SHELBURNE FALLS — For many years, Molly Cantor Pottery on 20 Bridge St. has offered not only a gallery of hand-carved and wood-fired pottery, but pottery classes as well.
But now Cantor’s pottery students and others who want to make their own pottery have a new, more spacious studio setting in which to hone their skills.
Cantor has opened a new “community clay studio” inside Building 6 of the former Lamson & Goodnow factory complex, at 49 Conway St. A reception and open house is planned for Sunday, July 8, from 3 to 6 p.m. Refreshments will be served.
The 1,200-square-foot space is equipped with a dozen potter’s wheels and electric kilns. Cantor has plans for raku and pit firing kilns as well. The space is also equipped with a slab roller, ample shelf space and table work space and glaze options.
At the open house, there will be pottery-making demonstrations and a chance to throw some clay on the wheel and shape it. Those attending can meet studio members, students and staff; also, there is a raffle to win a free month’s membership to the studio.
Cantor has been a very active potter in the Shelburne Falls area since 1997. Her shop will continue to operate on Bridge Street, with clay classes held inside the new Conway Street studio.
Clay classes for adults include a 10-week mixed-level summer clay class from July 11 through Sept. 12. It takes place Wednesdays from 4 to 6 p.m., from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and on Thursdays from 6 to 8 p.m.
“Clay, Yoga and Art” is a collaborative summer program for kids from Molly Cantor Pottery, The Art Garden and Shelburne Falls Yoga. The next session runs from July 30 to Aug. 3, and from Aug. 13 to 20. For more information about classes and monthly rental rates for studio time, call 413-625-2870 to register or enroll online at:
mollycantor.com/classes