Register for tot classes at Edna Arts

Parent/Child classes: Adult participation is required. Up to two registered children per adult. All children must be registered to be in studio.

Independent classes: Adults are welcome to wait in the hallway or lobby but are not permitted in the studios during classes.

Strollers: Strollers are not allowed in the studios due to space constraints. Strollers may be parked along the hallway near the studios.

Frequently Asked Questions - Infant/Toddler classes

• Can I bring a sibling to a parent/child class?
  • Infants in carriers are welcome!
  • Each class is designed for the listed ages, and all children not in carriers must be registered. To inquire about registering a younger sibling in a tot class, please reach out to Stephanie_Self@tempe.gov to request an age override.
• Can children attend with someone other than a parent?
  • We see a wide range of relationships in parent/child classes! Little ones can attend with grandparents, aunts/uncles, nannies, friends and other trusted adults.
• What if my child puts things in their mouth? What if my child can’t sit in a chair for 45 minutes? What if my child...?
  • We are prepared for the wiggles, giggles (and taste testing) that are a natural part of little ones exploring! Dress for a mess. Art supplies used are non-toxic, washable and sometimes even edible. Reusable supplies are sanitized regularly. If you have specific concerns, please list them in the accommodations question or reach out to Stephanie_Self@tempe.gov.
• Where can I take care of my child’s needs?
  • Baby changing tables are available in the women’s and men’s restrooms
  • Nursing is allowed in all areas.
• What does the grown up do in a parent/child class?
  • Grownups are there to spend quality time with their little artists, participate in activities, and provide help or guidance when asked! Avoid the urge to “fix” any artwork. 

Register for youth classes at Edna Arts

Youth participants must be picked up inside at the end of class.

 Adults are welcome to wait in the lobby or hallway but are not permitted in the studios during class times. 

If your child has specific needs to help them best be successful in a class, please contact Stephanie_Self@tempe.gov

Register for teen classes at Edna Arts

See Adult section for additional classes ages 16+

Frequently Asked Questions - Youth/Teen classes

• How do I get an age override?
  • Overrides are approved on a case-by-case basis. Please email Edna_Arts@tempe.gov with your request.
• Can parents observe classes?
  • Parents and other adults may wait in the lobby but are not permitted in the studio during class time except in designated parent/child classes.

Registration for summer camps opens Feb. 28

Weekly, themed summer camps invite discovery and encourage developing your artistic voice. Explore ceramics, theatre and visual arts in these skill-building afternoon sessions.

Register for adult classes at Edna Arts

Materials provided unless otherwise stated below.

Frequently Asked Questions - Adult Ceramics

• How do I know I am ready for an intermediate/advanced throwing class?
  • Participants should be consistent with centering, opening, pulling and creating basic forms on the wheel before moving on from an introduction level class. Teaching artists can make recommendations for those who have completed introduction to throwing classes at Edna Arts – which can include repeating the introduction level class.
• I am an experienced potter; can I still sign up for an introduction level class?
  • Our introduction classes are designed for the true beginner. All registered participants are expected to follow the class schedule and projects. This class can be repeated if you want to do beginning level projects again.
• Can I bring in ceramics work I made somewhere else to fire?
  • No. We do not offer kiln firings for ceramics work created outside of our studio.
• Do you have open studio or drop-in classes?
  • No. Our classes are designed to enhance learning experiences of our participants and encourage growth within our studio space. Advanced level classes teach skills and techniques suited for individual projects. All classes are led by a teaching artist.
• What if I can’t find my work during the pick-up days?
  • Participants are encouraged to take photos of their work to help identify anything they created at pick up. We are happy to take those photos to help share with the studio community in case something was picked up by another participant. We do our best to monitor the pick-up process.
• What kind of equipment is available in the studio?
  • Participants have access to a slab roller, Brent wheels (cxc and c), wall extruder, spray booth, blast cabinet, large tables, communal tools, colored slips, stains and high fire glazes.
• What type of firings do you offer?
  • Low fire (Cone 04-06), mid-range (cone 5), and high fire (cone 10 - oxidation and reduction)
  • Raku

Class Materials List - Adult Ceramics

Required Materials and Tools:

• One 25lb bag of Cone 10 Clay
  • Our teaching artists use the following clay in the studio:
    • B-mix with sand (clay with grog/sand are stronger for hand-building)
    • B-mix without sand (better for introduction to wheel throwing)
  • Other bodies of clay that will work:
    • Soldate 60
    • Rod’s Bod
    • LB Blend 
  • Raku Firing: Cone 10 or Cone 5 clay with sand
    • No Porcelain and B-mix without sand for Raku
• Small container with lid
• Dust mask for sanding

Optional Tools 

• Pottery Tool Kit – communal tools are available for use in studio
• One zip-lock bag or small container to hold personal tools
• Apron or old t-shirt to help protect clothing
• Hand towel/Rag
• Strong bag clip to keep clay bag sealed

Please call our front desk or email if you have any questions!

Supplies can be purchased from:

Register for workshops at Edna Arts

Explore specific creative topics with enjoyable one-day workshops designed to expand your unique artistic skillset. All necessary materials provided unless noted in the description.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I make up missed classes?
  • There are no make-ups for missed classes. Any classes cancelled by the center, will be refunded to the participant.  
• What supplies do I need to bring to class?  
  • Required materials for all classes are provided unless otherwise noted in the description.
  • Adult ceramics participants provide their own Cone 10 clay, mask for sanding, and small container with lid. See "Adult" tab for more information.
• Can I leave my artwork in between sessions? 
  • Leftover artwork is discarded at the start of the following session. If you would like to continue working on a piece in the following session, please bring it home after the last class and bring it back at the start of the new session. 
  • Ceramics pieces not picked up by the end of the following session will be discarded.
• Do you offer financial assistance? 
  • Youth scholarships are available for Tempe and Guadalupe residents ages 0-17 years and/or youth enrolled in a Tempe Public School. Proof of residency and/or enrollment is required.
    • Youth Scholarship Request Form
• How do I get a refund?  
  • Refunds are permitted when there is a request more than 7 days from the first class meeting. Requests must be submitted by email (edna_arts@tempe.gov), phone (480-350-5287) or in person at Edna Vihel Arts Center.
• Do you offer accommodations?
  • The City of Tempe makes every effort to provide reasonable accommodations to those requesting assistance for all programs, services and facilities.
    • Community Services Inclusion Form
• I have someone visiting from out of town, can they join me in class as a drop-in?
  • Early childhood classes welcome drop-ins pending registration maximums have not been met.  
  • Due to the planning and pacing of our youth, teen and adult classes, drop-ins must be approved by the program specialist and teaching artist.
  • There are no drop-ins in ceramics classes. 

Community Services Waivers

By registering for a class at the Edna Vihel Arts Center, you agree to the following: 

• Activity Waiver

Edna Vihel Arts Center
Front Desk
edna_arts@tempe.gov
480-350-5287
3340 S. Rural Road 
Tempe, AZ 85282 

Stephanie Self, Community Arts Specialist
Toddler & Youth
stephanie_self@tempe.gov
480-244-0528

Amanda McGlothern, Community Arts Specialist
Ceramics, Adult visual arts
amanda_mcglothern@tempe.gov
480-487-6976

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