Art Escape Pottery Studio
Fully equipped to spark your creative imagination! About Art EscapeBook a RoomWhat makes the Art Escape pottery studio so much fun!
First, the back story. So there we were, a couple in our early 60s, leaving southern California behind to create our dream lives in Montana. We dreamt of living in nature and creating our ideal ceramic arts studio… for ourselves and to share with other like-minded people. We also had a desire to live off the land.
For years we’d visualized creating this type of space and in 2018, we realized that dream.
We knew going in that were that were ‘a bit older’ and that older bodies and joints called for some modern ceramic tools and equipment. Especially when Steve likes to throw pots that are on the larger size! Dang…you mean we get to buy new toys? Yes and so we have.
Special equiptment makes throwing on the wheel easier on your body.
We worked hard for decades to get here, far too hard to just give up due to sciattaca pain or knee or elbow pain.
This is why in addition to the stand up pottery wheel, all the stand up work stations AND all the usual pottery tools and machines, we also invested in both this beast of a Pugmill and the Strong Arm Tool.
The Peter Pugger VPN-60
Throwing large on the wheel has always facinated me. Centering large pieces is the hardest part. To make it as easy as possible, we start with extra soft clay. The softer the clay, the easier it is to center it.
The Peter Pugger allows us to mix, de-air and pug up to 140 lbs of clay (including reclaim) and get it just as soft as we want.
The Strong Arm Tool
The Strong Arm tool isn’t just for beginners. As a matter of fact, I discourage most beginners from using it. On the other hand, if you’re a beginner and you want to get to the fun part faster or, if your not strong enough to center clay, then go for it! Your bowls, pots and cups will be perfectly centered on day one.
I can center up to 80 lbs. without the Strong Arm Tool but it hurts my elbows and to be honest, without The Stron Arm Tool, my big pieces are rarely as symetrical as I’d like them to be.
When I do use the centering tool, my pieces come out amazing.
Whether you’re a beginner or a more experienced potters like me with joint pain, you’ll love The Strong Arm Tool.
The Pottery Studio
Fully functioning pottery studio:
The pottery studio is available to our overnight guests. In it you’ll find everything a potter could hope for.
- Several stand up and sit down work stations
- 3 Wheels
- The Strong Arm Tool
- Peter Pugger with the tile attachment and other great gizmos.
- Hand tools galore
- Slab roller
- Extruder with all the fixin’s
- Big electric kiln
- Fully stocked glaze room
- Several types of clay
- Big sink with endless hot water
- And lots more…
Pottery Lessons
5Would you like to learn to throw ceramics on the wheel?
If you’re a beginner and you want to learn, one lesson will get you started.
- Intro to the pottery wheel
- Centering
- Stacking thrown pieces
- Beginning hand building
- Throwing large pots
- How to use the slab roller
- How to use the extruder
- How to use the pugger
The studio is open from 7:00 A.M. – 9:00 P.M.
Private and semi-private lessons are $95.00
Please inform us as early as possible if you would like to reserve a lesson.
The Kitchen
What’s a vacation withot munchies? Well, you’ll never need to find out as long as you’re our guest. Aside from an organic breakfast that we include, You’ll have full access to your kitchen included with your stay.
Note: The kitchen is part of the pottery studio. We keep it as clean as possible, however, the kitchen shares the studio space and as we all know, clay has a tendency to migrate.
What I’m trying to say is that while we do clean the kitchen all the time, it’s never exactly perfectly clean. It’s studio level clean, not really fancy clean.
Everything you need for cooking
• Full size fridge
• Two burner electric stove
• Extra large toaster oven
• Blender
• Cups, plates, bowls, utensils
• Coffee, tea, spices, etc
I stayed at Art Escape for several days this fall and Steve gave me a beginning wheel lesson. It was great! There’s more to this studio than meets the eye…both Steve and Elisabeth have wonderful wisdom to share. I was sad to go.
Get In Touch
We’re here to help you plan a great artistic vacation. How can we help?
Message from Art Escape
Address
Art Escape is located just outside of beautiful Whitefish, Montana in the foothills.
Call or Text
(805) 637-7888 (Whatsapp is fine also)