Rooted in Clay: Ceramics Workshop with Stone Bear Studios

Stone Bear Studios is bringing a hand-building series to the Denver Botanic Gardens this fall, called Rooted in Clay. It's a three-part workshop that kicks off on Wednesday, October 14, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM, with follow-up sessions on November 18 and December 16. Each one runs two hours, so you're spending a good chunk of an evening with your hands in the clay.

The idea is simple: you create a clay piece inspired by the gardens around you. Because it's a series, the focus shifts each month. One session might be about garden vessel design, another on garden adornments like bee cups and mushrooms, and others on sculpting nature or botanical stamping. You'll be working at the gardens' York Street site, and once your pieces are finished, they're transferred to Stone Bear Studios to be fired.

Stone Bear Studios is a Lakewood clay studio that describes itself as a vibrant space where creativity thrives through diversity and exploration. The team there has experience across the board—wheel throwing, hand-building, and sculptural work—so they can help you out whether you're a total beginner or you've been potting for years. The gardens themselves are ranked among the top five in the country, an oasis in the city with year-round events, the Mordecai Children's Garden, lifelong learning opportunities, and research dedicated to preserving Colorado's natural resources.

The series costs $90, or $85 for members. The first session is Wednesday, October 14, from 5:30 to 7:30 PM, followed by November 18 and December 16.