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. 

Complete Ceramic Studio

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.

Contact Us

406-260-1559

Location

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

Contact Us

406-260-1559

Location

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

Contact Us

406-260-1559

Location

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