The dream that started the River Arts Clay Studio in January 2018 was to create an approachable, supportive studio for people to learn, work independently, and grow community through working with clay. A place for people to feel at home, encourage and inspire each other. 

What we had, was a small back room used for storage and… splatter paint! We also had a leg up in that thanks to the original planners, the basement was already retrofitted in fire-proof sheetrock suitable to be a kiln room, and $3000 had been pledged at fundraisers for start-up costs. Over the course of 1 year, we slowly but surely got closer to opening - a fire marshall inspection, building out venting, shelving, installing a sink trap, and other equipment sourced and donated. This was a ‘bootstrapping’ approach - one of the current wheels is actually my grandfather’s from the 60’s! 

One of the first potters in the studio was Morrisville legend Francise, who has been coming consistently since the studio opened. She combines her love of painting with 3D functional plates, bowls, vases, and cups. Over the past 3 years, over 500 people have come through the studio to work independently as monthly members, attend 6-week adult wheel classes, and summer pottery camps. Our new areas of growth are in Afterschool Clay Classes for ages 8-15, and the popular pottery twist on paint and sip - the Sip n’ Slurry!

Some unanticipated lessons from opening the studio, is that having a communal space brings benefits beyond simply the joy of pottery. Through offering a warm, safe, environment where people connect with their creative side and each other, fosters real community connection and personal wellbeing. Cultivating an artistic outlet builds self-confidence, joy, and a sense of fulfillment in life, an ongoing component to people's lives that improves mental health and overall wellbeing. This is a new resource to Morrisville, and we hope to see you soon to share in that joy and connection! 

-Heidi Bielenberg, Grants Coordinator & Clay Studio Manager

This January, join ceramic artists Heidi Bielenberg & Lisa Wolfgang on the RA Facebook Page for our new Clay Studio Chat Series!

The Clay Studio is supported by RiseVT, and generous contributions from individuals in our community.