Who We Are
At the heart of Clay Day LBC is the desire to equitably support the intuitive and creative connection children feel when they pick up a ball of unformed clay. Through lessons, Clay Day LBC introduces children to the art of ceramics—its methods, processes, tools, techniques, and language—in order to help them access the imaginative and creative parts of themselves in a safe and supportive environment. The art of ceramics transforms children into makers of their own world. Clay Day LBC encourages children to see themselves as artists and teaches them to recognize the power that creative expression has in their daily lives and in their futures.
Why We Do It
Research shows that exposure to the art of clay immediately engages the parasympathetic nervous system, allowing children to shut off the “fight or flight” response that characterizes much of their school day as they move between socially stressful situations on the playground and intellectually challenging expectations in the classroom.
The immersive sensory experience of manipulating clay strengthens fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, spatial reasoning, mindfulness, and emotional regulation. It also encourages problem-solving, self-efficacy, creative risk-taking, cognitive flexibility, and resilience.
As the only no-cost in-school ceramic arts education program in Long Beach, CA, Clay Day LBC creates opportunities for children from marginalized and underserved communities to experience creative therapeutic rest during their school day. We believe all children deserve to experience the magic of clay.
