Maho Bay Clayworks @ Pickles Offers Open Studio Sessions, Classes

 

Maho Bay Clayworks @ Pickles co-owner Casey Giakas, above, smiles from the window of the new pottery studio in Coral Bay.

Although Maho Bay Clayworks @ Pickles remains a work in progress — a covered outdoor studio area is in the works and the oil-burning kiln will be rebuilt this month — owners Casey Giakas and Gail Van de Bogurt recently opened the new studio for open sessions and are kicking off the first class in their new location September 18.

The pottery studio was housed at Maho Bay Campgrounds for 11 years before the eco-resort closed in May.

With a loyal following and local talent, Giakas and van de Bogurt moved the operation to Pickles in Paradise in Coral Bay in late June. A quaint shop, brimming with beautifully hand-crafted pottery is located next to the deli and the studio is found just out back.

Giakas and Van de Bogurt hosted a soft opening when they initially settled into their new location, but the duo plan big things for this coming winter season. Residents can look forward to watercolor and clay classes as well as exciting visiting artist workshops.

“Our studio is not quite ready, however, we are really excited to start inviting St. John and St Thomas people to come and check out our new spot and make some pots,” said Giakas. “Gail and I have some free time and we think you might as well. We will try to work with your schedule so we can all have some fun.”

While work at the outdoor studio area continues, open studio hours are available now. Open studio hours at Maho Bay Clayworks @ Pickles are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The studio is offering special discounted September and October rates. Enjoy a single three hour studio session for $18 or a six-session package for $50.

Beginning November 1 Maho Bay Clayworks @ Pickles open studio rates will be $25 for single three-hour sessions and $70 for the six-session package, which must be used within three months. There will also be a 12-session package for $125 which must be used within three months. There is also a special unlimited access monthly membership for $250 per month, which includes use of a storage cubby, wheel reservation, no time limit, keyed access and a 10 percent discount on workshops.

Van de Bogurt is offering a two-day Terra Cotta functional pottery wheel class on Wednesday, September 18, and Wednesday, September 25, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The class cost is $250, which includes up to 25 pounds of clay, colored slips, glazes and all firing fees. Four open studio sessions are also included in the class cost, which must be used within one month. Students must have taken a basic potter’s wheel class and know how to center clay and throw a cylinder.

Red terra cotta is a smooth, easy-to-throw, deep iron, red clay and works well with white and colored slips and “scraffito” drawing as surface decoration. It’s a colorful low-fire pottery that is food safe but more porous and fragile than stoneware.

There are only six spaces in Van de Bogurt’s terra cotta class, three of which have already been reserved. Call (340) 514-6594 or email potteryinparadise@gmail.com soon to get a space in the class, which can be reserved for $50, withe balance due at the first class.

Giakas is in the process of forming a beginning pottery wheel evening class, which will meet from 4 to 7 p.m. This class will be for beginners and those who need a reintroduction to the wheel. Call Giakas at (732) 997-9049 to register.

Maho Bay Clayworks @ Pickles is also offering private classes for $50 per hour with a minimum of four students, which does not include clay.

The pottery studio is now including firing fees, as well as bisques, use of glazes and glaze firings, in the price of clay. Prices range from $95 for a 25-pound Cone 10 Stoneware to $5 for a one-pound bag of any clay. Reclaim clay will be on sale when available as well.

For more information or to register for classes call Van de Bogurt at (340) 514-6594 or Giakas at (732) 997-9049 or email potteryinparadise@gmail.com.