kitchen to create fun and beginner-friendly baked goods while learning basic baking skills and techniques. From mixing and measuring to decorating, students will enjoy the full creative process from start to finish.
Each session includes welcome time, a creativity warm up, hands-on baking projects, and time to enjoy what they’ve made. Snack time (provided by us), free time, and games are also included, creating a fun and engaging afternoon experience.
$275 for the week!
What's Included
What's Included
• A fun, safe, and welcoming studio environment
• Small-group instruction with experienced artists
• All tools, materials, and supplies for each selected camp
(clay, art, wheel, or baking)
• Hands-on guidance and personalized instruction
Clay Handbuilding (Morning Session)
• Clay, tools, textures, stamps, lace, and botanicals
• Instruction in handbuilding techniques (slab, coil, sculpting)
• Multiple clay projects created throughout the week
• Choice of glaze from our signature studio color palette
• All pieces kiln-fired and ready for pickup
Afternoon Options:
• Art Camp – painting, mixed media, and creative projects
• Wheel Camp – small-group pottery wheel instruction
• Baking Camp – hands-on baking projects
Discounts for morning & afternoon camps together in the same week!
Daily Schedule Includes
• Creativity warm up and guided project time
• Snack time (provided by us)
• Free time and games
• Lunch break (campers bring lunch from home)
Everything your child needs to create, explore, and have a great week is included.