Conservation and Clay: A two-part workshop

Join the MidCoast Watersheds Council and Coastal Community Clay for a place-based workshop that connects tidal wetland restoration with hands-on clay making!

This is a two-session workshop that takes place on Saturday, March 14th from 9 am to 12 pm (Part 1) AND Sunday, March 29th from 10 am to 12 pm (Part 2). One registration and fee covers both workshop dates.

The workshop will begin with a short guided walk on the Lint Slough Trail where participants will learn about how the site was restored, the importance of tidal wetlands, and the role native riparian plants play in healthy ecosystems. After the walk, we’ll head to the nearby clay studio to create a hand-built dish or plate inspired by the botanical forms, textures, and patterns observed along the walk. Two weeks later, we will come back to the studio after the pieces are fired to glaze them for part two of the workshop. This program invites participants to learn from the landscape and transform nature into art! No prior clay experience is required.

1. Saturday, March 14: We will meet at 9 am on Saturday, March 14 at the Waldport dog park parking lot (320 Crestline Dr, Waldport, OR 97394). We’ll spend approximately 30-45 minutes walking on the Lint Slough Trail learning about restoration. Then we’ll return to the clay studio (385 NW Alsea Hwy Suite 8) for the remainder of the time. Attendees will be able to make one to several small slab-based items (e.g. trinket dishes, ornaments, spoon rests). The pieces will then be bisque fired and ready for glazing for Part 2 of the workshop on Sunday, March 29th. Note that the trail is rough, rocky, and slippery in places. This event will happen rain or shine, so please come prepared for whatever the skies throw at us! We recommend wearing clothes that you feel comfortable walking in and getting dirty in the clay studio.
2. Sunday, March 29: We will meet at 10 am on Sunday, March 29th at the clay studio (385 NW Alsea Hwy Suite 8, Waldport OR 97394) to glaze our pieces. The clay studio can glaze pieces for anyone who is not able to make this second session. After they are glaze fired, pieces can be picked up at the MidCoast Watersheds Council office in Newport (914 SW Coast Hwy).

All materials for the clay project, including plants for pressing into clay, will be included. Ages 13 and up are welcome (minors must be accompanied by an adult). Cost is $45/person, but please reach out to aW5mbyB8IG1pZGNvYXN0d2MgISBvcmc= if cost is an issue - limited scholarships may be available. Class size is limited to 10 participants. One registration and fee covers both workshop dates.

• Guided hike on the Lint Slough Trail followed by a two-hour clay-making session at the Coastal Community Clay studio.
• Meet at Waldport dog park parking lot (320 Crestline Dr, Waldport, OR 97394)

• Glazing clay pieces.
• Meet at the Coastal Community Clay studio (385 NW Alsea Hwy Suite 8, Waldport, OR 97394)

Also check out other Workshops in Waldport, Trips & Adventurous Activities in Waldport, Arts events in Waldport.