Clay Play

with Heather McQueen

Top rated icon TOP RATED

5.0 | 34 reviews

276 Have Dabbled

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MEET YOUR HOST
Heather McQueen
ABOUT THIS EVENT
Event Category

Arts & DIY

Event Overview

Time for some 'hand therapy'! Oh and meanwhile, make something cool.
In this workshop, you'll spend time in a private ceramics studio, creating projects in a small group setting. Pinch, coil, and press the clay using hand-building techniques and press-molds.  Try the potter's wheel if you're ready to make a mess! Freeform workshop; bring your own idea or choose one from the inspiration books. 

Materials & tools provided. Includes finishing service: smoothing, glazing & firing, to make sure your work looks amazing! 
Single-session ideas are possible; complex forms require more than one sitting. Projects will be ready for pick-up approximately 3-4 weeks after class. (shipping available)

You: adventurous, good with your hands? Took a ceramics class, once upon a time? Were you a childhood prodigy in play-dough? Come out & have some fun! Promise to get you messy! 

What to Bring

Studio clothing (dress appropriately, some materials stain), clayworking tools if you've got 'em.

Minimum age

14 years or older

What's Provided

Basic tools, aprons, hand towels, clay and glazes are yours to use.

What You Can Expect From This Experience
  • Be safe, have fun
  • Make something unique
  • Try a new idea
  • Unplug and relax
  • Get your hands dirty
  • Work with clay
Cancellation Policy
Location
Heather McQueen Studio
831 W. Wolfram, Workspace (lower level front)
Chicago, IL, 60657

EVENT DETAILS

Date & Time

Location

Heather McQueen Studio

Price

$40 per Ticket

BUY TICKETS

* Registration closes 72 hours before event

MORE ABOUT YOUR HOST

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Heather McQueen

Top rated icon TOP RATED

Heather McQueen is an accomplished ceramic artist, working primarily in the low-fire range. Her work varies from drums and sculptural vessels to utilitarian, country-style tableware. She enjoys inspiring others through her work, from one-on-one lessons to Visiting Artist Residencies. Heather's claywork has been published ("From Mud to Music", "500 Raku") and featured in a nationally televised promo (US Cellular). She is a graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, and maintains an independent ceramic studio in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood.

MESSAGE HOST VIEW PROFILE

EXPERIENCE REVIEWS

  • Default user photo
    Gloria A.
    Reviewed on 11/05/24

    Heather is just so personable that you almost forget to keep working on your project. Friendly, funny with an amazing skill to teach while simultaneously creating a piece of art, Heather will help you to create your own art piece. Students complete so much in a short time because Heather encourages her students to complete more, using every minute of class time to create another project!

    Heather is just so personable that you almost forget to keep working on your project. Friendly, funny with an amazing skill to teach while simultaneously creating a piece of art, Heather will help you to create your own art piece. Students complete so much in a short time because Heather encourages her students to complete more, using every minute of class time to create another project!

  • Thumb whats next
    Shay S.
    Reviewed on 08/09/24

    Second class, second great session. Used the wheel and hand building. I will definitely return in later months.

    Second class, second great session. Used the wheel and hand building. I will definitely return in later months.

    • Show more
{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-7844ce7f6060bc35d96b520c91dde332223314399368a367699ab784f5d8e1fa.png","reviewer_name":"Gloria A.","created_at":"9 months","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eClay Play\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"Heather’s friendliness will disarm you which will open up your creative side. Her humor, talent and helpfulness are all impressive. You will learn loads and then you will create something to be proud of. I can’t wait to take another class with her. ","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"https://dabbledoneright-production.s3.amazonaws.com/production/uploads/user/photo/515976/thumb_whats_next.jpg","reviewer_name":"Shay S.","created_at":"9 months","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eClay Play\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"This class was so great. From beginning to end you are learning and experience all that is clay. The time flew by and in the end I had two pieces and plans to take another class.","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-7844ce7f6060bc35d96b520c91dde332223314399368a367699ab784f5d8e1fa.png","reviewer_name":"Gloria A.","created_at":"9 months","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eClay Play\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"I was impressed with Heather’s friendliness. She also has a great sense of humor. She is quite adept at moving quickly from student to student, each of whom is working on a different product, helping each of us to refine our project. I was surprised how open Heather was to our ideas and was happy to help make them a reality. I will definitely register for more of her classes in the hopes of bettering my technique.","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-7844ce7f6060bc35d96b520c91dde332223314399368a367699ab784f5d8e1fa.png","reviewer_name":"Joyce L.","created_at":"about 1 year","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eClay Play\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"Lots of fun. Harder than you'd think but Heather was always there to help and answer questions. Love that classes are small. ","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-7844ce7f6060bc35d96b520c91dde332223314399368a367699ab784f5d8e1fa.png","reviewer_name":"Ryann S.","created_at":"almost 2 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eClay Play\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"The teacher, Heather, was passionate and lovely and patient. Such a warm and inviting space for play. I will absolutely return.","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"https://dabbledoneright-production.s3.amazonaws.com/production/uploads/user/photo/311781/thumb_38F50BE3-9296-4D59-B108-3E7AD37FC482.jpeg","reviewer_name":"Celeste H.","created_at":"almost 2 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eClay Play\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"I loved it so much I try to go weekly now! Heather is such a wonderful person. Everyone that I have met at her studio is such a nice person. come with a basic idea and go from there! This is your motivation to learn something new! ","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-7844ce7f6060bc35d96b520c91dde332223314399368a367699ab784f5d8e1fa.png","reviewer_name":"William H.","created_at":"about 2 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eClay Play\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"A pleasure as always😌 just the best best way to spend a evening using your hands after work","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-7844ce7f6060bc35d96b520c91dde332223314399368a367699ab784f5d8e1fa.png","reviewer_name":"William H.","created_at":"about 2 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eClay Play\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"Loved this experience! I walked in with zero experience in clay and still walked out with a huge smile on my face and a new mug to show for it. Highly recommend. ","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-7844ce7f6060bc35d96b520c91dde332223314399368a367699ab784f5d8e1fa.png","reviewer_name":"Rawan A.","created_at":"about 2 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eClay Play\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"My husband and I had so much fun with this class. It was the first time we used the wheel and it was a chill environment. Heather was also really great teacher- thank you!","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-7844ce7f6060bc35d96b520c91dde332223314399368a367699ab784f5d8e1fa.png","reviewer_name":"Saad K.","created_at":"over 2 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eClay Play\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"This was a fantastic class. Rarely do you get the chance to be taught so personally by a master of their craft, and Heather is a true master. The workshop beautifully decorated, with soul and intention. Finished pieces are strewn across the space, each providing their own story and serving as wonderful sources of inspiration. Heather was brimming with enthusiasm throughout the whole session, was abundantly helpful throughout, and was happy to chat with us even after the class had ended. I will most certainly be going back; I might just have been inspired to start down the path of ceramics and pottery.","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-7844ce7f6060bc35d96b520c91dde332223314399368a367699ab784f5d8e1fa.png","reviewer_name":"Amanda T.","created_at":"over 2 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eClay Play\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"We had such a great time in this class! It's such a fun class whether it's your first time doing pottery (me) or if you've done it for years (my husband). I loved learning how to make pieces on the wheel! I would highly highly recommend!","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-7844ce7f6060bc35d96b520c91dde332223314399368a367699ab784f5d8e1fa.png","reviewer_name":"Shaunti A.","created_at":"about 4 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eClay Play\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"We loved our evening with Heather. She will bring out the secret artist in anyone! Was impressed by the space and options to create multiple pieces. We felt great about celebrating art and activity after a very long pandemic delay and would encourage anyone to try out any event at Heather McQueen’s studio!! Five stars.","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"https://dabbledoneright-production.s3.amazonaws.com/production/uploads/user/photo/474652/thumb_PIC11.jpg","reviewer_name":"Maricar T.","created_at":"almost 6 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eClay Play\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"The instructor (Heather) was overall helpful, uplifting and encouraging. She was easy to communicate with. You don't need to know ANYTHING about clay or ceramics to come to this class. The introduction at the beginning gave students a feel of what to expect. I felt that I had a ton of creative freedom attending this class. I already had something in mind that I wanted to create, so I think that that helped me throughout my process. Overall thought that creating and shaping the clay with my hands was a stress reliever. I would take this class again in the future. Highly recommend!","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-7844ce7f6060bc35d96b520c91dde332223314399368a367699ab784f5d8e1fa.png","reviewer_name":"Christine S.","created_at":"over 8 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eClay Play\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"This class was so much fun! The instructor was extremely helpful - and she encourages lots of creativity (which i don't have). \r\nI made a funky looking flower vase that I absolutely LOVE (because I made it with my own two hands). \r\n","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-7844ce7f6060bc35d96b520c91dde332223314399368a367699ab784f5d8e1fa.png","reviewer_name":"Angelica N.","created_at":"over 10 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eClay Play\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"Very friendly teacher! Helped us with any questions we had. It was a pretty free form class. I had a blast!","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-7844ce7f6060bc35d96b520c91dde332223314399368a367699ab784f5d8e1fa.png","reviewer_name":"Jenna H.","created_at":"almost 11 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eClay Play\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"Had such a great time at Clay Play! I went with a friend and we both thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Heather is a wonderful teacher and we learned quite a lot in the time we spent at her studio. We will definitely be back. Highly recommend.","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-7844ce7f6060bc35d96b520c91dde332223314399368a367699ab784f5d8e1fa.png","reviewer_name":"Katie C.","created_at":"almost 11 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eClay Play\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"Heather was SO AWESOME - I cannot say enough wonderful things about this class. Hosted in her studio, Heather made us feel completely at home and generously shared with us everything from aprons, clay, molds, tools, and her expertise! Super patient, welcoming, knowledgeable, friendly...we loved this class and can't wait to come back. ","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-7844ce7f6060bc35d96b520c91dde332223314399368a367699ab784f5d8e1fa.png","reviewer_name":"Cheryl Z.","created_at":"almost 11 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eClay Play\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"This class was so much fun! Everyone had a great time. Heather (instructor) was really easy going and knowledgeable, and helped us with whatever we wanted to try to make. People made bowls, mugs, plates, vases, etc. ","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-7844ce7f6060bc35d96b520c91dde332223314399368a367699ab784f5d8e1fa.png","reviewer_name":"Jessica W.","created_at":"almost 11 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eClay Play\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"I had SUCH a great time at Clay Play with Heather. My friend and I found this class on Dabble and decided to take a stab at getting in touch with our creative side. Heather was a wonderful instructor and had this amazing laid-back, yet helpful approach. I am really looking forward to going back and trying this again! And for only $25?? You can't beat that! ","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-7844ce7f6060bc35d96b520c91dde332223314399368a367699ab784f5d8e1fa.png","reviewer_name":"Matt A.","created_at":"about 11 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eClay Play\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"Really fun class! Teacher offered great advice and also the freedom to explore the process. Highly recommend.","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-7844ce7f6060bc35d96b520c91dde332223314399368a367699ab784f5d8e1fa.png","reviewer_name":"Crystal R.","created_at":"about 11 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eClay Play\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"The class was not the typical classroom style. Heather threw us right in so we could get hands on experience. After taking a pottery class over 14 years ago, it was nice just to \"play\". We got to use the pottery wheel and use pre-thrown clay to make something quicker using bowls and cylinders. It was great fun for a couple friends or even a date.","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-7844ce7f6060bc35d96b520c91dde332223314399368a367699ab784f5d8e1fa.png","reviewer_name":"Melissa F.","created_at":"about 11 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eClay Play\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"This class was super fun! Our teacher was very nice and informative on how to work with the materials. Everyone seemed to have a great time, and I'd definitely recommend the class to anyone I know! Can't wait to see my finished piece!","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-7844ce7f6060bc35d96b520c91dde332223314399368a367699ab784f5d8e1fa.png","reviewer_name":"Monica K.","created_at":"about 11 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eClay Play\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"The class was great and very relaxing and I am excited to come back!","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-7844ce7f6060bc35d96b520c91dde332223314399368a367699ab784f5d8e1fa.png","reviewer_name":"Amber P.","created_at":"about 11 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eClay Play\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"This was a fun workshop. I'm excited to see my finished project. Heather is upbeat and patient. I had never worked with clay before and didn't feel intimidated at all. I hope to take another class here in the near future","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-7844ce7f6060bc35d96b520c91dde332223314399368a367699ab784f5d8e1fa.png","reviewer_name":"Kari K.","created_at":"about 11 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eClay Play\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"Clay Play was awesome! Heather is a very easy-going, fun teacher. She let's you imagine your own clay creation and then helps you bring it to life. We even got time to play on the potters wheel which was such a cool experience! I'm so glad I went and can't wait to see my creations when they are finished. I would definitely recommend this class to anyone interested in clay - especially beginners!","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"https://dabbledoneright-production.s3.amazonaws.com/production/uploads/user/photo/164461/thumb_Team_KelseyPic.jpg","reviewer_name":"Kelsey W.","created_at":"about 11 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eClay Play\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"Was a good class to play! There's no right or wrong in this class, just learning through doing. Was a chill atmosphere and can't wait to see my pieces when finished! If you like rigid structure and perfection, perhaps not the class for you. ","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-7844ce7f6060bc35d96b520c91dde332223314399368a367699ab784f5d8e1fa.png","reviewer_name":"Marcia B.","created_at":"about 11 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eClay Play\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"I came with a friend and this was our first clay pottery class. We enjoyed ourselves so much that we are planning a day to return! Heather was a great teacher. Thanks so much for making our first clay pottery experience a great one! ","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-7844ce7f6060bc35d96b520c91dde332223314399368a367699ab784f5d8e1fa.png","reviewer_name":"Lindsay C.","created_at":"about 11 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eClay Play\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"The class was great! Heather was fun and helpful. I would love to take another class. I highly recommend! ","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"https://dabbledoneright-production.s3.amazonaws.com/production/uploads/user/photo/173891/thumb_stanekontracks.jpg","reviewer_name":"Jessica S.","created_at":"about 11 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eClay Play\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"Heather was great! She has an amazing studio with everything you need to build a great clay piece and her instructions and one-on-one time was very helpful. GREAT class and great group outing!","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"/assets/fallback/default_user_photo-7844ce7f6060bc35d96b520c91dde332223314399368a367699ab784f5d8e1fa.png","reviewer_name":"Kirsten H.","created_at":"about 11 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eClay Play\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"Heather gave good instruction/demos, but didn't make the class overly-structured. She encouraged us to be creative and helped where necessary. Great experience and I would recommend this class to anyone!!!","teacher_response":null}
{"commenter_avatar":"https://dabbledoneright-production.s3.amazonaws.com/production/uploads/user/photo/201871/thumb_Andrea_Curious.jpg","reviewer_name":"Andrea K.","created_at":"over 11 years","title_link":"\u003cstrong\u003eClay Play\u003c/strong\u003e","positive":true,"review_content":"I've only ever done hand building with clay before and Heather gave us a solid introduction to using a wheel. Her studio is a really funky art space and her style is very free-form, passionate and exciting. Just like most clay classes, you can't really finish your piece in one session because the clay needs time to dry before you can finish, fire, glaze. I recommend either planning to take a 2nd session to do that, or just play with learning new techniques an don't worry about finishing a piece to take home. I had a ton of fun just playing!","teacher_response":"Thanks Andrea, I really appreciate the feedback! \r\nYou and Omar were my first 2 Dabble students, and I wasn't quite sure what to expect. But, thanks to that, it's given me a good indicator of how I should prepare for Dabble students in the future. I'm glad it was fun! I really enjoyed hearing about your experiences as a Dabble instructor, too! \r\nWith clay, there is definitely a limit to what is possible in a single session, and my mission is to help students enjoy the process, and hopefully for that time to be fruitful. For sure, I'm thinking about how to improve the course description, and also to be able to offer clearer options for finishing the work. \r\nI do have some great single-session projects, but these usually don't include the wheel (though I'm brainstorming other ways of using the wheel, that might be accessible \u0026 fun for the Dabble crowd)\r\nIt occurs to me now that I can use the pre-class email to communicate more specifically about project expectations (and also to remind everyone about \"studio clothes\"). \r\nAgain, thanks for the feedback, it reinforces what I know about how the class went, and ways I can make it better!"}

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