The Annex
The Annex: Clay and Culinary Studio
Presented by the Oregon Community Foundation and Allcare
Located just a quick walk across the street from the children's museum, The Annex is a beautiful and inspiring destination dedicated to deep, focused exploration. Designed for specialized hands-on experiences, this space invites children to transition from active museum play into the roles of chef and artist. Whether they are experimenting with flavors or sculpting with clay, The Annex provides a professional yet playful environment where big ideas take shape.
Recommended for ages 0–3.
The Clay Studio
The Clay Studio offers a one-of-a-kind tactile experience where children can explore the transformative power of medium and form. By working with clay, young artists develop essential fine motor skills through carving, cutting, and sculpting. This studio is more than just a place to make art—it’s a sensory-rich environment where children explore multicultural ceramic styles and build the hand coordination needed to turn their imaginations into three-dimensional reality.
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What They're Doing | What They're Learning | Learning Skills |
|---|---|---|
Sculpting ceramic pieces | Exploring multicultural ceramic styles | |
Carving and cutting | Hand coordination | |
Touching and mashing clay | Sensory exploration |
The Culinary Studio
In the Culinary Studio, every recipe is a lesson in cognitive and mathematical growth. As families work together to measure ingredients and read directions, children develop vital communication and literacy skills through a brand-new culinary vocabulary. This "tasty" learning environment focuses on precision and fine motor control—from scooping and serving to cutting and mixing—ensuring that every session in the kitchen is as educational as it is delicious.
What They're Doing | What They're Learning | Learning Skills |
|---|---|---|
Reading recipes | Culinary vocabulary | |
Cutting, scooping, serving | Hand coordination & strength | |
Measuring ingredients | Quantity & volume |
Here's what you might experience in this exhibit:
