Business Details
35 Years
experience
Your Local Santa Fe Pottery Studio & Gallery
Founded in 1991 as an artists co-op, Paseo Pottery has evolved into a community-driven studio dedicated to fostering creativity through clay. Our journey began with three Santa Fe ceramicists and transformed in 2018 under new ownership committed to charitable impact. We offer hands-on pottery experiences, long-term classes, and workshops for all skill levels while maintaining a unique mission: donating 100% of net profits from our First Friday Pottery Throw Downs to local charities. With over 30 years of service, we've contributed $100,000+ to more than 40 nonprofits, combining artistic excellence with social responsibility. Our team of experienced ceramic artists and volunteers provides personalized instruction in wheel throwing, hand-building, and specialty techniques, creating an inclusive environment where creativity thrives.From traveler-friendly two-hour sessions to comprehensive six-week courses, we emphasize both technical mastery and the therapeutic benefits of working with clay. Our gallery showcases locally made pottery while our outreach programs strengthen community bonds through art. We operate in a spacious studio in Santa Fe's Meow Wolf neighborhood, maintaining partnerships with local organizations to maximize our community impact.
Services
Pottery Classes
Workshops
Private Parties
Gallery Sales
Volunteer Programs
Details
- Year established: 1991
Highlights and features
- 30+ years serving Santa Fe's creative community
- 100% of profits donated to local charities
- Experienced ceramic artists with global expertise
- Inclusive environment for all skill levels
- Unique combination of art education and social impact
What people say
Life-changing experience
Inclusive workspace
Community around clay
Charitable impact
Professional instructors
Services
Pottery Classes
Our pottery classes provide structured learning for all skill levels. Beginners master wheel-throwing basics while advanced students refine techniques. Classes include personalized instruction, materials, and kiln access. Students create functional and decorative pieces while developing artistic expression through clay.
Workshops
Hands-on workshops explore specific ceramic techniques. The Horsehair Raku workshop teaches traditional carbonized pattern creation. Specialty sessions include glaze chemistry, teapot making, and Nerikomi colored clay techniques. Each workshop provides expert guidance and all necessary materials for immersive skill development.
Private Parties
Customizable private pottery parties accommodate groups of six or more. Ideal for corporate team-building, family reunions, or special celebrations. Sessions include instruction, materials, and optional upgrades like catering packages. Participants create personalized ceramic pieces while enjoying a collaborative creative experience in our studio space.
Gallery Sales
Our gallery showcases locally crafted ceramics from resident artists. Featuring functional and decorative pieces, the collection rotates regularly to highlight new work. Visitors receive $15 off purchases after participating in classes. The gallery also hosts seasonal exhibitions celebrating regional ceramic artistry and cultural themes.
Volunteer Programs
Volunteer opportunities include studio assistant roles and teaching positions. Benefits include free membership, class discounts, and 24-hour studio access. Volunteers receive training in kiln operation, glaze mixing, and studio management while supporting our charitable mission through community engagement and art education.
People
Angela Smith Kirkman
Owner
Ceramic artist and photographer with 30+ years experience. Took over Paseo Pottery in 2018, expanding its charitable mission. Combines global travel influences with traditional techniques to create rustic dinnerware. Leads community initiatives and studio operations.
Mike Walsh
Instructor
Co-founder with formal art education background. Began pottery career through apprenticeship. Specializes in wheel-throwing instruction. Maintains technical excellence while fostering creative exploration in students of all skill levels.
Izzie Kirkman
Studio Manager
Second-generation ceramicist with deep studio connections. Transitioned from student to instructor role in 2019. Manages daily operations while teaching hand-building and wheel classes. Focuses on youth education and community engagement programs.
Emma Jo Wych
Studio Manager
Science graduate who pursued ceramics full-time. Teaches wheel classes and manages studio operations. Combines scientific precision with artistic creativity. Aims to establish her own teaching studio while contributing to Paseo's community mission.
Georgina Gibson
Instructor
Former marine scientist turned ceramic artist. Specializes in hand-building with colored clay and wild-harvested materials. Joined Paseo community in 2022, transitioning from student to teaching role. Explores experimental techniques while maintaining functional pottery traditions.
Questions
What types of pottery classes do you offer?
We offer wheel-throwing, hand-building, and combination classes for all skill levels. Six-week courses include personalized instruction, materials, and kiln access with progressive skill development.
How do your charitable donations work?
100% of net profits from First Friday Pottery Throw Downs fund local charities. Customers help select monthly beneficiaries, with over $100,000 donated to 40+ nonprofits since 2018.
Can I visit the studio without taking a class?
Our gallery is open seven days weekly for browsing and purchasing handmade ceramics. Studio access requires participation in classes, workshops, or volunteer programs.
What makes your workshops unique?
Specialty workshops explore niche techniques like Horsehair Raku, Nerikomi, and glaze chemistry. Small group sizes ensure personalized instruction with expert ceramic artists in our professional studio environment.
Are private events available?
Private pottery parties accommodate groups of six or more. Customizable sessions include instruction, materials, and optional upgrades. Ideal for corporate team-building, celebrations, or special occasions in our creative workspace.
How can I get involved with the community?
Volunteer opportunities include studio assistant roles and teaching positions. Benefits include free membership, class discounts, and 24-hour access while supporting our charitable mission through art education and community engagement.
Reviews (5)
Shriram Chauhan
Jan 07, 2022
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Great place, Wes was our pottery teacher and was wonderful! Bought a few pieces and they were beautiful. Couldnt recommend this place more.
Bradford Smith
Dec 26, 2021
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The shop has some beautiful pieces made by local artists. Its worth a visit to find beautiful, one of a kind ceramics. We took a wheel class. It was so fun and informative. We got lots of time after our lesson to play and experiment with what we learned. It was a great experience. I highly recommend it. Our instructor was super friendly and infinitely helpful. On top of all of that, Paseo donates their profits to charities that you, the customer, gets input on choosing. Its a really special place.
Shari D.
Oct 23, 2021
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We were so happy that Angela added this class and made it possible for us to have this amazing family experience! It was awesome to immerse ourselves in the culture and heritage of beautiful Santa Fe, NM, in such a unique way. We had so much fun with Lindsay, our instructor. She was so sweet, helpful and patient with all of us! ( She is a rockstar )
We are so excited to get our creations back and see the finished product. It is also great to know that all the proceeds go to local charities. We highly recommend that everyone does this during your visit to the Land of Enchantment!
We are so excited to get our creations back and see the finished product. It is also great to know that all the proceeds go to local charities. We highly recommend that everyone does this during your visit to the Land of Enchantment!
Holly Gosselink
Oct 22, 2021
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I had an excellent time doing the hand building class! I very recommend Paseo and its amazing volunteer teachers!
Jan B.
Sep 27, 2021
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This class was a great intro to wheel throwing pots. Simple clear instructions to follow and we each made two bowls to enjoy. Great workshop!!
