When Katie Thomson began her pottery journey four years ago selling her work during the pandemic, she didn’t anticipate the rapid development toward owning a popular pottery studio where she could teach others. Thomson was drawn to clay since childhood, and decided to explore that innate talent further by purchasing a pottery wheel and teaching herself. After several requests for instruction, she learned that she has a knack for teaching, too.
“We’re inclusive, we’re a safe space. The climate of society is kind of scary at times, so we want people to feel safe and we want everybody to be themselves without having to think about, ‘Oops, should I have said that?’ Or, ‘Maybe I should act a certain way,’ No, you’re here to create and to have fun, and we want people to form friendships here as well. We're creating a community; I’ve formed lifelong friendships since starting the business,” affirms Thomson.
Studio Manager Lauren Hollowniczky started as a painter and turned to Hugs Ceramics to paint functional 3D artwork, such as mugs, bowls and vases. Thomson recognized her talent and the feeling was mutual, as Hollowniczky “fell in love” with the environment from her first class. As she continued to come back to the studio, she was offered a teaching position.
“It happened very naturally,” Thomson explains.
Hugs Ceramics is the epitome of comfortability, striving to provide a judgment-free environment socially and creatively for any skill level. Regardless of which class a student chooses, they are free to explore their art without limits. The friendly instructors are there to guide students to feel safe to ask questions and to truly immerse themselves in creating pottery—and being a beginner is celebrated.
“Especially with pottery, you’re going to make mistakes. You’re going to have to mess up until you get that form,” says Hollowniczky. “Everyone is so in love with every piece that everybody makes. We really are each other’s little cheerleaders…it really is just a very supportive community where you can take risks and you can explore your creative side.”
One of the many things that sets Hugs Ceramics apart from other studios is its sustainable method of disposing of mistakes. A machine called a “pug mill” is utilized to recycle clay from broken pieces or unused excess by mixing it back into its ideal consistency.
“It’s very sustainable, so we really don’t produce a lot of waste here,” Hollowniczky says.
This community has expanded as word has spread about the atmosphere, opportunities and pottery education at Hugs Ceramics. It is currently in the midst of a relocation to Cherry Hill, which will allow for more students and a wider range of class offerings like hand building. The studio will also add a shop area with wholesale ceramics and pieces by the Hugs Ceramics students and instructors.
There are several options to choose from so a prospective student can truly customize their pottery experience. “Try-it-out nights” allow a first-time visitor to see if the pottery wheel is right for them, then there are four-to-six-week classes that take place once a week. Memberships allow additional access to and time in the studio. Special themed classes are available as a perfect seasonal activity any time of the year—whether attending solo or with loved ones.
“We have a Ghost couples’ night, which everybody loves creating the Patrick Swayze scene. For the fall, we’re doing a pumpkin hand building workshop—that one’s really popular. And then there will be some newer offerings at the new studio,” Thomson says.
While the bright colors, rainbow-adorned walls and cute dragon logo may appeal to children, Hugs Ceramics specializes in adult-catered instruction. However, due to popular demand, Hugs Ceramics is debuting kids’ workshops on Saturdays at its new location.
“I’m most excited about being able to show people that they can have a creative outlet, even when they have a busy life schedule that they can still make space for themselves and be able to make something with their hands,” says Hollowniczky. “Most pieces can take around three to five weeks to really finish. So, it’s a commitment and it’s just therefore very rewarding and fulfilling at the end of it.”
Hugs Ceramics
Cherry Hill
(856) 348-3253
HugsCeramics.com
