In general, potters are a very generous community. Information, ideas, tips, glaze recipes, firing sequences, etc. are graciously shared – especially at workshops. When I first began taking workshops, I didn’t expect the potters to be so open about how they made their pots. I am glad I was mistaken because I have greatly benefited from their accessablilty.
As I have been getting ready to go to a week-long workshop, I was thinking about all the workshops I have attended. So in this series of posts, I am reviewing those venues.
Handbuilding Area at ClayMakers
Claymakers, Durham NC – Claymakers is a private studio that offers several workshops a year. I have taken a couple weekend workshops and one class at Claymakers. All of which have been very good. The studio is very inspirational – there are lots of high quality bisque pots on display. It is a great space for throwing and hand building – lots of wheels and tables. The studio closes at 5 so it was unavailable for working after hours. Most of the workshop attendees were local potters who belong to the studio or take classes at a nearby community college. There is a small sales gallery that hosts several potters’ works. There is also a small but well-stocked supply store. Food and lodging were the responsibilities of the individual attendees. However, there were a few restaurants in near proximity to the studio so lunch was manageable. Parking is limited at the studio but wasn’t a challenge since I took classes on the weekends when the lot across from the studio was available. Claymakers is short drive from me and often hosts workshops by exceptional NC potters so I expect I will take future workshops.
- Accommodations – Not available
- Meals – Easily Accessible / Very Good
- Studio Space – Well Equipped
- Value – Very Good
- Likelihood of returning – Very High
Classroom at Odyssey
Odyssey, Asheville NC – Odyssey Art Center is focused exclusively on potters and is associated with Highwater Clays. I took a week-long workshop a few years ago. The workshop was really wonderful and came at a significant time in my pottery development. Odyssey hosts exceptional potters every year that are worth meeting. The attendees come from all over. The studio is huge with lots of space and wheels. They even provide cinder blocks to accommodate for height. There is a small sales gallery with work available from excellent contemporary potters. And, since Highwater Clays is located a few minutes away, there is ample supply shopping available to the attendees. Lodging and meals are the responsibility of the attendees. But, they offer a brown-bag lunch option that is supplied by a near-by café. This was really fun since it gave us a chance to sit around a table and chat – and the food was excellent. Odyssey also supplied water and trail-mix during the day and arranged for a masseuse to come in the afternoon to give back massages for a fee. The studio was open late and available for working. We stayed at the bed-and-breakfast, which was owned by Odyssey. It was very charming and convenient for the workshop. But, Asheville is a wonderful town with a variety of places to stay. Parking was a challenge at the studio since it was limited to the street. I would certainly consider taking another workshop at Odyssey.
- Accommodations – Accessible and exceptional
- Meals – Easily Accessible/Very Good
- Studio Space – Well Equipped
- Value – Very Good
- Likelihood of returning – Very High
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