In a world increasingly dominated by mass production and digital experiences, the timeless craft of pottery stands as a testament to human creativity and connection. Local pottery makers are more than artisans—they are storytellers. Each piece of clay is shaped by their unique journeys, inspirations and passions.
From functional tableware to unique pieces of art, local potters infuse their work with personal narratives and cultural heritage. As they mold and glaze each piece, they also cultivate a deeper appreciation for this ancient art form within their communities. Through workshops, one-on-one wheel-throwing lessons, and collaborative projects, these makers invite the public to experience the joy of pottery firsthand. They foster a love for a craft that is as much about community as it is about individual expression.
Katie Petrovich, owner of Katie’s Clay Studio in Gibsonia, said she shares her love of the art with everyone who walks through her door. Guests can stop by for a paint-your-own pottery session, learn to sculpt with clay, or throw a pot on the wheel in their one-time “try-it” session. Petrovich’s studio also allows experienced artists to complete a free try-it session on the wheel. “Open studio is a great option if you already know how to throw but want to practice on the wheel or make gifts. We have lots of open studio options on our website.”
Guests must book wheel-throwing sessions three weeks in advance due to demand, Petrovich said. “Our instructors guide you through the process, so you don’t have to have experience to try it. We’ve been teaching a long time, so we know how to help you make a functional piece you can be proud of.” Most people make a mug or a bowl the first time, but those aren’t the only options.
Another popular program at her studio is Date Night. Petrovich said couples can book a time to come in and learn wheel-throwing, or they can paint pre-made ceramics from her available collections.
Hours of operation and the different classes available are on her website at katiesclaystudio.com.
Sandy Simon, owner of Kiln ‘N Time in Lawrenceville, said she got into the pottery business by accident. She was working in corporate America and always looking for a way to relax. “I started doing pottery and learning how to throw,” she said. “Once I left corporate America, I came back to Pittsburgh and opened my own studio in July 2002.” Originally located on East Carson Street, Simon relocated in 2004 to her current location in Lawrenceville.
Like Petrovich, Simon’s guests make a lot of vases, bowls, planters, mugs, and plates on the potter’s wheel. Her shop also has figurines and other ceramic items that customers can come in and hand-paint. Their regular hours are noon to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. Reservations aren’t necessary but are recommended for Saturdays because it gets busy that day, Simon said.
At Kiln ‘N Time, artists can also schedule time to use the throwing wheel once they’re trained or can demonstrate they know how to use it. Those looking for classes have three options:
Beginner’s Boot Camp: Make a bowl or mug, then return in four weeks to paint it.
Intermediate Lessons: Learn how to perfect bowls and mugs and how to make plates and vases. They also learn how to trim their pieces.
Experienced Sessions: Includes two hours of studio time to make whatever they want.
“For some reason, people love jars, and they’re one of the hardest things to make,” said Simon. First, guests make the lid. Then, they focus on throwing the jar. “With shrinkage of the clay, you have to size it correctly. It’s not like a mug where you make it and then attach a handle.”
Simon said the trick to enjoying wheel-throwing is to keep an open mind. “And just realize that the first piece is usually the worst piece you’ll ever make.”
Guests can learn more about the options at Kiln ‘N Time on their website at kilnntime.com.
For pottery lovers in Beaver County, Muddy Rose Pottery in Hopewell Township is the place to explore their artistic side. Janelle Farrand opened her studio 17 years ago after what she described as a “...spiritual calling to do something that I had never done before. It was 3 a.m., and I just woke up with the knowledge that I was to be a potter, and I was to dedicate myself to serving the special-needs community. I fought against the insistent message in my mind for months. I eventually had to quit my job, take pottery classes, and put it in God’s hands.”
Over the years, Farrand has worked with over 250 students with intellectual and developmental disabilities from organizations all around the community. Sadly, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit, she was forced to shut down her program.
Though her passion is still working with her students, she is also serving the general public. She accommodates couples’ lessons, ladies’ nights, and church groups for pottery or ceramics. She also offers private classes for those who feel a bit shy learning with others.
Her hours of operation vary. She is open by chance or by appointment. Farrand recommends calling her studio or using the contact form on her website at muddyrosepottery.com to request a class.
One thing that makes Farrand different from Petrovich and Simon is that she doesn’t teach all the technical aspects of pottery. Instead, she taps into each person’s creativity to help them connect with their skills and abilities. “I’ll do whatever it takes to make that person feel comfortable and to feel like they accomplished something when they leave here.”
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