In this four-week Art Afterschool series, young artists combine observation and imagination to create one-of-a-kind clay creatures. Participants explore the space between reality and fantasy by designing hybrid beings inspired by animals, plants, and imagined forms. Using foundational handbuilding techniques, artists shape sculptural forms while experimenting with texture, surface, and expressive details that suggest personality and movement. 

Inspired by contemporary artworks and installations throughout The New Children’s Museum, participants look closely at works that blend natural and imagined imagery, bringing those ideas back into the studio to inform their own creative process. 

Why This Matters 
Working with clay supports fine motor development, spatial thinking, and problem-solving while encouraging imaginative risk-taking. Translating ideas into three-dimensional form helps young artists build confidence, persistence, and creative ownership. 

What To Expect 

• Learning foundational clay handbuilding techniques 

• Designing and sculpting a hybrid creature inspired by real and imagined sources 

• Exploring surface decoration techniques, including sgraffito 

• Observing contemporary artworks and Museum installations 

• Sharing ideas and reflecting on creative process 

 
These programs designed as small-group experiences with limited enrollment. Register now to secure your artist’s spot today! 

Tickets + Museum Admission 

• Registration is required and includes 1 spot. Members get $20 off any Art Afterschool series. Please be sure you are logged into your Member Portal to activate the discount. 

• Registration for this workshop does not include general Museum admission. If you’d like to explore the Museum, separate admission is required and available at the Welcome Desk. All participants under 16 must be accompanied by an adult to explore the Museum.  

 Drop-off + Pick-up 

• Location: Enter Artopia: NCM Creative Studios from the Union Street side of The New Children’s Museum, near the corner of Union and Island. 

• Program check-in is from 3:45 pm-4 pm. After class pick-up is from 6 pm-6:15 pm. 

• All artists must be signed in and out of each session. Only adults listed at registration may pick up your child. Please confirm your authorized adult list at drop-off. We cannot release artists to anyone not listed or without valid ID. 

Questions about parking, accessibility, or our cancellation policy?  
Visit our Artopia: NCM Creative Studios FAQs page for all the details you need to plan your visit: https://thinkplaycreate.org/artopia-faqs/