Wheelhouse Clay Center in Brattleboro officially opens to the public at Gallery Walk on Friday, May 3, 5:30-8:30PM, with an all-studio celebration.
Wheelhouse offers many ways for people who enjoy clay to be engaged: makers space rentals, classes and workshops, and monthly Clay Play / Date Nights that offer three hours of creative fun. The gallery shows the work of owners, members, and invited guests.
Teta Hilsdon and Shari Zabriskie, owners and managers of Wheelhouse, have deep roots in the local arts community. Hilsdon was a co-founder of Brattleboro Clayworks in 1983 and worked there until 2002. Zabriskie, a member of Brattleboro Clayworks more recently, knew that the local need for pottery studio space and classes exceeded what Clayworks could provide. When the two learned that the former Baskets Bookstore space was available for lease, their vision took form within the 3,800 square foot space. With donations of equipment, time, and money from friends, and guidance from Vermont Small Business Development Center, Hilsdon and Zabriskie took the leap.
All 23 clay makers at Wheelhouse have been invited to show and sell their clay creations. In addition to work by Hilsdon and Zabriskie, visitors will encounter the work of Alexa Berton, Nathan Boiley, Shirley Chancey, Kathie Gatto-Gurney, Monica Hastings, Brooks Heley, studio technicians Emily Bourne and Emily Wright, guest artist Marilynn Buhlmann, and members of Brattleboro Clayworks, with whom Hilsdon and Zabriskie maintain a collaborative connection.
Tours of the studio, hands-on clay play, information about classes and events, and refreshments will be provided during the open studio. Visitors will be enticed as well by live music with Carol Compton and Steve Procter.
Wheelhouse Clay Center is at 48 Harmony Place in downtown Brattleboro, Vermont. The Gallery is open Wednesday–Saturday 12–6PM. Find more at WheelhouseClayCenter.com, and on Instagram and Facebook.