Boston Pottery Studios: Why the Ceramics Craze is Here to Stay

In the past, pottery was often associated with artists. However, today, it has emerged as one of the most sought-after hobbies across the United States. Pottery classes are witnessing a remarkable surge in popularity, with studios across the country filled to the brim. And the experts in this field believe that this upward trend shows no signs of slowing down.

Discovering the Allure of Pottery

Kate Kuligowski, a renowned ceramics artist and instructor at Mudflat Studio in Somerville, shares her insights. Her classes are always in high demand, with long waiting lists of eager students hoping to master the art of using a potter's wheel and creating clay sculptures. According to Kuligowski, the mindfulness aspect of pottery is a major draw. It demands patience, focus, and undivided attention. "It's a wonderful way to disconnect from our daily lives, come together with others, and truly enjoy the present moment," she explains. "Pottery brings a unique kind of joy to our lives."Kuligowski first encountered pottery during her high school years. While she initially planned to pursue a career as an illustrator, she was instantly captivated by the medium. Now, she seamlessly integrates her illustrative skills into her ceramic works.Jesse Golden, the founder of Clay Lounge, also started his pottery journey in high school but did not pursue it as a career. After working in marketing, he rediscovered his love for pottery and decided to open a studio in Boston in 2019. The explosive popularity of ceramics led to his classes filling up rapidly, and this year, he expanded to a second location in Somerville. "We have built a great community of regulars here," Golden says. "They make it a habit to come every week and delve deeper into the craft."Both Clay Lounge and Mudflat Studio offer a wide range of programs and one-off classes suitable for people of all ages, backgrounds, and experience levels.At Harvard, the ceramics program, which has been in existence since 1970, takes a different approach. With semester-long programming lasting 12 weeks, students have the opportunity to immerse themselves fully in the art. Kathy King, the director of the ceramics program and visual arts initiatives at Harvard's Office for the Arts, emphasizes, "We aim to provide a path for those who are dedicated to both functional pottery and sculpture. It mirrors our academic program in many ways."Harvard's ceramics program serves not only Harvard students but also the wider community. Like the smaller studios, King has noticed a significant increase in registrations. "We can accommodate about 350 students at our facility, but currently, we have 495 on the waiting list, which is similar to the past few semesters," she notes.King, Kuligowski, and Golden all agree that social media has played a crucial role in the surge of popularity of ceramics. Not only has it inspired the creation of works, but it has also led to an increased interest in collecting ceramics. Kuligowski explains, "Videos of artists creating functional pottery on a wheel can be mesmerizing, even for experienced artists themselves. But it also leads to some misunderstandings, especially about the ease of making pottery."Golden shares an interesting anecdote. "We often conduct one-time workshops, and people come in saying, 'I want this large fruit bowl as the centerpiece.' I jokingly, but seriously, tell them, 'Well, it might take you about ten years of dedicated practice to achieve that.' It emphasizes the time and effort required to learn each step in the process and the importance of approaching pottery with an open mind."He further emphasizes, "There are so many aspects to explore in pottery. It truly takes two lifetimes to fully comprehend this craft."But the question remains: will the ceramics craze continue? All three artists express their hope and expectation. Kuligowski says, "It definitely has the potential for longevity. It will continue to be highly popular and hold great significance for people."Guests:Kathy King, artist, instructor, and director of the ceramics program and visual arts initiatives at Harvard's Office for the Arts.Jessie Golden, artist and founder of Clay Lounge in Boston's South End and Somerville.Kate Kuligowski, artist and instructor at Mudflat Studio in Somerville.