Pottery Studio
Foster creativity through ceramic arts at our community studio in Galax, VA
About Our Studio
Located in the heart of Galax, Virginia, our pottery studio is part of Chestnut Creek School of the Arts (CCSA), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to preserving regional culture through year-round arts programming.
Location: 110 E. Oldtown St., Galax, VA
Mission: Foster creativity through ceramic arts, education, and community involvement
World-Class Facilities
Professional equipment and tools for every ceramic technique
Potter's Wheels
Professional electric wheels for wheel throwing and centering practice
Kilns & Firing
Multiple kilns for bisque and glaze firing up to Cone 6 temperatures
Glazes & Tools
Extensive glaze library and professional ceramic tools available to all members
Membership Tiers
Choose the membership that fits your pottery journey
$35 non-refundable setup fee (waived for returning members within 1 year)
Working
Perfect for committed potters who want to be part of our community
- 2 studio shifts per month (2.5 hrs each)
- 4.5 hrs committee work per month
- 6 hrs annual event work
- Full studio access with personal code
- Personal storage space
- Access to all tools and glazes
- Clay pricing: $2.20/lb fresh, $1.25/lb reclaim
Semi-Working
Skip studio shifts while staying connected to our community
- No studio shifts required
- 4.5 hrs committee work per month
- 6 hrs annual event work
- Full studio access with personal code
- Personal storage space
- Access to all tools and glazes
- Clay pricing: $2.20/lb fresh, $1.25/lb reclaim
Non-Working
Full access without any work commitments
- No studio shifts required
- No committee work required
- No event work required
- Full studio access with personal code
- Personal storage space
- Access to all tools and glazes
- Clay pricing: $2.20/lb fresh, $1.25/lb reclaim
Student & Member Gallery
Discover the beautiful ceramic work created by our community
Pottery Classes
Learn from experienced instructors in our fully equipped studio
Beginner Wheel Throwing
Instructor: Sarah Mitchell • 6 weeks
Learn the fundamentals of wheel throwing, centering clay, and basic pottery techniques.
Tuesdays 6:00-8:00 PM
Hand Building Workshop
Instructor: Mike Rodriguez • 4 weeks
Explore coil building, slab construction, and pinch pot techniques for unique ceramic pieces.
Saturdays 10:00 AM-12:00 PM
Glazing & Finishing
Instructor: Elena Thompson • 3 weeks
Master glazing techniques, color theory, and finishing methods for professional results.
Thursdays 7:00-9:00 PM
The Pottery Process
From centering clay on the wheel to the final glaze firing, our studio supports every step of your ceramic journey.
- • Wheel Throwing: Learn to center and shape clay on professional wheels
- • Hand Building: Explore coil, slab, and pinch techniques
- • Glazing: Apply beautiful finishes with our extensive glaze library
- • Firing: Bisque and glaze fire your pieces to completion
Community & Culture
Our pottery studio is more than just a workspace—it's a thriving community of ceramic artists supporting each other's growth.
- • Collaborative Environment: Learn from fellow potters and share techniques
- • Community Events: Pottery shows, kiln openings, and member exhibitions
- • Skills Sharing: Monthly workshops and technique demonstrations
- • Cultural Heritage: Preserving regional ceramic traditions
Studio Benefits
- 24/7 studio access with unique member code
- Access to wheels, kilns, tools, and glazes
- Personal storage space for works in progress
- Display and sell work via consignment (65% artist / 35% CCSA)
- Volunteer discounts (25% off classes with 16 hrs/month)
Studio Guidelines
- Monthly dues due by the 7th (failure to pay = loss of access)
- 1-month notice required to end membership
- Clean up after each session
- Approved clays only (Cone 6, e.g., Little Loafers, Standard Clay 112 Brown)
- Guest policy: $7.50 per session + clay cost with liability form
- Abandoned work after 90 days becomes CCSA property
Ready to Start Your Pottery Journey?
Join our vibrant community of ceramic artists and discover the joy of working with clay.
Questions? Contact us at [email protected]