About The Potter's Studio

 

In 1971 The Ontario College of Art and Central Technical School were the only places offering pottery classes for a limited number of adult students.  Because there were so few opportunities for serious amateur potters, a group of 12 people conceived the idea of starting a co-operative studio.  With great support from the local potters' community, and the Clay and Glass Association, which is now called Fusion, the Studio was born.

Space was rented at 328 Dupont Street, shelves were built, supplies, equipment and materials were ordered.  By April 1972 the Studio was up and running. The word had spread and membership grew to 40, as well as a waiting list of people who wanted to join.  In June 1977, the sale of the building on Dupont Street necessitated the move to 2 Thorncliffe Park, Unit 16.  By 2002, we were able to accommodate 50 potters.  That year, we received a Trillium Grant to improve the accessibility of our physical space and participate in workshops with not-for-profit community groups and other outreach activities.  In the fall of 2020, we moved a few doors down to a beautifully renovated Unit 19 and also launched our online shop.

Community Outreach

"Seize the Clay"

A Spark Partnership Project

Cultural Hotspot was created by the City of Toronto almost 10 years ago. The goal was to highlight the Arts outside of the downtown core.  As part of the City of Toronto's Cultural Hotspot initiative, The Potter's Studio made a proposal through the SPARK Partnership Projects for funding to develop and carry out programming that supports and enhances arts in the community.  The project is free to participants.

The Potter's Studio partnered with the North York Women's Shelter in 2022. Using clay, participants were able to sculpt and hand-build items for their own use.  The Social Workers were impressed with the therapeutic effects the activities provided for the participants.

As well, The Potter's Studio partnered with the Neighbourhood Organization to work with the Violence Against Women Group.  Volunteers from the Potter's Studio are organizing several clay workshops where women can develop some hand-building skills with clay. 

The Potter’s Studio wants to thank the City of Toronto for the opportunitiy to celebrate, promote and grow community arts in our neighbourhood.