Staunton Clayground offers pottery classes downtown

STAUNTON — Although it has been offering pottery classes since April, Staunton Clayground will officially open its doors to memberships on July 6.

The Staunton Downtown Pottery Studio is available to both beginners and experienced potters. Membership includes use of the studio’s tools, equipment and materials, as well as glazing and firing. All members are provided with a personal 2 x 4-foot shelf for storage and for pieces to dry safely. Individual and family memberships are available.

Located at 123 W. Frederick St., Staunton Clayground is in a new space called the Cellar. The entrance is located at the rear of the Frederick Street Post Office.

Cary Dahl, founder and owner, has been taking pottery classes in the area for over 15 years.

“I kept signing up for classes because it was the only way I could have access to the tools and equipment needed to make a piece of pottery,” she said. “All I really wanted was for someone to open a community studio in Staunton where I could just create on my own schedule.”

With no such options in the area, Dahl decided to open a studio herself. When looking for a space, she wanted a downtown location to take advantage of what she calls “Staunton’s artistic character,” which Dahl says offers a perfect synergy with pottery. She found a space in the former sorting room of the Frederick Street post office.

Owner Will Wright transformed the ground floor of the building into a collection of offices and studios called The Cellar, with the aim of attracting arts and crafts-oriented businesses.

“I hoped with The Cellar to develop a space where people could share ideas and create amazing things,” Wright said. “The Clayground fits in perfectly.”

Through connections established within the pottery community and the Staunton Maker Space, Dahl found a studio manager. Jennifer Delare studied fine art in Milan, Italy, and rediscovered pottery during the pandemic. She taught classes at Clifton Forge before joining the Staunton Clayground team.

“Being part of this company is a dream come true for me,” says Delare. “The only thing I love more than creating is having the chance to help others learn new skills to help them do the same.”

The first course offered, Introduction to Pottery, was co-taught by Dahl and Delare. It included four classes in hand-building techniques, followed by four classes in wheel throwing and a glazing session.

“It was such a joy to participate in the first class at Staunton Clayground,” said student Julie Caran. “Jennifer and Cary have created a pottery studio where there is no shame in making a mistake and where complete beginners and returning potters alike feel at home.”

Since that first class, several beginner wheel classes have sold out and the studio continues to add more. Hand-building workshops included creations of sculptural slabs and geometric vases. Upcoming classes include series of weekday and weekend beginner wheel classes, a spool building class, and other slab building workshops.

A summer camp collaboration with Art Hive will bring kids into the studio to make planters, which they will later paint and fill with growing objects.

“We look forward to more collaborations with other companies and more offerings for kids in the future,” says Delare.

For more information, call (540) 480-0775, email [email protected] or visit the website stauntonclayground.com.

Classes are taught by a variety of local artists who bring a wide range of experiences and knowledge to their classes. Current instructors include Nicole Hill, Janly Jaggard, and Brooke Fawley, with more planned for fall classes.

“Teaching at Staunton Clayground shows me the heart and drive of the community around me to create, to be creative and to connect with people,” Hill said. “So far, my classes have brought together a variety of people, skill levels, and life experiences. It’s such a joy to see all of these unique people come together and enjoy connection through the clay.”

Several small groups of friends or families have planned private pottery activities for the summer, and a room for private events and painting your own pottery will open by next year.

Memberships will roll out slowly over the next few months starting in July, giving staff time to assess membership capacity and add amenities and services as needed. Members will be provided with members-only space and amenities, so that classes and members can coexist peacefully.

Parking for the studio and open house is located behind the building or on the lot across Lewis Street in spaces reserved for The Cellar.

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— Patrick Hite is a journalist at News Leader. Story ideas and advice are always welcome. Contact Patrick (he/him/his) at [email protected] and follow him on Instagram @hitepatrick. Subscribe to us on newsleader.com