Creativity. Community. Connection.
Backyard Group Pottery Classes
Beginner pottery classes are held in a serene backyard “studio” in La Mesa, California, where chickens roam free and flowers grow wild. This isn’t just about clay—it’s a space to reconnect with your body, creativity, and sense of community. Here, art becomes a tool for regulation, repair, and remembering that you are the medicine & the muse.
{you are}
This is for the ones who are craving something creative & connective. For the ones who are tired of trying to keep it all together & just want space to be. For the ones navigating burnout, chronic stress, or simply the weight of being human in a fast-moving world. You don’t need to be an artist or know anything about pottery. You just need to show up as you are.
What to Expect
You’ll be part of a small group, learning simple hand-building pottery techniques—no experience necessary. Woven into each session are nervous system regulation tools to support stress & anxiety, like grounding practices & somatic awareness, helping you settle into your body as you create. It’s a relaxed, unpolished space designed for expression & connection, not perfection— the focus is always on the process, not the finished piece.
Meet the Instructor
I’m Aeryn: a certified mind-body practitioner, nervous system educator, and someone who’s walked the long road of trauma and chronic illness recovery. I fell in love with clay during a time when my body was craving slowness, gentleness, and permission to let go of perfection.
I’m not a master potter. I’m just someone who has built a practice—and a backyard studio—around the belief that the creative process is deeply healing.
Clay has taught me that it’s okay to mess up. That when something falls apart or cracks, it doesn’t mean you’ve failed. Sometimes, it just means that something else is meant to come through. That beauty doesn’t always come from control… sometimes it comes from the chaos, the softening, the surrender.
If you're looking for a perfectly polished studio or technical instruction, this probably isn’t the right fit. But if you want a backyard, a warm table, and space to connect & create without pressure—you’re in the right place.
about clay
Clay is so forgiving…and also, so tough.
It holds memory, but it’s never final. You can reshape it, soften it, repair it again and again.
It reminds me that being soft doesn’t mean being weak—and that strength isn’t about rigidity. It’s about the ability to bend, rebuild, and stay with the process.
Kind of like life.
Want Something More Personalized?
If you’re craving a quieter space or more one-on-one support, I also offer private pottery sessions. Just like the group classes, we’ll focus on simple handbuilding techniques and weave in nervous system regulation tools to support you as you create—but in this one-on-one setting, you’ll have the added benefit of moving at your own pace and my full attention.
FAQS
What is the cost per person?
The cost is $40 per person for group classes and $100 for private sessions. All materials included.
Where are the classes held?
All classes take place in a private backyard pottery studio located in La Mesa, California. The exact address is provided after booking & payment is processed.
How long is each class?
Group classes are 90 minutes. Private sessions are 75.
What are therapeutic pottery classes?
Therapeutic pottery classes combine hands-on clay work with gentle, nervous system-friendly practices like breathwork, grounding, and somatic awareness. At Medicine & The Muse, we use pottery as a tool for stress relief, regulation, and creative expression.
Do I need any pottery experience?
Not at all. These beginner-friendly pottery classes are designed for adults with no prior experience. You'll be guided through basic handbuilding techniques in a relaxed, pressure-free environment.
What should I bring to class?
Just yourself and clothes you don’t mind getting a little messy! All clay, tools, and materials are provided.
Will I be able to take home what I make?
You’ll leave class with your unfired piece and the option to keep it as-is or have it professionally fired. While I don’t offer in-house firing, I’ll provide a local recommendation where you can make arrangements to drop off your piece.
What makes this different from a traditional pottery class?
Unlike traditional pottery classes that focus on technique and production, Medicine & The Muse blends creative expression with nervous system regulation. These are therapeutic pottery classes designed to support stress & anxiety relief, somatic healing, and emotional well-being—not just art-making. It’s about the process, not the product.
What’s your cancellation policy?
Cancellations made at least 24 hours in advance are eligible for a full refund or credit toward a future class. Due to the small size of each session, I’m unable to offer refunds for late cancellations or no-shows.
Can I choose what I make?
Yes. Each class includes a pre-selected project you’re welcome to follow, but you’re also free to explore your own ideas.
Do you offer classed for kids?
At this time, classes are for adults only (18+). These are slow-paced, therapeutic pottery classes designed for adult nervous systems and community-building. However, if you’re interested in a kid-friendly experience, contact me to book a private group session for children (5-person minimum). These private classes are adapted for age-appropriate pacing and creativity.
Can I book a private group session?
Yes. Private bookings are available for small groups (birthdays, retreats, team wellness, etc.). Contact me to discuss options, availability, and pricing.
Is your backyard wheelchair accessible?
Yes. The space is paved with no stairs, and there’s enough room for wheelchairs, mobility aids, or any other accessibility needs. If you have specific questions or want to make sure you’ll be comfortable, feel free to reach out, I’m happy to talk through any accommodations or details ahead of time.
Is this space LGBTQ+ and racially inclusive?
Yes—and it’s also queer-owned. All bodies, backgrounds, and identities are welcome here.
As a trauma-informed and nervous system-supportive environment, Medicine & The Muse is committed to cultivating safety, softness, and respect—for everyone. If you’re queer, trans, BIPOC, neurodivergent, or navigating any form of marginalization, know that this space was created with you in mind.
If you have specific needs or concerns you'd like to discuss before booking, you’re always welcome to reach out.
What if I’m neurodivergent or highly sensitive?
This space is intentionally designed to be low-pressure, sensory-friendly, and flexible. You’ll never be forced to share, and there’s no expectation to socialize beyond what feels natural. If you have specific needs or sensory sensitivities, you’re welcome to reach out before class, I’d love to support you in a way that feels good to your system.
What is somatic healing, and how does it relate to pottery?
Somatic healing is a body-based approach to stress relief and emotional regulation. Instead of focusing on thoughts or analysis, Pottery gives you something tangible and sensory to focus on
In each class, you’ll be gently guided through somatic techniques—like grounding, orienting, and noticing what feels good in your body—as you shape clay.
Is this a trauma-informed space?
Classes are designed with trauma awareness and nervous system safety in mind. The pace is slow, the environment is low-pressure, and there’s no expectation to share or perform. You’re always welcome to move at your own rhythm, take breaks, or simply observe if that feels right—no questions asked.
I offer somatic practices that support regulation gently and respectfully, with an understanding that everyone’s body has its own story. If you’re navigating trauma, you’re welcome here—and you don’t have to explain anything to belong.