How pottery workshops bring teams closer
I’ve found that the studio is a great place for beginners to bond – whether my students are old friends, celebrating an anniversary, in a new relationship, neighbors, co-workers or total strangers, clay in motion finds a way to help people connect with themselves and bond with others. People often tell me that the class felt “therapeutic” and typically leave the studio feeling rewarded, proud of themselves and excited to try more creative activities.
Team members at Ava Community Energy proudly showing off their work!
The team building that happens naturally in the studio inspired me to offer workshops for actual teams! The details: Waveform Ceramics’ pottery team building workshops seat up for 8 people for three hours; there is also a hand-building option that can seat up to 10. The workshops are somewhat customizable; rates range from $100-175/pp depending on headcount, activity and duration. To learn more, reach out to the studio through the workshop form!
How can pottery be a team-building experience?
Throwing on the wheel is a practice in presence, determination, acceptance and playfulness. Waveform Ceramics specializes in beginners, with an emphasis on having fun and celebrating different learning styles. Creative practices like pottery can help you let go of expectations and be present. In an art studio, you may see yourself, and your team, with fresh eyes. You may discover one another’s gifts and appreciate one another in new ways.
A close up of throwing on the wheel
During your pottery team-building workshop your group will:
· Get an introduction to throwing on the wheel
· Learn where clay comes from and how it behaves in motion
· Play, mess up, try again and explore
· Create 3-4 simple ceramic forms (bowls, cups, plates, etc.), glazed and ready to be picked up in 4-6 weeks
· Cheer each other on, laugh, introspect and reflect
What teams are saying about their experience at Waveform:
Teams have described Waveform’s workshops as “fun, engaging, bonding, relaxing and rewarding.”
Participants enjoyed:
· “Doing something creative and just talking together.”
· “Learning something new together.”
· “Taking something home when it’s done to remember it by!”
When reflecting on their team dynamics, guests shared:
· “I felt more connected to the group.”
· “We were all comfortable being ourselves…. it was fun!”
· “It was interesting in seeing some of my more process-focused teammates be more creative.”
· “I was surprised to find myself feeling calm with just the clay and my thoughts. At one point everyone was quiet in their own world...tapping into our creative sides and just letting go of being problem solvers.”
· “Having your hands do an activity frees up your brain and distracts you from your normal way of being.”
A selfie with the team as they throw on the wheel!
The instructor’s role & teaching style
Waveform’s teaching style is a combination of supportive (I’m here for you) and empowering (fiddle around and find out), creating a healthy balance of connection and space. It’s important to me that students feel empowered to take risks: I call it “supported failure. The team-building workshop (and pottery class in general) is an opportunity for managers, colleagues in different departments and different office personalities to participate in a playful, non-hierarchical activity.
Through feedback, reflection and practice, I strive to create an art classroom that is:
· Both introvert-approved and playfully social
· Fun and lighthearted
· Validating of the range of emotions that come up when learning something new and making art (anxiety, frustration, excitement, confusion, joy, disappointment)
· Mindful of learning styles, accommodations and preferences
· Musical, calming and energizing (fire playlists, nostalgic bops and soothing sounds)
I’m excited to continue offering team-building workshops at the studio! Please reach out if you think this could be a good fit for your group. I’d love to see you :)
