Come enjoy our Pottery Studio in Whitefish, Montana!

NEW! Check out our new Dirty Date Nights!

  So…What is Art Escape?

Art Escape Retreat is all about pottery, students discovering pottery, and mastery.

Whether you’re looking for a fun beginner’s pottery lesson or a place to step away from the chaos and dive deep into your creativity,  Art Escape Retreat might be just what you’re looking for.

For awhile we enjoyed having the pottery studio mostly to ourselves, with a few pottery lessons sprinkled in. But we realized that having this creative haven all to ourselves wasn’t enough—it felt like something was missing. Now, we’re ready to share it with others.

Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just starting out, come escape the noise and distractions of the outside world and dive into your ceramic work in this special place.

On the residential side, we do offer accommodations. We suggest staying for 30 days (or more) because true growth in this craft takes time; it can take a few weeks just to find your groove and settle into a rhythm. But if you’re looking for a quick retreat, and we have availability, you’re welcome to come for as little as 3 days. No matter how long you stay, Art Escape offers a peaceful space where you can fully immerse yourself, nurture your creativity, and discover the potter within.

Now, pottery is as much about physical strength as it is about creative flow. When you’re new to working with clay—or even if you’re returning after a break—it’s normal to need shorter sessions at first. Building up your stamina is part of the journey. With time and practice, you’ll find yourself working longer, building your strength, and achieving things with clay that once seemed just out of reach. Art Escape Pottery Studio  is here to support you, every step and every pot along the way.

Nestled on ten forested acres in the beautiful Salish Mountains, Art Escape is only a short drive from Whitefish, Glacier National Park, and Kalispell. At the Art Escape Pottery Studio, we offer individual and group lessons for all skill levels, making sure each session is fun and relaxed.

I believe the best learning happens when you’re feeling good—when creativity can flow naturally.

For those who choose to stay as residents, Art Escape Retreat becomes a transformative space. Here, you get to live, breathe, eat, sleep, and even dream about pottery. Think of it as a pottery boot camp, but one that’s filled with fun, love,  joy and freedom. (And very cool hosts.) You’ll have long, uninterrupted time to focus like never before, whether you stay a week, a few months, or even decide to make Art Escape your permanent home.

P.S. When you arrive, take a moment to let the outside world fade away. Breathe in the fresh Montana air, let go of anything that was bothering you, and immerse yourself in this unique opportunity. This is a gift. This is your time to just be—to explore, create, and find your rhythm in clay. 

Things to do Near Whitefish, Montana

There are so many things you can do near Whitefish, Montana…you can hike, fish, bike, swim, kayak, ski and explore until the cows come home.

art escape pottery studio whitefish montana

Complete Ceramic Studio

Our modern, fully-equipped ceramic studio has everything a thriving potter needs to create.  A new kiln, several types of clay, extruders and tools galore. When it comes to being creative, the right space, and the right company, can make all the difference in the world.

We Learn Best When We Feel Good, Not Bad

When you’re enjoying yourself, your brain gives you a boost of dopamine—a neurotransmitter that rewards you with feelings of joy, satisfaction, and motivation.

Here’s how it works: The more fun you have, the more dopamine your brain produces,  even just thinking about doing something enjoyable like work with clay can raise your dopamine levels.

Dopamine has you feel naturally drawn to spend more time practicing your art. And more practice leads to mastery. And mastery? Well, that’s the sweet spot every artist is aiming for.

When we’re happy, we’re more receptive to learning. Stress and pressure can hinder our ability to absorb information and worse yet may have you feeling like you want to quit. But laughter and joy open up space for exploration and even for mistakes, which are essential in the creative process. This isn’t just beneficial for beginners; it’s just as powerful for experienced artists.

We designed this retreat not just to teach pottery, but to create a place where learning feels like a celebration. Here, pottery classes promise two things: learning and enjoyment. For beginners, the goal isn’t to create a perfect piece but to dive into the process and walk away with a positive, memorable experience. And for you experienced potters, just ask for what you want here and you’re likely to get it.

Fun is the Key to Long-Lasting Learning

At Art Escape Pottery Studio, students don’t just learn skills—they build a connection with the art. Beginners won’t create a masterpiece in their first attempt or even their first year, but they gain something more valuable: a sense of accomplishment, the thrill of trying something new, and a reason to keep coming back.

Steve’s one-on-one coaching helps each student enjoy growing at their own pace. For some, throwing a three-pound piece is a huge victory; for others, it’s twenty-five pounds. Each success, big or small, is a reason to celebrate and celebration keeps your success cycle growing.

101 + ways that Pottery Lessons Improve your Life

Pottery lessons can improve many areas of your life. Here are 101 ways that searching for, “pottery lessons near me,” can be a huge benefit to you.

Pottery Teachers, Your Vibe Can Change Lives

How Fun Helps Students Learn When students laugh, smile, or feel excited about what they’re doing, their brains release chemicals that help them focus and remember things. Fun makes learning easier! It also helps students feel more relaxed, so they don’t get stuck...

7 ways feeling good helps potters become masters

Why Feeling Good Is the Key to Becoming a Great Potter If you’re here, it’s because something deep inside you is calling—a yearning to become a great potter or ceramic artist. You don’t just want to make a few pots; you want to master the craft. You want your hands to...

How Deep Immersion Effects Your Pottery Skills

True growth as an artist doesn’t happen overnight—it’s a process that unfolds over time, especially when you have the freedom to fully immerse yourself in learning. At Art Escape Retreat, we’ve created an environment that allows potters to go beyond surface-level...

Chronic Pain and the Pottery Studio

Understanding Chronic Pain in the Pottery Studio Chronic pain while working in the pottery studio can be characterized by persistent discomfort or pain that lasts for an extended period of typically three months or more, beyond the normal healing time of an injury or...

Choose artistry rather than drugs or alcohol

In today's fast-paced world, many individuals seek refuge from life's pressures through various means, including drugs or alcohol. However, there is a healthier and more fulfilling alternative: pottery. Engaging in pottery offers a therapeutic escape that not only...

Make Money Making Stuff

 Monetizing Your Pottery Passion For pottery enthusiasts, the allure of turning their passion into a profitable venture is an enticing prospect. With the rise of entrepreneurship and the growing demand for handmade, artisanal products, the business potential within...

Pottery and Garden Art

The Charm of Ceramic Garden Art Transforming outdoor spaces into enchanting havens of beauty and tranquility is a timeless pursuit for many gardening enthusiasts. While flowers and foliage play starring roles in garden design, incorporating ceramic garden art adds a...

Cultivating Humility in the Pottery Studio

The Lessons Learned in a Potter's Studio In a world that often celebrates individual achievement and self-promotion, the humble art of pottery offers a refreshing counterbalance—a reminder of the importance of humility and reverence for the creative process. Learning...

Keeping Your Mind Sharp

The Cognitive Benefits of Learning Pottery In a world where cognitive decline is a growing concern, finding ways to keep our brains active and healthy is more important than ever. While activities like puzzles and reading are often touted as brain-boosting exercises,...

Pottery Classes and Self Esteem.

Unveiling the Power of Getting Good At Something: Self-esteem is a crucial component of mental and emotional well-being, shaping how we perceive and interact with the world around us. While there are various avenues for boosting self-esteem, one often overlooked path...

Contact Us

Location

The Pottery studio is located 10 miles from Whitefish, Montana in the foothills of the Salish Mountains.

We are about 17 miles from Big Mountain, 42 miles from Glacier National Park, 7 miles from Tally Lake and close to many of the Whitefish Trail System.

Copyright © 2019 Art Escape Pottery Studio

Contact Us

Location

The Pottery studio is located 10 miles from Whitefish, Montana in the foothills of the Salish Mountains.

We are about 17 miles from Big Mountain, 42 miles from Glacier National Park, 7 miles from Tally Lake and close to many of the Whitefish Trail System.

Copyright © 2019 Art Escape Pottery Studio

Contact Us

Location

The Pottery studio is located 10 miles from Whitefish, Montana in the foothills of the Salish Mountains.

We are about 17 miles from Big Mountain, 42 miles from Glacier National Park, 7 miles from Tally Lake and close to many of the Whitefish Trail System.

Copyright © 2019 Art Escape Pottery Studio