Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Find answers quickly! Jump to: General, Classes, Camps, Potter's Wheel Open Studio, General Open Studio, or Payments & Policies.
General Questions:
Who can take classes at Inspired Minds Art Center?
We welcome students of all ages and abilities! We offer classes for adults, teens, and children in a wide range of art forms, including pottery, painting, theatre, and more.
Do I need prior experience to take a class?
Not at all! Our classes are designed for beginners and experienced artists alike. Our instructors guide you through the process, helping you build skills in a fun and supportive environment.
Where is Inspired Minds Art Center located?
We are located at 121 Main St., Buda, TX and proudly serve the greater Hays County and South Austin communities.
What types of classes do you offer?
We offer ongoing classes, one-time workshops, private lessons, team-building sessions, open studio memberships, and seasonal camps for kids and teens.
Are your instructors certified?
Our instructors are skilled artists and educators, and all youth program staff are CPR and First Aid certified.
What is your policy on refunds or class cancellations?
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For semester-long classes: Two weeks’ written notice is required to drop a class. Refunds are issued for full, unused months only.
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For unforeseen cancellations (such as inclement weather): Refunds are not issued, but make-up classes may be offered when possible.
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For camps and workshops: Cancellations are subject to the policy outlined at registration.
Is financial assistance available?
Yes! We are committed to making the arts accessible. Financial assistance is available for qualifying families.
Classes FAQ:
How do I register for a class?
You can browse and sign up for classes online at InspiredMinds.art/classes.
What if I miss a class?
We do not offer makeup sessions for missed classes. However, actively enrolled students can attend our Friday Open Studio to catch up on personal projects.
Do I need to bring my own materials?
Most classes include supplies, but some advanced or specialized classes may require students to bring their own. Check the class description for details.
Do you offer private lessons?
Yes! We offer one-on-one private lessons tailored to your interests and skill level.
Can I sign up for Open Studio time?
Yes! If you’re actively enrolled in a class, you can attend Friday Open Studio to work on projects independently.
Camps FAQs:
What types of camps do you offer?
Inspired Minds Art Center offers the most diverse creative camps in the area, with hands-on programs in Art, Theatre, and STEAM for ages 5-18. Kids and teens paint, sculpt, build, perform, and explore new ideas in a welcoming and supportive space. Choose from:
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Art + Science Camps (fun weekly themes which may include mixed-media, science, and culinary projects)
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Creativity Labs (focused camps exploring pottery, digital art, painting, sculpture, and more)
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Teen Intensives (mentorship with professional artists in specialized mediums)
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Theatre Production Camps (full performances, musical theatre, and acting workshops)
What ages can participate in camps?
Camps are designed for kids and teens ages 5-18, with programs tailored to specific age groups. Please check individual listings for details.
Can I register for a single day instead of the full week?
Yes! Our Spring Break, Fall Break, School Holiday Camps and some summer camps offer drop-in flexibility, while others require full-week registration. Check each camp’s details on our website.
Do you offer half-day and full-day camp options?
Yes! We offer both half-day and full-day camps, along with drop-in options for select programs to provide flexibility for families.
Can my child sign up for multiple weeks of camp?
Absolutely! Each week offers a unique theme and projects, so campers can attend multiple sessions for new experiences all summer long. Campers enrolled in both a morning and afternoon camp may register for supervised lunch breaks.
Do you offer aftercare?
We do not currently offer aftercare, but campers enrolled in both a morning and afternoon camp will have supervised lunch breaks.
Do you provide lunch or snacks?
No, campers must bring their own lunch and snacks. While we encourage healthy and safe eating practices, we are not a nut-free facility.
What should my child bring to camp?
Campers should bring a water bottle, snack, and lunch if attending a full-day camp. Some camps may require specific materials, which will be listed at registration.
What safety measures are in place for camps?
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All staff working with children are CPR & First Aid certified.
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Our facility is monitored and structured to provide a safe, supportive environment for all campers.
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Our staff is trained to work with neurodivergent children and create an inclusive, welcoming space for all abilities.
Open Wheel Studio Membership FAQ
What is the Open Wheel Studio Membership?
The Open Wheel Studio Membership is a monthly subscription that grants experienced potters access to our pottery wheels outside of class hours. Members can enjoy dedicated studio time to practice, create, and refine their skills in a well-equipped, welcoming environment.
Who is eligible for Open Wheel Studio access?
Access is available to those enrolled in the Open Wheel Studio Membership. This membership is for experienced potters who can work independently, as no instruction is provided during open studio hours.
What are the Open Wheel Studio hours?
Studio hours vary monthly and are posted on bulletin boards at Inspired Minds Art Center. A schedule is also available upon request. Hours may be adjusted as needed.
Do I need to bring my own clay?
No. To maintain quality control and compatibility with our firing process, only clay purchased from Inspired Minds Art Center may be used in the studio. We carry 25 lb bags of Longhorn White Clay for $20.
What are the cleanup expectations?
Members must clean their wheels, tools, and surrounding work areas after each use. Cleanup includes wiping down tables, cleaning wheel pans, properly disposing of clay scraps, and mopping the floor if needed. Failure to follow cleanup procedures may result in membership termination.
What happens if I violate the Open Wheel Studio guidelines?
A three-strike policy is in place. After three documented violations of studio guidelines, membership privileges will be revoked, and the subscription will be canceled without refund.
Can I store my clay and work at Inspired Minds Art Center?
Yes. Members may store their clay in designated areas, and work in progress can be placed on assigned shelves for drying or firing. All stored materials must be labeled with the artist’s full name.
What firing services are available?
Inspired Minds Art Center offers kiln firing services up to Cone 04. Pricing is as follows:
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$5 per small piece (e.g., mug or bowl)
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$15 for a half-shelf
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$30 for a full shelf
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$50 for a full kiln
Turnaround time is typically 2-3 weeks, but this is not guaranteed. Work must be completely dry before firing.
What types of glazes can I use?
Only IMAC-approved low-fire glazes and underglazes may be used. Brushing is required for glaze application, and a ¼-inch margin must be left at the bottom of each piece. Items must be cleaned before placing them on the firing shelf.
Can I schedule additional wheel time outside of Open Studio hours?
Any use of the pottery wheels outside of published Open Studio hours must be arranged on a case-by-case basis with Inspired Minds Art Center management.
What safety guidelines should I follow?
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•Shoes must be worn at all times in the studio.
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•Loose clothing should be avoided around equipment.
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•All spills must be cleaned up immediately.
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•A First Aid Kit is available near the triple-basin sinks.
How do I sign up for Open Wheel Studio Membership?
You can register for a membership through the Inspired Minds Art Center website or in person at the front desk.
Payments & Policies FAQs:
How do payments work for classes and camps?
• Semester-long classes can be paid in full or with a monthly auto-draft option.
• Camps and workshops require full payment upon registration.
What if I miss a class?
Make-up classes are not guaranteed but may be available depending on the instructor’s schedule.
Can I drop a class?
Yes, a two-week written notice is required to withdraw from a class.
What happens if my child damages equipment or materials?
If equipment is lost or damaged, families are financially responsible for repair or replacement costs.
I didn't find an answer to my question. How do I find more information?
General Open Studio FAQ
Who can attend Open Studio?
Open Studio is available to members ages 16+ who want to work on personal projects in a shared creative space. Friday Open Studio is available to actively enrolled students ages 16+.
When is Open Studio available?
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Mondays 1-5:30pm
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Tuesdays. 1-3:30pm
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Wednesdays 1- 4pm
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Thursdays 1-5:30pm
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Fridays 1-5:30pm
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Space is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Are materials provided?
No, students must bring their own art supplies unless otherwise arranged with an instructor.
Is there an instructor available?
No, Open Studio is an independent work session. While staff may be present, there is no formal instruction.
What are the studio rules?
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Clean up after yourself – leave the space as you found it.
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Respect others – keep noise to a minimum and be mindful of shared space.
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No hazardous materials – toxic or strong-smelling substances must be approved by staff.
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Strict end time – all artists must clean up and leave by 5:30 PM.