My goal has always been to connect people to art and creativity. And, over time, I've started to make pottery accessible.

Before that, pottery always seemed like something for the wealthy as you had to buy your own kilns, clay etc. But I wanted it to be available for people who didn't have years to invest saving up for expensive equipment.

I believe in the beauty of creating. It brings so many health benefits to both adults and children. And, there's nothing like art to bring communities together. Unlike other community building activities that usually focus on sports or fundraising, in pottery classes there is no competition. It's all about connecting and growing as an individual and a group.

In the Brockville-Athens Community, I offer a variety of classes that help my people connect with clay.

Classes
8 Week Pottery Classes In Athens:
The 8 week classes provide a chance for people in and around Athens, Ontario to join us for an intensive pottery class. Self-directed in regards to content but hands on with support and access to materials. The class allows students to express and explore creativity with an expert potter for support.
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Beginners Pottery Classes in Athens:
I offer a 3 lesson beginners pottery class in Athens. The classes are spread out over 4 weeks and provide the basics you need to know such as glazing, throwing, and hand sculpting. They're super low cost and designed to provide a taster to those interested in more intensive classes (like the 8 week class) or those who simply wanted to try out a new skill. Students usually finish their 3 classes with about 12 items. 
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Other Classes:
My biggest mission here at Krista Cameron Pottery is to further the love of art in Leeds and Grenville. You can find my classes at St Lawrence College in Brockville and Amaranth Stoneware Studio in Kingston.

Workshops
Kids Birthday Parties:
When the schedule allows, I offer birthday parties for up to 9 kids (2 adults must be present). 
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School Workshops:
Throughout the school year, I host many workshops around Brockville, Prescott, Mallorytown, and Athens (to name a few). I also work with the local authorities to ensure that pottery is accessible to new parents and their infants. I love seeing the little footprint holiday ornaments. Get in touch to find out about the next classes.
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I pride myself on having Krista Cameron Pottery offer a variety of classes to suit different skills, allowing students to ‘try out’ pottery, and make it accessible to children and individuals with disabilities.

Our mission is to ensure that everyone, regardless of age and ability, experiences art and the confidence that comes with it.

If you have any questions get in touch!

Online you'll see happy potters stood next to finished products looking clean, unblemished, and very put together.

If I told you that they had changed and showered before that photo would you believe me? 

Because you should.

Pottery is not tidy or clean. It's a messy, raw, getting back to nature, chaotic creation.

You'll end up with clay splattering around and flying off the wheel, you'll forget you have clay on your hands and you'll scratch your head or wipe your face, and you'll almost definitely wipe your hands on your clothes. 

Which is why I will never advise you to wear your beautiful designer jeans, jewellery, or anything more than holey, paint stained, should-I-donate-to-a-thrift-store clothing to pottery classes!

Here's what to wear to a pottery class:

• wear layers. It can sometimes be a little cool in the studio because we're creating the perfect environment for the pottery
  
  
• wear old clothes. When you're starting out things can get a *little* messy!
  
  
• turn up jewellery free, unless you want to be carefully removing clay from your wedding rings every week

We've often had people leave without engagement rings or ruin nice clothing. Don't let this be you. Prepare for a grubby evening filled with fun!

There's nothing worse than hearing an explosion. Especially for me, because it means that someone's dedication and hard work has ended horribly. 

Pottery explosions happen in the kiln. They're easy to avoid but it happens more than you'd think. 

It all starts with thinking about moisture. When we fire pieces we absolutely need them to be dry and solid! 

Explosions happen because your piece hasn't dried evenly, which causes steam to build up. The thing with steam is that it has to go somewhere...and when it's in the kiln it goes through your piece...with force.

The second reason for explosions are air pockets. When your piece is in the kiln it burns...in a cool way. The organic matter in the clay combusts, which is usually fine, but if your piece isn't solid and has a hidden air pocket then the steam from the organic matter builds up - and again has no where to go except through your piece.

How Do You Avoid Explosions?
Keep your pieces thin(ish). While you want your pottery to have substance (otherwise they will crack), you also want to keep them nice and slim.

It’s all about balance.

Pottery with clay walls or sections over 2 cm thick may explode in the kiln.

If you are making a thicker piece then take the time to ensure your piece has been hollowed out where possible for air flow. 

In Conclusion...

Keep it thin or hollowed. Air flow is the most important part of ensuring explosions are kept to a minimum.