Clay Studio Collective Brings Pottery Enthusiasts Together

Originally published in the Leeds & Grenville Economic Development eNews!

ATHENS – There’s a new business taking shape as an artistic community hub in the village.

The Clay Studio Collective is an inclusive environment welcoming all levels of clay lovers to join as a studio member, take pottery-making courses, or work and learn in a shared space founded and run by area potters.

“The more people we have here, the happier we will be,” says Donna Haycock,” Chair of the Clay Studio Collective.

The newly renovated location in the lower level of the Athens United Church is a public studio offering services, classes and 24-hour community key access to members who wish to go and spend time creating.

“We would like this to grow into the most successful pottery studio in Ontario,” says Donna. “We have an amazing group of people with such a strong commitment to the art. We’ve come a long way in a short period of time.”

Creating the Collective has been spearheaded by 17 founding members. Work started almost a year ago. Then last July, St. Lawrence College (SLC) announced it would donate all of its ceramic equipment to the Clay Studio Collective and the Gananoque Arts Network (GAN). The Clay Studio Collective received one large kiln, eight wheels, and one large wedging table, as well as a slab roller.

The donation from the college means the Clay Studio Collective can provide a learning environment that will carry on the legacy of ceramic arts established by SLC, according to Donna.

“I can come in here and within 10 minutes I can completely release my stress,” says potter Dianne Richmond, who by day is a capital projects manager for a large engineering company. Dianne is a potter and executive director of the Collective.

“There are so many potters in this area and this gives them a place to go,” says Dianne. Both Dianne and Donna say the founding member team is dedicated to working together to provide services and access for the greater community.

“I’m so thrilled this is the next step for people,” says Krista Cameron, a well-known area potter who will be teaching classes at the Collective.

“It’s such a good place to be and is really a step beyond classes. It will build a community,” says Krista.

The Athens United Church helped cover the cost of upgraded electrical needs for the operation of three kilns. Many others also helped renovate and rejuvenate the now bright and spacious business.

Learn more about the Clay Studio Collective on their website: https://www.claystudiocollective.com/ or on their Facebook Page and Instagram Page

The Studio is located in the lower level at 17 Church Street in Athens beside the high school.