A GOOD TIME WAS HAD BY ALL
Eighteen months after we closed escrow on February 15, 2024, and approximately six months after the contractors began renovating and remodeling the former machine repair shop and recent marijuana grow farm into a potters’ studio, we officially opened our doors, welcoming Members, Students and the Berkeley community to our new forever home. This has been a journey and goal for many years and we successfully turned that dream into a reality. We now own our Studio and are no longer at the mercy of fickle and unpredictable landlords. The best part of the journey is that we were able to remain in Berkeley and in the Gilman District. In fact, we are now officially residents of the trendy and popular 4th Street corridor.
On September 13th, we opened the doors and the community showed up to celebrate and welcome us to the neighborhood. On that Saturday afternoon, we unveiled our new workplace for all to enjoy, and hundreds of people walked through the Studio mesmerized by the large kilns, the wheels and the limitless potential for exciting clay. At the entry, an exhibit focusing on the work of our beloved former Studio Manager, Maija Williams, greeted everyone. In the courtyard, guests were able to sit a spell and enjoy the delicious food, wine, champagne and non-alcoholic beverages donated by our Members. People walked through the space taking in all of the bells and whistles that makes the space beautiful as well as functional.
The festivities included wheel demonstrations and good-natured competitions highlighting all the best that comes from playing in the clay. The throwdown competitions elicited giggles and admiration from the crowd that gathered to cheer on the competitors. Competitors tried to throw the tallest vessel in three minutes, and they also challenged each other to see who could throw as many pieces as possible while blindfolded. Others gathered around the handbuilding tables to witness a few brave souls willing to participate in Beastly Build Offs and Mad Libs: Clay Version. A simple dog or bird took on a comical form when the handbuilders were told to put a beak on the dog or to give the bird three heads. Each activity was designed to promote the joy of clay and to celebrate all the different forms of clay creation.
Some might say the highlight of the day was the ribbon cutting and the encouraging words of support from Berkeley’s first Asian American and woman of color mayor, Adena Ishii. Mayor Ishii’s remarks were delightful and as a former nonprofit consultant, Mayor Ishii acknowledged and applauded TPS as a nonprofit organization serving the Berkeley community. Mayor Ishii welcomed TPS to the neighborhood and celebrated the Studio for its longevity and commitment to Berkeley’s arts community.
We welcomed old friends and new friends that day as we opened our doors to what we hope will be a long future of providing a creative space for people can come and play in the clay.
Clearly, a good time was had by all — just look at the smiles on everyone’s faces. None of this would have been possible without the encouragement, generosity, and belief of our community. Your support helped us reach this milestone and open our doors to a space built for creativity, learning, and connection.
As we look ahead, our work continues. Every contribution — whether through time, Membership, or donation — helps us strengthen this new home and ensure that The Potters’ Studio remains a place where art, community, and access to clay can thrive for generations to come. Please consider supporting our ongoing growth with a year-end gift to TPS, and join us in shaping the next chapter of our story.