Studio Artists
We host a thriving community of artists in our studio and there’s nothing we love more than sharing their work. If you’re looking for a special gift, a commission, or just wanna treat yourself to something special look no further. This talented group of teachers, staff, members and students has you covered. Scroll through and reach out directly to the artist to make your ceramic dreams come true. You’ll find their contact information below.
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Alexis Courtney (East Clay)
she/her
I make functional pots for the kitchen and home with a focus on minimal shapes and modern design.
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Favorite Richmond Spot: I love spending Saturday mornings at Pizza Bones with the fam. Where our daughter can run around, play with chalk, and scamper through the garden with friends.
Sign: Aquarius
I’ve been working with clay since 2006 when I took my very first wheel throwing class in college while studying photography. I still split my time between the two, photo and clay. But clay tends to own most of my heart. I moved to Richmond in 2015 with my partner and have since fallen in love with the city and all it has to offer. We live in Varina where we have 2 cats, a dog, chickens, 2 ducks, and 2 sweet kiddos.
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Carla Kirby Pillsbury (Ware for Life)
she/her
Functional pieces for everyday use
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Favorite Richmond Spot: Tough one! browsing all of the treats at Stella's Market or hopping rocks at the 43rd st islands
Sign: Libra
I am compelled to make things, pots, food, plants grow...I NEED to use my hands. But I also love teaching all things clay and helping people develop their own relationship with making.
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Emily Wicks
she/her
I work in functional and sculptural work focusing on form and the materiality of clay. I love to make work that becomes part of your daily rituals.
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Favorite Richmond Spot: Dinamo
Sign: Pisces Sun, Gemini Moon, Leo Rising
My mind feels most at ease when I’m in motion. The tactile nature of ceramics allows for a sense of ease - a back and forth of material and a feeling of serenity when you’re in sync with the clay.
I love to collaborate. Most recently I created collections for Nothing in Between, Na Nin, Hazelwitch Farm and Celeste Farms; and exhibited at Quirk Gallery, Secret Flowers and the ICA at VCUarts. -
Hanami Morris
they/he
Depending on my mood, I’ll handbuild cute, slightly nostalgic objects or wheelthrow vessels to carve heavily into them with alien-esque textures.
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Favorite Richmond Spot: Scuffletown
Sign: Double aries, Aquarius moon
I graduated with a major in psych and minors in chemistry and craft. I also do metalsmithing!
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Jordan Shea
she/her
My work often has humble beginnings, but the end results are dynamic and unique with vibrant colors, detailed images, and flowing glaze drips.
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Favorite Richmond Spot: Zoom Room or Short Pump dog park with our pups!
Sign: Virgo
I began working with clay as a wheel-throwing student at Hand/Thrown in 2019 and expanded into slipcasting several years ago. When I’m not in class, I’m working in my small, neon-lit home studio.
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Kat Donnally
she/her
My primary focus as a potter is to make functional work with a strong graphic element, such as a geometric black-and-white pattern or a bold glaze combination. I mainly focus on items that can be used throughout the house, like mugs, trinket trays, planters, and garlic holders, but I do occasionally dabble in purely decorative pieces.
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Favorite Richmond Spot: Hobnob in Lakeside - they have a seasonal menu, great brunch, and most importantly, are only 7 minutes from my house!
Sign: Sagittarius or Scorpio, depending on who you ask (November 22nd)
After moving to Richmond in early 2020 and hunkering down for a year due to the pandemic, I took a pottery class on a whim in 2021. I completely fell in love with it, despite the sad, lumpy creations I was making at the time! I now focus on pottery full-time, and am very grateful to be able to do so. My other interests include web design (my pre-pottery profession!), cross stitch, art of pretty much any kind, finding the perfect red lipstick, and cuddling with my husky.
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Lelia Jenkins
she/her
My work consists of wheel thrown pottery with straight, rigid forms and surface decoration that combines bright geometric shapes and loose splashes of color.
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Favorite Richmond Spot: My favorite Richmond spot is the pipeline walk.
Sign: Aries
I deeply love sharing the beauty of ceramics with others, whether that be teaching Give It a Shot! classes at hand/thrown or sharing pottery knowledge at our local pottery supply store, Clayworks Supplies. I am passionate about the craft and I need everyone to know why!! When I am not engulfed in the world of pottery, I love being a lizard at the river, checking out live music and events around the city, and dissociating into Sims 4 a little bit.
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Lindsay Wood
she/her
I have a playful approach to working with clay, allowing myself to lead with curiosity and intuition. In this busy life, it’s imperative to take time and space to simply enjoy and play and create. Handbuilding is my jam, and I love to experiment with different forms and techniques. Lately I’ve been creating a lot of wall art, like curiosity shelves and wall vases. I also enjoy surface design as a way to express my memories, feelings, and my love of nature.
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Favorite Richmond Spot: Forest Hill Park! It’s basically my front yard, so the accessibility has allowed me to form rituals and a unique bond with the park. I love walking the trails and having moments where I forget I’m in a city. It allows me the space I need to breathe, reset and reflect. Every summer I look forward to seeing the beautiful water lilies, and the live music Sunday series.
Sign: Leo
A Virginia native, I grew up in the Richmond area and went to VCU. I worked in the craft beer industry for over a decade, during which I picked up ceramics as a hobby. I then ventured into the nonprofit sector, where I remain today, all the while making and teaching ceramics classes part time. I love to cook and listen to audiobooks, and am a big movie nerd. I stay active and get outside as much as possible. Lastly, I love an adventure and am always planning my next travel destination!
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Natalie Kohlhepp (Honey Honey Ceramics)
Created in 2019, Honey Honey inspires joy in everyday rituals, specializing in tableware and currently exploring the “+ Goods” side of things. Ritual and Routine items are made on the wheel, hand built, and slip cast.
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Natalie Kohlhepp graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in 2016 with a BFA in Photography and a minor in Painting and Printmaking and has been a member of IATSE Local 487 for 7 years doing Set Dressing for film and TV series. Natalie is a Virginia native and has lovingly called Richmond Home for 13+ years.
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People Via Plants
Matt Spahr he/they
Val Molnar she/theySmall batch slip cast colorful textured functional objects
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Favorite Richmond Spot: Other than Hand/Thrown?! Perk! Blanchards!
Sign: We are both fire signs - Matt is a Leo and Val is Aries
We are two best buddies who have collaborated on many projects, but none as favorite as PVP. We started learning ceramics in 2018 because we love houseplants and we wanted more planters with good drainage.
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Stephanie Rowan
she/her
I enjoy making functional pottery, especially jars and bowls. I like to include native plants in my glaze designs.
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Favorite Richmond Spot: I love going to local coffee shops including IronClad, Perk, and Sefton Coffee.
Sign: Libra
I am a middle school English teacher and Master Naturalist. I love spending time outdoors gardening, hiking, biking, sailing, paddling and nature journaling.