Clay the Day! | Putting Creativity Within Everyone's Reach
- intouch Magazine
- Mar 30
- 2 min read
Right in the heart of Newcastle’s CBD, The Art Department’s ceramics studio is a warm reminder that creativity isn’t just for a select few—it’s for anyone willing to give it a go (and maybe get a little clay under their nails).
This isn’t an intimidating, “serious artists only” kind of space. Quite the opposite. No experience? Perfect. Never touched clay before? Even better. The idea is simple: come as you are—curious, a little unsure, or just looking for something new to try—and leave with something you made with your own two hands (wonky edges and all).
The studio offers everything from one-off hand-building and wheel-throwing classes—great for a spontaneous creative break—to five-week workshops if you’re ready to really dive in. There’s no pressure to be perfect, just plenty of encouragement and a shared understanding that sometimes the “mistakes” end up being your favourite parts.
And if you find yourself hooked on ceramics, their open studio sessions are a fantastic next step. They’re affordable, flexible, and give you the freedom to create at your own pace, with access to kilns, glazing, and all the essentials. It’s the kind of space that gently says, “Go on—see what you can make.”
Can’t make it into the studio? That’s where the cleverly named “Clay Your Way” kits come in. These take-home packs bring the experience to you—whether that’s your kitchen table, your couch, or your backyard. No rush, no pressure—just you, some clay, and a bit of creative time.
What really makes The Art Department special isn’t just the pottery—it’s the feeling you get when you’re there. It’s welcoming, down-to-earth, and genuinely inclusive. They also offer group bookings, team-building sessions, and off-site classes for workplaces and schools, making it easy to share the experience with others.
And the best part? They’re only just getting started. With new ideas already in the works, it’s clear this is more than a studio—it’s a growing creative hub that Newcastle didn’t know it needed (but is very glad to have).
In the middle of a busy CBD, it offers something a little different: a chance to slow down, make something real, and maybe even surprise yourself along the way.
Jump online and book a class today: www.theartdepartment.com.au.
