From the first day, the disillusionment started - despite promises of wheel access in the listing, I discovered such lessons come at an extra $90 per session, payable directly to an outside instructor because the owner says she doesn't know how to throw clay on the wheel. Given the already steep class fees and promises to teach the class how to throw on the wheel, this hidden cost was understandably frustrating.
Communication has also been poor. With no set kiln schedule posted, getting one's pieces fired requires constantly pestering the owner for an unknown ETA and she usually doesn't answer phone calls or texts. The lack of organization both wastes clay supplies and leaves artists unsure of timelines.
Most upsetting, however, has been witnessing inconsistencies in how different patrons are treated. While some are allowed concessions like bringing children, others bearing the same request seem mercilessly denied. The atmosphere feels tense and unpredictable as a result.
It pains me to critique, as the craft is one I love dearly. However, a supportive space is so important for creativity to flourish. Unless changes are made to improve organization, communication and fair practices, I cannot responsibly recommend others spend time or money there at this juncture. Artists deserve clear guidelines and a stress-free environment conducive to growth. There are surely better outlets available.
I hope this review spares future potters frustration. While passion for clay united us initially, disparate experiences have since driven us apart. Perhaps one day conditions will improve - until then, artists' well-being must come first. I wish all potter-folk the very best in finding studios suiting their needs.
Edit: While I understood your desire to clarify your perspective, continuing to push unfounded claims will only undermine the credibility of your statements. Let me be unambiguous - the accusations of cursing, theft, removing materials without permission, asking ME to leave and not return, "leaving doors open" are demonstrably untrue.
When raising concerns about inconsistent policy enforcement in the past, the core issue was not any personal animosity but a perceived lack of fair and equal treatment among patrons.
You claim the rule against children was clear and applied to all, yet allowing regular exceptions for some while strictly prohibiting it in my case understandably felt inequitable. Had the rules been explained and applied transparently without double standards from the start, things may have transpired differently.
When I respectfully asked for clarity on the divergent approaches to children, you told me, "NOT TO QUESTION YOUR BUSINESS PRACTICES." At that moment telling you that I would not be returning and removing you from my social media, seemed necessary for my own integrity and well-being at the time.
Promoting a welcoming, stress-free space for creativity to flourish requires fair, compassionate and consistent standards for all. I had hoped any issues could be addressed constructively through respectful dialogue.
However, continuing to spread misinformation serves no good purpose and undercuts civil resolution. While our partnership has concluded, I hope that going forward the studio will focus on nurturing an inspiring, supportive and equitable community for all artists to thrive.
I wish only the best for your endeavor and all who find community within. Now, let us respect each other's space and move forward in a spirit of positivity instead of past...
Ā Ā Ā Read moreI LOVE this place!
The monthly open studio fee is a great bargain! Not only are use of studio, tools, glazes, and firing included, but you get that precious time for yourself. Yes, I could find creative outlets at home, but I rarely do, because being surrounded by things that need doing or cleaning or fixing and people that want three meals a day (the nerve!) is stifling to creativity.
Now that I have studio time to look forward to, I find I no longer resent having to do chores at home. Everything is better in my life. Itās cheaper and easier than finding a good therapist and avoids the negative side effects of medication. I save money because I can make things instead of buying them, and I can make special, one-of-a-kind gifts. Iāve even noticed Iām less tempted to buy things I donāt need. Instead I take a picture, so I can think about what I liked about an item (shape, color, utility) and refer to those ideas later in the studio.
The studio owner, Renee, is fun and friendly and full of creative ideas when youāre looking for a little help, yet knows when to step back and let you try things on your own.
Iām so glad I decided I was worth it and took the plunge. Iām a much calmer and happier person now, and the people that live with me are better off for that. Renee, I thank you, and my...
Ā Ā Ā Read moreI have been going to Wrenworks, for almost a year. When I started, i questioned if I could make anything I liked. I have loved how my pieces have turned out. Anytime I think I have made everything I want to, Renee has new stuff in!! Always things I want to paint. Most recently I have become obsessed with the silkscreen stencils.i started using the silkscreen stencils, to make plates, for my kids and I, for our new place. They each have their own. Picture attached I recently did my first clay event (witch hat). I had an amazing time coming up with what I wanted my hat to look like. I am hoping to do more clay soon ā¤ļø My 15 year old daughter also brought her friendās, to do pottery, for her birthday. They had so much fun and their pieces were so pretty. Renee is friendly, upbeat and professional. Always willing to help or answer questions. I look forward to the times I can go in and escape into...
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