A year ago, Sarah Ahart stood inside an empty South Baltimore warehouse and saw what she’d been searching for.
She’d spent two years looking to rebuild what she’d left behind in Western Massachusetts. There, she’d been a part of Easthampton Clay, a pottery studio where she was inspired by how creativity and friendship complemented each other. “Being surrounded by fellow creatives who enjoy the same passion for clay is an unmatched feeling,” she said.
On April 25, Mudhouse Pottery Studio will celebrate its first anniversary with an open house and pottery sale from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 1827 Marshall Street. Visitors can tour the space, meet local artists, and browse pottery made by current studio members.
The studio, part of a larger revitalization effort near Federal Hill, offers eight-week classes in wheel throwing, hand-building and decorating, along with specialty workshops and private events. In its first year, it has drawn hundreds of community members through its doors.
For student Catherine Stephan, the studio filled a gap after relocating to Baltimore. “Mudhouse has been a key community hub for me,” she said. “Not only have I gotten to learn and enjoy a new hobby in a supportive and stress-free environment, but I’ve also made incredible friends who I see both in and outside of classes.”
That sense of community is something Ahart built deliberately. Before opening Mudhouse, she pursued a career in exhibit design and project management, which helped her renovate the space into her studio.
The studio’s programming reflects its mission to draw residents of diverse cultures. Recent examples include Filipino carving, sculpting Black hair, and matcha bowl making. Member Nadine Bowen said the approach has worked. “Mudhouse has given South Baltimore a creative space that draws a wide variety of community members together,” she said. “Building something out of clay with your hands brings a joy one must experience personally.”
Ahart said watching early students become committed members has been one of the year’s quiet satisfactions. “Some people took the first class when we opened and haven’t stopped since,” she said. “I’ve really enjoyed watching the space grow and seeing all of the pottery and friendships that have been made. I am excited to see what’s to come.”
The April 25 anniversary event is free and open to the public. More information is available at mudhousepotterystudio.com.