St Leonards Ceramics Studio

Aim

Support the St Leonards Ceramics Studio to open to the community for classes, workshops, membership and taster sessions in Autumn 2021

About the studio

Opening in autumn 2021, the studio will be based within the historic Marina colonnade on the seafront of St Leonards on Sea and will host the largest facilities dedicated to wheel throwing and hand-built ceramics in the local area.  The space itself is laid out over two floors where the highlight will be TEN new throwing wheels where lessons will be taught by local tutors.  Hand building, glazing, and decorating techniques will also be taught, offering students the opportunity to further explore all forms of working with clay. For those who already have an established practice, the studio will have a membership scheme where ceramicists will have access to wheels, tools, and kilns. With two large double fronted windows framing the space, it will also be an ideal location to browse and purchase ceramic work from the students, tutors and members. The St Leonards Ceramics Studio aims to be a creative community hub for all levels of experience within a friendly and well-equipped environment. 

More about who I am and how I got here

My name is Kim Kish and I am ceramicist working mostly with thrown forms.  I have been making ceramics for over 20 years while also working full time for arts organisations in the USA and UK.  I have finally decided to take the plunge and focus solely on this new project alongside my own ceramic practice.  All of my previous learning and development has arisen from teachers who shared their expertise and space, providing a real community of creatives and I'm so thrilled to carry on that tradition and open a ceramics studio myself, which will be for the community.  

Community and learning

The opportunity exists to create a hub for ceramics, providing learning through classes and courses for adults and children, open access membership, scholarship placements, work experience, and apprenticeships.   The increased foot traffic to Marine Court and the local area will be a thriving place that will benefit local businesses and shops.  The studio will also be a place for young people to learn, take on practical work experience, and offer apprenticeships. Working with clay has endless possibilities to explore and everyone will have fun - if it's for just one class or a full 10 week course. There will be opportunities for individuals to push their skills and practice further through making, and also to expand their knowledge of ceramics through guest lectures and specialist workshops from tutors across the country. Located in central St Leonards, the project will offer a unique opportunity to take a class combined with a swim or visit to the beach (just across the road) or stop by one of the local shops or restaurants which might just be selling some of the work made by the potters from St Leonards Ceramics Studio.  

Classes for all ages

There will be plenty of classes available throughout the weekdays, both mornings and evenings to suit most schedules.  Local tutors will teach all of the classes and bring a wealth of different techniques and styles to suit all levels. Advanced throwing and hand-building courses will take those students who are ready for more challenges on that journey and offer more personalized exploration and development.   After-school classes and weekend family workshops will enable all ages to get working with clay.  For those who might not live locally, or those locals who just want to dip their toes in, taster sessions and group away days will be available.    

Open access membership

For those who already have some experience or want additional time in the studio, membership will be a key offering for those who want to work at their own pace and use the facilities on a flexible basis. Various prices and packages will be available, from those who are booked onto their first class to those who exclusively want a space to work.  All the funding supports new equipment for throwing, firing, hand building, and a range of purchased and exclusively developed glazes for students.  

Opportunities for makers

For students and members, St Leonards Ceramics Studio will offer opportunities to exhibit their work in the two double fronted windows.   The ability to sell work gives confidence and opens up discussions between the public and individual makers.   Students and members will also get priority booking for guest tutors and workshops.  

Crowd Funding - Supporting the Studio

This project is no small undertaking, and as such, I am asking for your financial support to help secure its success. Your money will go towards the setup of the studio that will support creativity, personal growth, and the well-being of adults and children.  St Leonards and Hastings will benefit from an increased activity that supports tourism and income to the town and provides opportunities for further education and learning.  All of the donations and rewards will help get the project off the ground to start classes in autumn 2021. The aim is to raise £12,000 for equipment and setup costs.   

Costs that need your support

Ceramics equipment and setup costs are expensive and a large initial investment, which is why there are not so many studios or workshops.  All of the money will go towards the following:

• 2 kilns
• 10 throwing wheels
• Pugmill for recycling clay
• Clay extruder
• Tables and workbenches
• Clay, glazes, and materials
• Shelving, lighting, and sinks
• Tools and equipment
• Website, advertising, and design

More than ever there is a need to be creative, to continue to develop, learn and explore, be inspired, this will be a place to develop your creativity or just have fun working with clay.     

This project successfully funded on 5th October 2021