Studio Acquires New Equipment from Pottery Mentorship Initiative

Diana Earle Donates Pottery Wheel

Athens – The Clay Studio Collective has acquired new equipment through an ongoing mentorship program with local artist Diana B. Earle. It was presented to their studio last month on the anniversary of their second year since opening to the public.

“Christmas came early for us this year,” said Sarah Hamelin, instructor for Krista Cameron Pottery at the Clay Studio Collective. A brand new wheel was unveiled to members and volunteers of the studio, donated by Diana Earle from her Clay Coaching Series. Diana Earle leads an initiative in collaboration with Krista Cameron Pottery, offering pottery mentorship courses that have run since 2023. Profits from this program have gone towards the studio’s ongoing facility improvements, which have included an extensive Resource Library, a set of banding wheels, kiln installation, and now a new pottery wheel.

“As a seasoned potter with a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to share, her workshops are a must for anyone passionate about ceramics,” says Donna Woodbury, the studio’s Executive Director. She has been practicing ceramics for several years before taking workshops with Diana Earle, alongside students of all skill levels and learning goals. Her courses have included everything from wheel throwing to sculpture, and how to properly display works for galleries.

Diana Earle’s ceramic career began in 1973, initially training at St. Lawrence College before extending her education with many international clay artists. She became a professional potter in 1981, specializing in finely crafted thrown vessels, later exploring hand-built sculptural forms. Her work is part of many private collections around the world, in addition to her being a curator and collector of Canadian ceramics.

Since the closing of the St Lawrence Ceramics Program, the Clay Studio Collective has continued the legacy of ceramics education in the community, established over 60 years ago by the college. Their community clay studio offers pottery classes year-round through Krista Cameron Pottery, welcoming special programs with guest artists such as Diana Earle.

Aspiring potters can learn more about the Clay Coaching Series at www.kristacameronpottery.com/claycoaching or register for a current class at kcp.corsizio.com. Learn more about studio membership at www.claystudiocollective.com.