Mango in a Pot is a shared ceramic workspace used by over 20 artists on a weekly basis, but at its core, Mango is on a mission to connect and inspire the lovely people of our community. There are many other ceramic spaces in Amsterdam, yet the reason why our community continues to grow is that we offer something different - we are offering true connection. According to Robert Putman, we are building valuable social capital that our world so desperately needs. 

Mango in a Pot has continued to evolve since opening its doors back in 2022. Each era of the studio having its own distinct flavor, this constant evolution is something that happens unprovoked. As owner of the studio, I feel like a mother whos baby is all grown up and can do things on its own. It’s a strange feeling of letting go and letting the community mold the space (literally and metaphorically) into a place that serves them.

As mother nature teases us with short spells of sun, the studio is starting to come into bloom, much like the growing plants outside. Spring teaches us that good things come to those who wait, and those who are patient. A similar lesson can be learned from the pottery wheel. Good things don’t happen all at once, but with time, your wheel throwing skills can begin to fully blossom.

You can call it whatever you want: a growth spurt, coming of age, puberty. The fact of the matter is, the studio is going through changes (cue the Big Mouth theme song). Much like all of us when we entered into those awkward years of teenage growth, the essence of the studio will remain unchanged, but it’s voice got a bit deeper and it’s feeling more grown up.

It seems my side of social media has decided that the dead of winter is a poor time to make resolutions and set goals.

I can’t say I disagree, as temperatures outside remain at a constant sub-zero, it feels like my internal fire is burning solely for survival, less so to fuel an entire year’s worth of intention. That being said, I think this time of the year is better suited for self-reflection, creative expression and relaxation. The line-up for January and February workshops has been intentionally crafted to help us get through these cold and dark days with ease. After all, creative expression and community are the best remedy for the winter chill. A heart-warmer if you will.

The doors of Mango in a Pot have been opened for just over a year. The space has taken on many forms throughout these past 12 months, but most importantly, it has served as a facilitator for connection and community.

I almost can’t believe that 2023 is already coming to a close. The studio has grown and developed so beautifully since opening our doors in December 2022, it’s hard to believe that a year has flown by already!

That being said, there are lots of exciting new activities planned before the year comes to a close.

Mango in a Pot is now offering a 3-lesson path for anyone who’s interested in starting their wheel throwing journey. The workshops will be given on an individual, one-to-one, basis, meaning we will be scheduling these 3 lessons around your calendar. We can start at any time (if the studios/your calendar allows it) and each lesson is tailored to your learning level.

Mango in a Pot is teaming up with Maybe Studio for a special edition workshop.

Maybe Studio is a female-founded, sustainable brand that makes hand-dipped beeswax candles. They use only natural materials, even dying their candles with homemade plant dyes. Alina from Maybe Studio will lead the first half of the workshop, where you will get a chance to make your own hand-dipped taper candle. Once you’ve made your candle, its time to build a ceramic candle holder! The second half of the session will be a handbuilding ceramic workshop, where you can get creative with clay, and mold your very own candle-holder.

After careful reflection, the studio’s workshop offerings are going to change. Moving away from 1-time wheel throwing workshops towards regular commitment will allow for deeper learning and a more constructive studio environment.