DALLAS — Pottery hasn’t been this popular since 1990’s “Ghost.”
At least, that’s what Jane Parsons, co-owner of Pottery for the People in Dallas, says.
“It was a big shock to us the success that Pottery for the People has come in such a short time,” Parsons said.
Thanks to shows like “The Great Pottery Throwdown,” Parsons says she’s seen a rise in interest, almost as quickly as her interest grew.
After picking up ceramic making a year-and-a-half ago, Parsons says she learned as much as she could and then wanted a place she could go to practice.
Unfortunately, she couldn’t find any available studio in Dallas.
“I said if nobody else is gonna do this then I’m gonna do it,” she said.
Soon after, Parsons met Lillian Flint, a potter who studied at the University of North Texas, and together in August, they opened Dallas’ first community ceramics studio.
“We just hit the ground running in February,” Flint said.
Artists with a membership can use the space anytime, but Parsons and Flint hope to bring pottery to, well, the people.
That’s why they host Clay Nights for those who don’t have experience. On Friday and Saturday evenings, they teach newcomers the basics. Guests can choose to create a piece by hand or using the pottery wheel.
“It’s an introduction to pottery and it’s also just like a fun evening,” Flint said.
They say the classes are open to anyone: couples, friends, or singles.
At the end of the class, participants will have made something to take home and hopefully they’ll spark in interest and want to do more.
“It really is infinite what you can do in ceramics,” Parsons said.
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