Pewabic, the historic Michigan pottery known for its distinctive tile, also has a flourishing workshop program open to the public. The offering is a rare chance to learn ceramics in a historic building alongside one of the country’s oldest continuously operating potteries in the US.
Studio location: Detroit, Michigan
When was the studio established? Founded in 1903, Pewabic remains one of the nation’s longest continuously operating potteries. Our community studio occupies the same historic building where generations of Detroiters have learned and practiced ceramics alongside the production of Pewabic’s signature tile and vessels.
Business structure—co-op, nonprofit, private: Nonprofit.
How many staff keep the studio running smoothly? Do members contribute to the studio upkeep? Our education team includes six staff members—three managing the onsite studio, two running offsite programs, and myself as team director—supported by a roster of teachers and docents. Together, we coordinate all educational and archival programs. Students assist with light cleanup, while Pewabic staff handle firing, maintenance, and operations to preserve the studio’s historic space and equipment.
How many members does the studio host? Rather than a membership model, our student participants register per class session. Each term, we host about 90 students in multi-week courses, which grants access to studio equipment, firings, and glazes.
What is the studio’s most popular offering? Several hundred participants join us annually for one-day workshops—our most popular being tile glazing sessions that connect directly to Pewabic’s legacy of decorative ceramics.
Does the studio include a gallery space or host exhibitions? Pewabic maintains a museum gallery showcasing historic works from our collection, offering visitors a glimpse into the artistry and legacy of founders Mary Chase Perry Stratton and Horace Caulkins. We occasionally host sales featuring student work.
What resources are available to the community beyond classes—residencies, open firings, events, etc.? Beyond studio programs, we offer lectures on Pewabic history, free access to our onsite museum, and community events such as our annual Raku Party, where guests glaze and fire a vessel during live demonstrations. Many offerings highlight Pewabic’s heritage and its role in Detroit’s cultural landscape.
What makes the studio unique? Our location within Pewabic’s historic building sets this studio apart. Students work amid one of America’s oldest active potteries, where tile production, glaze testing, and preservation all happen under one roof—creating a rare connection between living history and contemporary practice.
One tip/piece of advice on cultivating a thriving studio: Stay multifaceted. Pewabic’s balance of heritage, education, and production keeps us responsive to changing public interests and economic conditions—an approach that has sustained us for more than a century.
One goal for the future: To continue adapting alongside Detroit—remaining flexible, forward-thinking, and deeply committed to serving our community through clay.
the author Annie Dennis is the Education Director and Archivist at Pewabic Pottery, one of the nation’s longest continuously operating potteries. She oversees Pewabic’s education programs and archives, connecting Detroit’s ceramic legacy with its creative future.
We understand your email address is private. You will receive emails and newsletters from Ceramic Arts Network. We will never share your information except as outlined in our privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Please enjoy this complimentary article for the month.
For unlimited access to Ceramics Monthly premium content, please subscribe.
We understand your email address is private. You will receive emails and newsletters from Ceramic Arts Network. We will never share your information except as outlined in our privacy policy. You can unsubscribe at any time.
Subscribe to Ceramics Monthly
Pewabic, the historic Michigan pottery known for its distinctive tile, also has a flourishing workshop program open to the public. The offering is a rare chance to learn ceramics in a historic building alongside one of the country’s oldest continuously operating potteries in the US.
Studio location:
Detroit, Michigan
When was the studio established?
Founded in 1903, Pewabic remains one of the nation’s longest continuously operating potteries. Our community studio occupies the same historic building where generations of Detroiters have learned and practiced ceramics alongside the production of Pewabic’s signature tile and vessels.
Business structure—co-op, nonprofit, private:
Nonprofit.
How many staff keep the studio running smoothly? Do members contribute to the studio upkeep?
Our education team includes six staff members—three managing the onsite studio, two running offsite programs, and myself as team director—supported by a roster of teachers and docents. Together, we coordinate all educational and archival programs. Students assist with light cleanup, while Pewabic staff handle firing, maintenance, and operations to preserve the studio’s historic space and equipment.
How many members does the studio host?
Rather than a membership model, our student participants register per class session. Each term, we host about 90 students in multi-week courses, which grants access to studio equipment, firings, and glazes.
What is the studio’s most popular offering?
Several hundred participants join us annually for one-day workshops—our most popular being tile glazing sessions that connect directly to Pewabic’s legacy of decorative ceramics.
Does the studio include a gallery space or host exhibitions?
Pewabic maintains a museum gallery showcasing historic works from our collection, offering visitors a glimpse into the artistry and legacy of founders Mary Chase Perry Stratton and Horace Caulkins. We occasionally host sales featuring student work.
What resources are available to the community beyond classes—residencies, open firings, events, etc.?
Beyond studio programs, we offer lectures on Pewabic history, free access to our onsite museum, and community events such as our annual Raku Party, where guests glaze and fire a vessel during live demonstrations. Many offerings highlight Pewabic’s heritage and its role in Detroit’s cultural landscape.
What makes the studio unique?
Our location within Pewabic’s historic building sets this studio apart. Students work amid one of America’s oldest active potteries, where tile production, glaze testing, and preservation all happen under one roof—creating a rare connection between living history and contemporary practice.
One tip/piece of advice on cultivating a thriving studio:
Stay multifaceted. Pewabic’s balance of heritage, education, and production keeps us responsive to changing public interests and economic conditions—an approach that has sustained us for more than a century.
One goal for the future:
To continue adapting alongside Detroit—remaining flexible, forward-thinking, and deeply committed to serving our community through clay.
Social handles and website:
@pewabic | pewabic.org
the author Annie Dennis is the Education Director and Archivist at Pewabic Pottery, one of the nation’s longest continuously operating potteries. She oversees Pewabic’s education programs and archives, connecting Detroit’s ceramic legacy with its creative future.
March 2026: Table of Contents
Must-Reads from Ceramics Monthly
Unfamiliar with any terms in this article? Browse our glossary of pottery terms!
Click the cover image to return to the Table of Contents