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Our Story

Hands on Clay Studio is a small-batch pottery practice, specializing in crafting functional ceramics for everyday use. Our team comprises skilled artisans dedicated to producing handmade, quality pottery that seamlessly combines functionality and mindfulness. Operating as a small practice enables us to prioritize attention to all the small details, and ensuring that our work is affordable and sustainable for everyone. 

The studio is a great stepping stone for individuals of all levels. We’re a highly collaborative and supportive team, coming together to ensure that participants receive quality learning sessions, from the first-time clay student to the most experienced potter. Learning to throw pottery prioritizes practicing over quality. Finding  a balance between quantity and quality is essential for growth as a potter. As a beginner quantity helps build foundational skills and confidence, quality ensures that each piece that is made is a reflection of craftsmanship and artistic vision. The goal is to practice diligently and to push one’s skills to the limits. In ceramics, the more you practice, the greater your proficiency will become. Remembering all new skills require practice, practice, practice.

 

 

 

 

Jackie Pavlik is a ceramic artist, instructor and founder of Hands On Clay Studio in the South Valley of Albuquerque.
Her passion is teaching and earning and mentoring in clay.

She holds 2 master degrees in art and education from Teachers College at Columbia University in New York.
She has shown her work in New York, Chelsea, the Middle East and at other pop-up shows.
 Jackie’s travels have shaped her work through 25 years of experience in creating ceramics.
The result is focusing on form and function meant for daily use. Her work is sold nationally, and at local art fairs and regional pop-ups in Albuquerque, Santa Fe and New York.

 


Don Harrington is a full-time studio artist at Hands On Clay Studio. Before delving into pottery, Don dedicated over 30 years to working as a software engineer and instructor.  

His teaching experience continues, albeit now as a ceramics instructor. His upbringing in New Mexico reminds profound influence on his work and approach to ceramics. The result is a focus on crafting both creative and functional wares. His work is sold art local art fairs and regional pop-ups in Albuquerque and Santa Fe,