Policies & FAQs

My #1 goal is to create a welcoming, inclusive, and safe space for children and families. These policies help keep classes enjoyable, supportive, and organized for everyone.

Class Logistics

  • Classes take place in the garden of the Yawkey House Museum.

    📍 403 McIndoe St, Wausau, WI 54403

    • The garden sits on the corner of 5th and McIndoe, across from the Marathon County Historical Society (which operates the Yawkey House Museum and Garden) and around the corner from the YMCA.

    • Please note: The Yawkey House Garden is not the same as the Leigh Yawkey Woodson Art Museum.

    We will typically spend about half of class time outdoors in the garden and half indoors in the adjacent carriage house.

    Restrooms are available in the carriage house for the duration of class. On rainy days, class will take place fully indoors. See below for additional inclement weather procedures.

  • It’s ideal to arrive 5–10 minutes before class begins so participants can settle in and we can start on time.

  • If you arrive after class has started, please help your child enter quietly so we can continue the activity with minimal disruption. I will help them get settled when there is a natural pause in the lesson.

    If you have a conflict and know in advance that your child will be late, please let me know by email so I can anticipate a late arrival.

  • For all classes, I ask that caregivers bring their child(ren) to class and check in upon arrival so I know everyone has arrived safely.

    Caregiver expectations by age group:

    • Wonderwood (ages 2–4): A shared journey for our youngest artists. We ask that a parent, guardian, or caregiver stays for the full session to create and explore alongside their little one.

    • Maker’s Trail (ages 5–7): This class is designed as a transition toward independence. While caregivers are welcome to stay until their child feels settled, we’ve found that the group dynamic is strongest—and distractions are fewest—when children are able to dive into the process on their own. Most students thrive and engage more deeply with their peers once they’ve said their goodbyes!

    • Art in the Wild (ages 8-12): To protect the creative flow and independence of the group, this is a drop-off-only experience. We find that older participants truly shine and take more creative risks when given the space to explore their own artistic voice.

  • You can reach Lauren, the educator and artist behind Calla Terra, directly by email at lauren@callaterra.com or by call/text at 414-750-1163.

Registration & Refunds

  • Registration is online. Once you submit the form and payment, you'll receive a confirmation email with all the details for your class.

    Some seasons have single form for multiple classes and others have a separate form for a specific age group. Please visit my registration page to be directed to the appropriate form.

    Classes are filled on a first-come, first-served basis. Because class sizes are intentionally small, I recommend registering early.

  • Registration opens about two months before classes begin. I will release the full season of classes at once. Please subscribe to my newsletter to be notified when registration opens.

  • For multi-week sessions, registration typically closes 7 days before the first class. For single classes, registration closes 24 hours before the class start time.

    Classes have a capacity of 10 total participants. Registration will close if the class sells out prior to the timeframes above.

  • For multi-week sessions, I generally do not offer mid-session enrollment because classes are designed to build off one another. However, single classes offer more flexibility and you can register 24 hours prior to the class start time.

    Please check my registration page to see what options (multi-week sessions vs single classes) are currently available.

    If you are interested in registering for future sessions, feel free to subscribe to my newsletter to be notified about upcoming classes.

  • If a class reaches capacity, you can join the waitlist. If a spot opens, I will contact people in the order that they joined the list.

  • I aim for at least four participants in order to run classes. If a class does not meet minimum enrollment, you will be notified and offered the option to transfer to another class in the future or receive a full refund.

    You’ll be notified at least one week before the session begins if I need to make any changes.

  • Classes are small and materials are prepared in advance, so refunds may be limited once a session begins. If something unexpected comes up, please contact me as soon as possible by email or phone (414-750-1163). — I will always try to find a solution.

    For any cancellations, you have the option to receive a credit and transfer enrollment to a future class.

    You will receive a full refund if cancellation is made at least 7 days before the first class.

    For cancellations less than 7 days before the first class, you will receive a 50% refund.

  • If a class must be cancelled due to low enrollment, weather, or instructor illness, you will receive either: a full refund, or the option to transfer your registration to another class

Pricing & Sliding Scale

  • This sliding scale pricing model is based on trust and community-mindedness, inviting families to mindfully choose the rate that best fits their circumstances. All participants receive the same creative experience, and your selection remains private.

    • Community Rate – A lower-cost option for those who need financial flexibility.

    • Standard Rate – Covers the actual cost of class.

    • Sustainer Rate – A pay-it-forward option that helps support others in our community.

  • No, the sliding scale is based on trust and community-mindedness. Families pick the rate that works best for them.

    By selecting thoughtfully, you’re contributing to a creative community where all children can participate and blossom together. Everyone deserves a place at the art table!

    Please visit the registration page during open registration periods to see specific class rates. Feel free to email me if you have any further questions about pricing.

  • Registration prices vary by format (drop-in vs. multi-week sessions), duration, age group, and content.

    Due to the variability with each program and season, I include specific pricing on my registration page.

    In general, I try to keep a single one-hour class to $15-$30 across all three sliding scale options. (See above for details on sliding scale rate options.)

    If registration is closed/the registration page is inactive, please don’t hesitate to email me to ask more about pricing.

What to Bring & Wear

  • All art materials will be provided unless otherwise noted, including art smocks.

    Occasionally I may ask participants to bring natural materials or recyclables from home for a special project. If so, you will always receive advance notice.

  • Participants should wear comfortable clothing that can get messy, as we often work with paint, clay, and natural materials. I will provide art smocks, but please feel free to bring your own art smock/apron if you have one!

    Please note that some materials—such as certain paints and inks—may permanently stain clothing, so dress accordingly!

  • Because we spend time outdoors, please dress your child appropriately, including layers when needed. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for outdoor exploration.

    As the Swedish saying goes, “There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” That said, safety always comes first — please see below for inclement weather procedures.

Health & Safety

  • If weather conditions make class unsafe or unworkable (heavy thunderstorms, snowstorms, or sub-zero temperatures), class will be cancelled.

    Cancellations will be announced by 5:00pm the day before class, and all registrants will be notified by email.

    Marathon County Historical Society and Calla Terra Studios will also post updates on social media. You can find Calla Terra Studios on Instagram and Facebook: @callaterra.studios.

  • Because we work with plants, soil, and natural materials, participants with plant allergies or sensitive skin may wish to wear long sleeves or pants. I will have children’s sized gloves during class as needed.

    Please note any allergies in your registration form so I can be aware and help ensure a safe experience for everyone.

  • Yes! To help keep everyone safe and protect the historical garden, we follow two simple, but very important, rules, which I will regularly reiterate to participants:

    • Stay within sight of instructors, specifically the garden and carriage house areas. We never explore beyond garden/carriage house limits, along the sidewalks, or near the street.

    • Only collect natural materials that are already on the ground. We never disrupt the living plants around us, other than observation and appreciation :)

  • I ask that you err on the side of caution — my goal is to keep classes as safe and illness-free as possible for participants and instructors.

    If your child has cold or flu symptoms, such as congestion, runny nose, cough, or fever, I kindly ask that they stay home and rejoin us when they are feeling 100%.

    Class fees will not be refunded due to participant illness.

Attendance & Participation

  • Because materials and space are reserved for each participant, I’m unable to offer refunds or make-up sessions for missed classes. However, feel free to reach out by email and I can try to help if possible.

  • I understand childcare challenges from personal experience! If a sibling is off school and you need to bring them along, please reach out ahead of time and I will do my best to accommodate.

    Because classes are intentionally small to build familiarity and connection within the group, I try to limit extra participants as much as possible.

    If a sibling is home due to illness, I ask that they stay home along with the registered participant.

Policies

  • I follow the Reggio Emilia educational philosophy, which includes documenting children’s work in order to reflect on activities, guide future projects, and support ongoing curiosity. This also shows children that their ideas matter and keeps families connected to their progress.

    I may use these images or videos for program storytelling (such as on my website, social media, or flyers) to show the community the joy and value of Calla Terra’s classes.

    When you register, you will have the option to give full permission, permission with limitations (excluding your child’s face), or decline photos/videos. I will always respect your wishes.

    You can read more about the Reggio approach and my teaching philosophy on the About page.

  • By registering your child(ren) for a Calla Terra Studios’ programs, you acknowledge and agree to the following:

    • Voluntary Participation: I understand that participation in arts activities, both indoors and outdoors, may involve the use of art materials, tools, and natural objects. While educators will take every reasonable precaution, I accept that there are inherent risks associated with these materials and outdoor activities.

    • Health & Safety: I affirm that my child is in good health and able to participate. I will inform Calla Terra Studios of any allergies, medical conditions, or special needs relevant to my child’s participation when I register. If my child is is ill, I will keep them home and follow Calla Terra’s refund policy by transferring my registration to a different date.

    • Emergency Authorization: In the event of illness or injury, I authorize Calla Terra Studios educators to administer first aid and/or seek emergency medical treatment for my child. I understand that every effort will be made to contact me immediately.

    • Liability Waiver: I release and hold harmless Calla Terra Studios, its educators, and volunteers from any claims, damages, or liability arising from my child’s participation, except in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct.

  • Your trust matters. I am committed to protecting the privacy of families and participants.

    • Personal Information: I collect only the information necessary for registration, keeping children safe during programming, and communication (such as caregiver names, contact information, emergency contacts, and child details relevant to participation).

    • Use of Data: Information is used solely for program registration, communication, and safety purposes. I will not sell, rent, or share personal information with outside organizations.

    • Payment Processing: All payment information is handled securely through our third-party registration system and is never stored by Calla Terra Studios.

    • Sliding Scale Pricing: I will always be transparent about my registration fees and will never share your sliding scale rate selection with anyone. Your choice remains private.

    • Photos & Media: Images of children are never shared publicly without caregiver consent.

    • Access & Security: Registration records are stored securely and accessed by only me.