Ceramics and robotics. It may seem like an unusual pairing, but for Tara and Hardik Joshi, it was the perfect combination for teaching STEAM concepts. They opened Clay + Code in downtown Saline this September, offering classes and workshops for all ages.
Tara Joshi had been looking for a studio space to continue her business, TJ Pottery. Her husband, Hardik, wanted to expand his robotics classes. When they found the available storefront on Michigan Avenue, they knew it would be the perfect spot to start a new venture. The space offers a retail shop, a studio and a classroom.
STEAM-based classes
“We are full STEAM, being science, technology, engineering, art and math, and it’s at the core of everything we do,” Tara Joshi said. “I am not just teaching ceramics. I am teaching chemistry behind clay and glaze. I am teaching about shrinkage, and how it becomes stoneware. I like to incorporate history, and I’m also talking about earth science with minerals, and that is incorporated into chemistry. We’re not here just to create. I’m teaching the foundations, the fundamentals, and how we use it in everyday life.”
Clay + Code are innovative partners with the University of Michigan Robotics. They offer instruction on the basics of robotics and engineering.
“It is electrical engineering and digital hardware, ones and zeroes, basic computer knowledge you have to know,” Joshi said. “Then you go into actual hardware coding and mechanical engineering. You know it’s moving, but why is it moving? Where is it moving?”
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Joshi offers a variety of classes for different ages.
“Clay Playtime is sensory-based. This is meant for homeschool kids or kids with sensory needs. They get to play with textures and feel the clay. Some kids might not like the feeling of clay, and this is just to get them used to it. You are using it as an art therapy technique where you’re getting your fingers to squish things and move things that you don’t get to do every day.”
Clay Storytime combines art and literature for younger children, bringing book characters to life in clay form.
“We take a book and we take a two dimensional character and we create it in 3D. This has been very popular. Even parents have joined in,” she said.
Older children will enjoy Clay Builders, where they learn different techniques, or Clay Creators, where they make ceramic projects that are theme-based.
High school students and adults can participate in Friday night Clay Club for a fun social outing.
Hardik Joshi, who is an electrical and software engineer, offers Code Fundamentals classes, where students can learn the basics of digital electronics and electrical engineering. The husband and wife team hope to offer a cross-collaboration by employing a 3D printer in future projects.
A full service shopping experience
Clay + Code is also a retail shop, with unique items and gifts for all ages, including STEAM kits. Many of the products are from Michigan-based companies. Joshi also offers her hand-crafted items, such as ornaments and figurines.
“I have a lot of holiday and dinosaur build kits. I’m trying to stay on trend with what kids want, but I want them to explore other brands. I want to offer a boutique experience, but I also want to be affordable. As a Mom, I want to price items for what I know I would pay.”
The Joshis will also help any builders who may get stuck in the process.
“Too often, we find kits that are educational that get donated because the parents don’t have time or the kid gets frustrated and doesn’t ask for help. We encourage people to ask questions and ask for help.”
The Joshis, who are parents to two young sons, know first-hand how kids can become disappointed if they are unable to complete a project. This is why they offer a service that goes beyond the sale.
“If you buy a kit from us, we want to be an area where if you can’t put something together or you get frustrated, you can come in here and we will sit with you. We will help you out and make sure you don’t buy something that will get donated to Goodwill.”
