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What We Do

A picture of a ball of clay beside a bisque form, then three pieces of glazed pottery increasing in size.

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.

An image of two hands forming clay on the pottery wheel.

The program works at two levels:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.


History of Inspirations Studio

Member holding a rectangular ceramic plate with bananas painted on the surface.

Member holding a rectangular ceramic plate with bananas painted on the surface.

In 1994, Inspirations Studio was established as a craft collective for under-housed women in a converted church at 761 Queen Street West. The 761 Community Development Corporation (761 CDC) was a non-profit, community-based organization, supported by The City of Toronto
to create economic development initiatives for the prevention of homelessness. In 2001, when 761 CDC closed, the program moved to Sistering – A Woman's Place, where the Studio was supported until 2018 when it moved to The Neighbourhood Groups Trustee and Mentorship Program. This partnership allowed the Studio to work toward a sustainable future. Inspirations Studio is now a proud program of YWCA Toronto!

The studio and pottery shop are located at 389 Church St. in Toronto, Ontario.

Inspirations Studio Front Door at 389 Church St.

Inspirations Studio Front Door at 389 Church St.

389 Church St. mid-rise YWCA building

389 Church St. mid-rise YWCA building