If happiness could be wedged and spun into shape, you'd find it whirling into existence at Mud & Merlot, the passion project of founder and clay connoisseur Dave Roach. After years as a graphic designer turned art teacher, Dave discovered that ceramics weren’t just a creative outlet—they were his calling. He now runs this cozy studio with a “master plan” that’s more heart than hustle: offering adults an unforgettable clay experience at a price that encourages joy-filled returns. As Dave likes to say, turning mud into masterpieces shouldn’t break the bank—and keeping customers smiling is just smart business.
From the cedar-lined walls to the warm ambiance wrapping around you like a cozy blanket, Mud & Merlot greets every guest with a full-bodied blend of rustic charm and earthy inspiration. Even the cedar’s scent seems to coax smiles out of visitors before their hands ever touch clay. Once inside, curiosity kicks in—guests stroll from shelf to shelf, admiring creations in every stage of metamorphosis like kids in a candy store, whispering thoughts like, “I want to make something like that,” as they fall in love with a stranger’s art.
Creating ceramics here is more than a class—it’s an unhurried journey where every sculpture tells a story. The studio invites you to linger longer, take your time, and embrace each squish, splatter, and spin. The wheel isn’t just a tool; it’s an experience. First-timers become grounded and inspired, learning to “center” their clay—a meditative challenge that requires focus and finesse. When someone struggles, there’s always a helping hand to give the clay a nudge into place. And then, the moment the bowl begins to bloom from the center of the wheel feels less like an achievement and more like a revelation.
There’s something undeniably therapeutic about clay—how it oozes through fingers, responds to touch, and demands your attention, allowing you to embrace the imperfections of handmade art. Time seems to slow down, and the worries of the outside world slip into the background. The studio becomes a sanctuary of creation, connection, and pure joy. With classes stretching over two hours, there’s plenty of room for laughter, experimentation, and muddy brilliance while bringing your creativity to life.
Slab and coil-building offer a different path into the clay kingdom. What starts as a 25 lb. bag of clay quickly converts to perfect slabs and coils, begging to be united (or blended together). At Mud & Merlot, spontaneity is celebrated. Some of the most jaw-dropping pieces begin with no plan at all—just hands moving like they already know what the clay wants to be. Sculpting by hand allows for a freedom you can't find at the wheel, and the results are often surprising and spectacular. Unlimited clay access means your wildest ideas don’t have restrictions.
The studio itself feels like a creative clubhouse. Groups of friends, coworkers, and families gather to escape the grind and reconnect over cups, creatures, and cocktails. Mud & Merlot hosts lively date nights and girls' nights out where guests can bring their own beverages (BYOB) and pour their favorite drinks into provided wine and whiskey glasses. The energy on those evenings is electric—sips, spins, and belly laughs shared around messy tables with good company and masterpieces in progress.
Whether wheel-thrown or hand-sculpted, every piece tells a story, and every smile molded here is a masterpiece all its own. Mud & Merlot isn’t just a place to make art—it’s a place to rediscover joy, reconnect with your people, and let the clay—and maybe a little adult beverage—do the talking.
"Creating ceramics here is more than a class—it’s an unhurried journey where every sculpture tells a story."