Some Frequently Asked Questions
Q – How can I get on your mailing list?
A – Call Paul Harrar, Mud Hut Manager, at 530-478-6400 x 212 to request mailed class schedules. If you get voice mail, please leave your name and address. Our class schedules include a handy class enrollment form that can be mailed to instructors with class fee payment.
Q – Can I have my pottery fired in your kilns?
A – Only pottery created by Mud Hut students in our classes, and instructors, is fired in our kilns.
Q – Do you accept donations of used ceramic studio equipment?
A – We welcome donations of many items such as sculpting tools, sponges, rolling pins, moulds and kiln furniture. Pottery and design books with project ideas and color photos are especially useful. We do not have space for donated kilns or other large equipment. Contact Paul Harrar, Mud Hut Manager, at 478-6400 x 212 for more information.
Q – Do you sell ceramic supplies such as clay, glazes and tools?
A – We sell packets of tools to students only. For clay, glazes and tools, we recommend visiting N2 Pottery in Auburn, our primary supplier.
Q – Can I use the Mud Hut to teach pottery or hold an event?
A – Only Mud Hut instructors may rent the studio. The Mud Hut is only used for ceramics instruction.
Q – Can I audit a class?
A – Our one-time workshops in the Try-A-Class Saturday program are a good way to get acquainted with our instructors, studio and most popular projects taught in class series. Parents are always welcome to observe youth classes, but please contact the instructor in advance to observe a class.
Q – How can I become a Mud Hut instructor?
A – Our instructors have many years experience teaching ceramics, creating ceramics for sale and operating their own studios. We request that ceramic artists who want to teach at the Mud Hut first take an adult class series to better understand who we are and how we operate. After taking a class series, you would be asked to apprentice with an instructor for another class series and assist in teaching, lesson preparation, kiln loading, firing, etc. After this, schedule permitting, you could teach a one-time workshop or very short series of classes. A longer series of classes would be available only if scheduling permits. Our instructors generally work one full day a week and offer several classes on that day.
Q – Is there an apprentice program?
A – Serious ceramic artists age 16 and older may apprentice with an instructor at the Mud Hut. Apprentices will assist in class preparation, instruction and post-production work. Candidates should first enroll in a class series before discussing with an instructor how to apprentice with them.
Q – What is the relationship of the instructors with the Nevada County Superintendent of Schools Office?
A – Instructors are independent contractors (self-employed) who rent the Mud Hut on an hourly basis from the NCSoS. Instructors collect 100% of class fees and purchase all consumable materials for their classes. In addition to hourly rent, a fee is charged for each kiln firing. The NCSoS assists instructors with development and marketing of classes, workshops, school field trips and private (birthday) parties. The NCSoS promotes classes through the school system and in the community through local media advertising. The NCSoS cleans and maintains the studio and equipment. Instructors are provided with ample storage space at the studio for clay, glazes and equipment.
Q - Are scholarships or reduced class fees available?
A - We do not have a general scholarship program. However, instructors will consider requests for reduced fees for special needs students.
Q – Where are other ceramics classes offered locally?
A – Sierra College's Western Nevada County Campus offers several classes. Contact the campus for a schedule. Some local potters teach a few students privately in their studios, but space and new enrollment is generally limited. Contact Paul Harrar at 478-6400 x 212 for more information.
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