The studio is a living, breathing organism
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.
A place that serves its people is all I ever wanted
This year the studio matured into adulthood. The community was growing stronger over the course of 2023, and by December 2023 it was time to make a change. Going from a business model that was based on conventionality to one that was fully rooted in trust and mutual respect was definitely a scary jump to take as a business owner, but wow was it worth it.
The studio closed for February 2024 for renovations, which you can read more about in our blog post from that time. We started with the new studio model, that reduced the studio population and increased trust and autonomy among our remaining members. This fundamental shift has changed the way we all collectively work within the space. It has really put the power in the hands of the artists that make up the member community, and gave them full autonomy when it comes to making the space their own. So far, this has proved to make the business more sustainable and has strengthened relationships within our community even further.
Our offering to you
As we come together as a community to celebrate the arrival of summer in Amsterdam, we also make an offering. We are so excited to use this platform as a place where our members can exhibit and sell their handmade creations. This is yet another exciting transition for the studio, as we deepen the reverence for the work our talented members are creating. It only feels natural to celebrate all of this incredible art that is being created in our tiny shared studio!
Our shop will soon be filled with handmade ceramic pieces of varying styles, each artist’s unique touch coming through their work. When you purchase handmade ceramics, you are also taking home that artist’s energy. The clay is a medium through which we alchemize and transform our earthly experiences. Whether functional or not, handmade ceramic art carries with it the fossilized history of the artist’s life.
If you are a local who’s interested in supporting our community, come by the studio to check out our shop in person! If you’re an online buyer, stay tuned for how to support us online! Thank you to everyone who makes Mango in a Pot such a lovely cornerstone of community in Amsterdam. The world needs more shared spaces that celebrate individuality and foster lasting connections! We’re proud to be part of the creators movement, as we transform our small urban space into a place of real impact.
