Claremont has a new spot for families to get creative, Wild Clay, a family-owned pottery studio founded by Joshua and Lauren Freeman. The studio brings years of teaching experience, a love for ceramics, and a welcoming space where kids, teens, and adults can explore their artistic side.
We asked Joshua and Lauren a few questions so you can get to know them better and learn what Wild Clay is all about.
Q: What inspired you to open Wild Clay in Claremont, and how did your background in ceramics and teaching lead you here?
A: Josh has been a ceramics artist for over 20 years and has spent the last 15 years teaching high school art. Everywhere he’s taught, he’s elevated the program and inspired students. His teaching style makes clay approachable and fun, helping kids and adults alike discover what they’re capable of — and that same passion and experience shape everything we do at Wild Clay. We opened Wild Clay because we wanted to reach beyond the classroom, sharing our love of ceramics with the wider community.
Q: What do you hope families will experience when they come into Wild Clay?
A: At Wild Clay, we hope families experience the joy, peace, and connection that naturally come with creativity. We want them to feel proud of the pieces they’ve made and the growth they’ve achieved. For kids especially, we hope clay work builds confidence, nurtures their ability to work with their hands, and offers the countless benefits of time spent away from screens. More than anything, we want our studio to be a place where people can slow down, connect, and truly enjoy the creative process together.
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Q: As a family-owned business, how do your kids fit into the Wild Clay story?
A: Our kids’ fingerprints have been part of Wild Clay from the very beginning. They helped with the renovations, they pitch in with cleaning, and they spend hours in the studio creating their own pieces. Their presence and contributions are woven into everything we do here. As a family-owned business, it’s important to us that they know they are a priority — not just in life, but also in the story of Wild Clay. This space is as much theirs as it is ours, and we love that families who come here can feel that sense of care and connection.
Q: What kinds of classes do you offer for kids, teens, and adults?
A: We offer a variety of classes for all ages, from hand-building and sculpture to wheel-throwing. People can join one-time workshops or multi-week sessions, giving them the chance to grow their skills, explore their creativity, and have fun along the way.
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Q: For someone brand new to pottery, what’s the best way to get started?
A: For those new to pottery, the best way to start is to explore our class list and see what excites you. You’re always welcome to call with questions or stop by the studio to meet us. We’d love to help you get started!
Q: Why did you choose Claremont as the home for Wild Clay?
A: We absolutely love being part of the Claremont community. Its rich history of art — especially ceramics — makes it the perfect place to share our passion and add to the city’s creative spirit. From the moment we first toured the studio, we knew it was the perfect home for Wild Clay and the vision we had for a space where everyone could connect, create, and feel inspired.
Q: Do you have plans for special workshops, seasonal events, or community nights?
A: Absolutely! We have Halloween sculpting classes, mug and vase workshops, and holiday-themed sessions coming up soon. We’re also planning a Christmas fair where kids can display — and even sell — their creations. On top of that, we host birthday parties, as well as team-building workshops and employee appreciation events for businesses. We designed our space with community in mind, which is why we have such a large gathering area right when you walk in. We love bringing the community together.
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Q: How can homeschool families and after-school families plug into your programs?
A: They can start by looking at our class list available on our website, wildclayla.com/classes/ to see what interests them. Each class has a description and a link to register. Homeschool families can submit a purchase order through their charter school. And families can always reach out to us via email or phone with any questions.
Q: How can local families sign up for classes and stay updated on what’s coming up?
A: People can sign up for classes on our website and can follow us on Instagram (@wildclayla) or Facebook to be the first to hear about upcoming classes.
Whether you’re looking for an after-school class, a seasonal workshop, or a new hobby for yourself,
Wild Clay has something for everyone. Their family-owned studio is open to the community and ready to welcome new makers.
📍 Wild Clay – 994 W Foothill Blvd, Claremont, CA
👉 Learn more and sign up for classes: wildclayla.com
📲 Follow on Instagram: @wildclayla
