Reston neighbors and friends Jennie Persson and Paola Lluberas first tried making pottery on a beginner wheel in Lluberas’ back yard. The two wanted a creative outlet, but they found that pottery classes and studios in the area often had long waitlists or strict requirements.
Their solution? The two opened their very own studio, Potters Union, in Herndon in October. It welcomes all skill levels and offers memberships, hand-building and wheel-throwing classes, and workshops.
Pottery Without Judgment
“We’re not so focused on you being able to create some incredible piece, or have [pottery] experience, or send a portfolio before we accept you. Everyone’s welcome,” Persson says.
Lluberas, a CPA, and Persson, who worked in international development, were at the playground with their kids in May when they first discussed the concept. Just months later, they had leased a space and were designing their dream studio, buying clay and wheels and kilns, and getting ready to welcome their first clients.
Their vision was for Potters Union to be an accessible, serene space for people to experiment with pottery without judgment. It features 11 potters’ wheels, two kilns, stations for hand-building and glazing, and a screened-in patio where visitors can relax.
“We wanted to create something where it felt like we were at home. … It feels like a creative sanctuary, you feel inspired,” Lluberas says.
A Popular Concept
The studio offers memberships in two tiers. The full membership provides open access to the studio and equipment and shelf space, plus perks like discounts on clay. The “essential” membership has similar amenities, with three days a week of access and slightly less shelf space. The studio also offers beginner and intermediate classes in eight-week sessions and some single-day workshops, led by one of Potters Union’s six instructors.
The community has jumped at the opportunity to join the new studio. By the time Potters Union opened, more than half of the membership spaces had sold. Now, every space is filled. There’s a waitlist available for those interested in future memberships. Classes and workshops are still available.
“Something about [pottery] is just so relaxing. It’s not really [about] the outcome, but it’s a very meditative way of disconnecting and trying to relax,” Lluberas says. “Everybody’s happy when they’re in here. Even if you walk into the studio feeling bad, by the time you’re done, it’s like, ‘OK, I’m feeling better.’ It’s like therapy, but without a therapist.”
Feature image of Paola Lluberas, left, and Jennie Persson by Maggie Roth
