Citizens First Pottery Studio
Welcome to the Citizens First Pottery Studio. This is a guided tour which will provide you with an understanding of how you can use this community pottery studio to your advantage. It is our goal to have you, the reader, contact us and say, "I would love to be a part of the local potter's community." You need no prior experience, just desire. We have classes and mentors available to assist your learning so don't be intimidated. We were all beginners once. Of course if you have prior experience that is wonderful!
Some of the pitfalls of wanting to work with clay are the expense of buying equipment, materials and tools and also having the space to put it in. After spending thousands of dollars, then comes the time investment. What is so wonderful about our pottery studio is all the equipment and materials are here. Fees for using the studio are very reasonable. All you really need is the time. How much time you want to invest is up to you.
Another awesome benefit is the sales gallery, which provides you with a venue for displaying and selling your work. I strongly suggest you become a member of the Artist's Network. Not only will you become a part of the local arts community, but you will also have the opportunity to pay a lower sales commission! It needs to be noted that pottery sales in the gallery are very strong, so there is potential to not only pay for your studio fees, but profit as well. All of this for $60 a year. Click on the Artists & Gallery menu tab for details on how to join the Artist's Network.
Citizens First Pottery and Glass Studio was made possible by a generous grant from Citizens First Bank of Port Huron and the generosity of many companies, organizations, and individuals. It must be noted as well, that through the vision, hard work, and moxy of Educational Director Maureen Scallen, her acorn of an idea has seen fruition.
Location
The Citizens First Pottery Studio is located within Studio 1219, at the rear of the building. Visit the contact section for an excellent map showing location and parking.
Overview of the Equipment
Let's take a tour, courtesy of the photos provided. As you enter the studio, you will notice a lot of equipment. Don't be intimidated! We have potters in the studio available to help you learn how to use everything you see here. Of course we also have classes to assist your entry into the world of clay.
Let's look at what is available for making or forming. The potter's wheels are Axner brand and among the very best out there. Strong, silent, and smooth operating, so if you like to throw or want to learn, you will appreciate the quality of these wheels. If you've never thrown before, it is advisable to take one of our beginning throwing classes to learn the basics. As any of our potters will tell you, after that, it is just practice, practice, practice.
Into slab building? We have a slab roller just for you. Put your clay on the slab roller table, turn the wheel and there is your slab of clay. You'll be amazed how easy it is to use. You can also use a rolling pin for the old fashioned way of making slabs too. We also have beginner hand-building classes.
The extruder is also a great forming tool. Extrude coils, for example, to make coil built pots. There are many uses for an extruder, and again, simple to use.
Glazing your work is the next step. We have studio glazes and are adding to the palette of colors so you have choices of different glazes to use. Never glazed before? Not to worry, we have hands to guide you there as well.
After your work is glazed, next comes firing it in a kiln. We have state of the art kilns which fire on automatic. Never fired a kiln? Our mentors will be there to assist in all phases.
Whether you want to make pots, tiles, wind chimes, or sculpture, you get to decide.
Mentors
Individual mentors can be contacted by email to set up a time to meet you at the studio and provide you with individual assistance on a given topic. Next to each potter's picture is a list of topics they can mentor. This is of tremendous value for new people wanting to become a part of the potter's community. Please take advantage of this and someday when you feel competent, you can also become a mentor. We hope this will become a tradition of giving back and building a strong arts community.
Conclusion
We hope that this information answers some questions of what, where, and how. If you need further info, feel free to contact Maureen at mscallen@studio1219.com.
Upcoming Pottery Classes
Click here for current pottery classes offered at Studio 1219
Pottery Studio Supporters
This pottery studio was made possible by a generous grant from Citizens First Foundation and the following organziations and individuals.
Special thanks to Semco Energy for funding our natural gas updraft kiln.
Support Studio 1219
Studio 1219 is a 501(c)(3) non profit organization created by a Cool Cities Grant to bring arts, community involvement and economic development together. Your donations help to make Studio 1219 possible. Any level of support is greatly appreciated and will be put to maximum use. Donations are tax deductible. Click here for the Studio's Wish List
Building Use
Studio 1219 is a multi-purpose building open to the public. Space can be rented out for birthday parties, receptions, meetings, bridal showers, baby showers, and much more. Prices vary.
Studio 1219 Photo Gallery
- Studio Hours:
- Mon ~ Closed
- Tues-Wed ~ 12-5
- Thurs-Sat ~ 12-8
- Sun ~ 12-5
- No admission charge