Early in 2022, a few Prescott potters found they shared a vision of creating a community ceramics studio that could serve the Quad Cities area. They each had previously been part of community studios elsewhere, and their lives had become richer both in acquired skills and in friendships made working side by side with other clay lovers. The three began looking at properties and working on business plans.

Then something occurred to them.

Rather than an “if you build it, they will come” scenario, it felt more organic to first find and build the community and then create the studio together. We began to host monthly potlucks for anyone who worked with clay, from novices and hobbyists to professionals. These events continue to this day and have been a huge success, forging friendships, sharing resources and questions, excellent food, and so much laughter. We called ourselves Mud Makers.

Mud Makers offers numerous workshops throughout the year, taught by local professional artists. Workshops have included wheel throwing, lidded boxes, saggar firing, handle making, wall pockets, and trimming. Mud Maker workshops are open to the public and fill up quickly.