As the studio transforms, so does it’s offerings

This summer solstice has brought with it a plethora of opportunity for reflection and change, and as the studio continues to grow into a vibrant community of makers, it’s also time to re-evaluate what the studio can offer. After a lot of thought, I’ve decided to change the workshop model of the studio to further encourage artistic growth and learning.

Starting now, Mango in a Pot no longer offers single wheel throwing lessons. If you ask anyone who has learned wheel throwing at Mango in a Pot, they will tell you that it’s not like every other wheel throwing course out there. It’s a personal tuition that allows for a more targeted approach to learning, which often accelerates the student’s skills and competence on the wheel. Not only can this be attributed to my teaching style, but also the format of the lessons, being so intimate, encourage students to really get serious about learning a new skill/craft (in comparison to group wheel throwing courses, where students can tend to “blend in” and avoid confronting mistakes in the moment).

Therefore, the minimum commitment for wheel workshops at the studio is 3 lessons. This is still a basic introduction to the world of wheel throwing, especially if you are completely new to the process, however 3 sessions allows the student to complete the wheel throwing journey. From wedging and centering on day one, to trimming on lesson two and putting it all together for the 3rd, I’ve realized it actually takes 3 lessons to get fully acquainted with the dance of wheel throwing. For those looking to go even deeper, and move towards independence in their wheel throwing practice, I also offer packages of 6 and 8 workshops.

With my calendar overbooked with one-time bookings for wheel throwing workshops, and most of those bookings resulting in neglected pieces that sit on my studio shelves for weeks, I decided it was time to clear the way for those who are serious about learning something new. Mango in a Pot will always remain a supportive environment for learners and curious new clay-workers, but this subtle change in workshop offering is intended to strengthen the studio’s learning capacity.

I’m excited for what this change will bring to the studio, and I am already so proud of all the students who have dared to commit to a regular ceramics practice. Here’s to a new era of even deeper learnings, support and as always, lots of fun.