ABOUT 406 POTTERY LESSONS

The space and the Potter

I am a local teacher, mom and potter with 10+ years of pottery experience. 

I’m dedicated to creating functional, handmade pieces that are meant to be used and enjoyed every day. Most of my time is spent at the wheel, where I shape forms that balance simplicity, durability, and have a little personality to them. Every now and then, I step away from the wheel to explore slab work, which allows me to experiment with different textures and forms. I love how clay will hold a story of how it was handeled.

I’m especially drawn to personalized orders—there’s something meaningful about collaborating on a piece that’s made specifically for someone’s home or routine. Whether it’s a favorite mug, a serving bowl, or a custom set, I love bringing individual ideas to life through clay.

The creative energy of other potters continues to inspire me, and I find real joy in the process itself—from the first pull of clay to the final firing. My goal is to make work that feels both personal and practical, pieces that become a natural part of everyday life.

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My studio is a space that holds just as much meaning as the work created inside it. It was thoughtfully designed and hand-built by my dear friends Jonathan and August Ternegal owners of Up And Away Timbers, with the help of many generous hands along the way. Their care and craftsmanship shaped not just a structure, but a place with real heart.

Tucked away within an urban setting, the studio feels like a quiet sanctuary—a small retreat from the pace of everyday life. It’s a place where creativity can unfold slowly and intentionally, where the rhythm of making takes over, and where each piece begins its life grounded in calm and focus.

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-Bonnie Smith

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