What We Do
A picture of a ball of clay beside a bisque form, then three pieces of glazed pottery increasing in size.
For over 30 years, hundreds of women have walked through the doors of Inspirations Studio to learn how to make pottery in a safe, supportive, and transformational work environment. The studio members have contributed unique ceramic objects to the community, while reducing stigma one pot at a time.
Inspirations provides studio access, storefront selling opportunities and arts education for women and gender diverse people who have experienced marginalization.
The program has achieved tangible and lasting results through focusing on three key elements:
Creative practice and skill building
At Inspirations Studio, creative practice is the means through which women achieve stability, express themselves, connect with community and transition towards more sustainable economic circumstances. Besides the therapeutic benefits, pottery is also a great teacher. It takes time and dedication to develop this skill to the point where a ball of clay is transformed into a beautiful object.
Community
At the centre of Inspirations Studio is a community of like-minded artists, within and beyond the studio’s walls. Many of the members have been excluded from traditional forms of community, and involvement in the Studio creates a break from isolation, a sense of purpose, and a place to go during the day.
Supplemental income
Beyond improving the emotional and mental well-being of its members, Inspirations Studio has an entrepreneurial spirit. The Studio provides the opportunity to earn supplemental income generated through sales in our retail and on line shops, commissions, and outside festivals.
How it works
An image of two hands forming clay on the pottery wheel.
The program works at two levels:
Membership: Women and gender diverse people who qualify for the program are offered a free eight-week course which covers wheel throwing, hand building, glazing and design: all the basics of pottery making. Once the course is completed women can apply to join the program as members. With continued support from professional potters, members have free, gradated access to the studio for up to 9 hours a week and opportunities to sell their work. Members are responsible for all aspects of their own work as well as helping to run the studio, paying for their clay, and acting as peer mentors to new participants.
Collaborations: The studio works to create collaborative art initiatives with partner agencies and the broader arts community and offers a range of workshops for underserved communities.
To support this core work with marginalized women the studio also:
runs classes and workshops for the public to raise awareness and funds to run the program;
operates a storefront at 389 Church Street to support the members;
welcomes special orders and collaborations.
