As winter begins to shed its frigid temps (hopefully!), March marks a perfect seasonal shift to get out of hibernation-mode and explore more of what colors the local Colorado Springs community. Our art scene is both creative and robust, with makers traveling across the globe to experience what Colorado has to inspire. For locals, travel can be minimal and neighborhood centric. These four pottery and clay studios offer classes, special events and studio space to find your calm and hone your craft.
Studio Nadeau
Founded by renowned and celebrated artist, Ellen Nadeau, and nestled in the Broadmoor neighborhood, Studio Nadeau brings the love of art and teaching to locals. From wheel throwing to handbuilding to creating advanced wall pieces, the studio space is tailored to all levels of potters. Special events, including visiting guest artists, and private lessons give artists the learning space to grow. For artists looking for private studio space, independent artists may join the studio and have access and time to create. Visit Studio Nadeau’s website to explore her class lists.
Pro Tip: Consider grabbing your love and booking a private lesson for two. Just two hours, the two of you, and what might be your new favorite keepsake (and hobby).
2997 Broadmoor Valley Road | nadeau.com
22nd Street Clay
Filling the niche for all things pottery and clay on the west side of our glorious city, lies 22nd Street Clay. Inside you’ll meet potter Tina Smith, who discovered her own love of clay within the studio, where she has been teaching artists and sharing her passion for the last five years. You’ll find group lessons, semi-private and private lessons, and classes almost every day of the week, with rotating workshops. From pottery mugs to stoneware, horsehair to decorative pottery, 22nd Street Clay offers multitudes of techniques for each potter. Which will you try first?
Pro Tip: Visit the Tina Smith Pottery shop online for gorgeous and one-of-a-kind pieces, perfect for gifts or your own private art collection.
2201 Bott Ave. | 22ndstreetclay.net
Ember & Bloom Studio
Newly opened downtown, Ember & Bloom is curating a community-rooted studio and resource space where everyone belongs and feels respected. Whether you’re a professional or a newcomer to the craft, Ember & Bloom has an intentional place for you and your vision. Their thoughtful and collaborative classes like their Carved Luminaries Workshop, Pottery for Light and Intention, or Pottery for Letting Go, offer potters’ hands grounding ideals in the claywork. For the dedicated artisans, Ember & Bloom also offers firing and in-studio memberships, giving potters a space to carve out their own process, on their own timeline.
Pro Tip: Check out their parent-child nights for creating as a duo and creating core memories with your littlest makers. Play is the focus, not perfection.
2132 E. Bijou St. | emberandbloomstudios.com
Paint & Fire Pottery
With more than 12 years in the community, the pair of sisters who founded Paint & Fire Pottery are sharing their love of ceramics with Colorado Springs. Encouraging a fun and family-friendly experience, Paint & Fire offers guests the space to choose an individual ceramic piece, paint it in-house, and have it glazed and fired before driving it home to show your loved ones why painting ceramics is a vibrant and cathartic practice. From seasonal decor to more classic items like vases and bowls, Paint & Fire Pottery has ceramics for every budding artist.
Pro Tip: Feeling like you want to paint your ceramics at home? Choose an item for takeaway painting, and bring it back to the studio when it’s ready to glaze and fire.
4857B North Academy Blvd. | paintandfirepottery.com