Membership based ceramics studio in the heart of downtown Gresham, Oregon
Community Clay
Downtown Gresham, Oregon, is a place to make, see and purchase ceramic art.
In addition to providing access to equipment such as wheels, a slab roller, workspace, storage, and kilns, the studio offers members access to a welcoming community of clay enthusiasts. Members have the option of displaying and selling their work in the studio gallery, and are invited to participate in studio sales at the Saturday Market, Ceramic Showcase, and more. Beyond shared workspace, the studio is committed to offering classes, workshops, and community events.
* We’re a cone 6 studio
About the Name
Earthenware is a type of clay. It’s the product of a journey – primary clay is carried downstream, collecting artifacts from its travels. It picks up a little of this and a little of that, evolving into a product of the environment and its interactions.
Personified, earthenware is the epitome of inclusion and community.
The project’s mission has three parts.
Education
The studio is dedicated to programming that includes classes and workshops, taught by artists and makers, provided regularly. From inviting local artisans to share their skills, to national artists, visiting for a day or a week, Earthenware is dedicated to opening the door to learning and creativity.
Community
Pottery is a practice that requires a dedicated space, and resources that are sometimes difficult to obtain. The membership model allows folks to join a welcoming community of makers, wealthy with enthusiasm and knowledge to a clean and well equipped space, where they can explore the craft in a safe and productive manner.
Service
Through dedicated collaboration with local partners, Earthenware is committed to providing services and activities that benefit the community, with an initial goal of providing education and access for older adults.
Working with Mount Hood Community College, and other local organizations, the studio’s educational mission is centered around inclusive activities that foster community.
Class and Workshop Registration is open!
Intro to the wheel – 4 weeks
Learn the basics of wheel throwing.
Whether you’re brand new, or returning after a break, this is a great way start working on the pottery wheel. Classes include 2 hours per week of instruction plus the option of additional practice during open studio time.
Intro to ceramics – 4 weeks
A primer for folks who are brand new to clay
Explore the basic ways of working in the studio. This class will cover throwing, hand-building, decorating and glazing. This class will set you up to decide which direction you’d like to take your exploration of clay.
Soda Firing
Soda Firing in the MiniSoda kiln at Backyard Pottery Studio
Soda firing is a dynamic firing method where sodium vapor interacts with the clay to create a beautiful glassy surface.
Alternative Firing / Workshop
Alternative Firing is offered as a standalone firing experience, or a throwing and firing progression. When registering verify the length of the workshop.
Saggar, Raku, Obvara, Pit and Barrel firing are alternative firing methods involving rapid heating, atmospheric effects and dynamic surfaces. These firings provide opportunities to explore creative and exciting processes that often times don’t require as specialized equipment as a normal pottery studio.
As a standalone firing, participants may bring their own bisque fired pottery or purchase bisque fired pots in order to fire.
As a 2 week workshop, participants are invited to spend a weekend making work with other participants and an instructor.
This work will be bisque fired and available to fire the following weekend.
