Business Details
26 Years
experience
Your Trusted Ceramics Studio & School in Canton, CT
Canton Clay Works is a premier wood firing studio and ceramics school established in 2000 by renowned potter Tim Scull. Our facility, located in the historic Canton Creamery building, offers comprehensive ceramic education through pottery classes, workshops, and firing services. With 25 years of experience in ceramic arts and 30 years of wood firing expertise, we provide students and professionals access to sophisticated kilns and glazes rarely found in small private studios. Our team of experienced instructors and staff fosters a collaborative environment for artistic exploration, offering 11 wheels, a slab roller, extruder, and nine cone 10 clays.We maintain a 45-cubic foot Cone 10 reduction gas kiln alongside specialized raku and saggar kilns, supporting diverse firing techniques. Our commitment to quality education and exceptional facilities has served thousands of artists across the United States and Canada, making us a trusted leader in ceramic arts education and wood firing services.
Services
Pottery Classes
Wood Firing Workshops
Saggar Firing
Raku Workshops
Glaze Services
Studio Rentals
Clay Sales
Private Tuition
Firing Services
Gift Certificates
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- 25 years of ceramic education experience with state-of-the-art facilities
- Access to sophisticated kilns including a 45-cubic foot Cone 10 reduction gas kiln
- Expert-led workshops in specialized firing techniques
- Comprehensive material selection including nine cone 10 clays
- Proven track record serving thousands of artists across North America
What people say
Expert-led workshops
State-of-the-art kilns
Creative environment
Comprehensive material selection
Experienced instructors
Services
Pottery Classes
Our comprehensive pottery classes cater to all skill levels from beginners to advanced artists. Students receive hands-on instruction using professional equipment including 11 wheels, slab roller, and extruder. The program emphasizes technical skill development while encouraging creative expression through various ceramic techniques and glazing methods.
Wood Firing Workshops
Specialized wood firing workshops utilize our unique Naborigama and Train Kilns for authentic high-temperature firing experiences. Participants learn traditional techniques using Will Ruggles' award-winning kiln designs and benefit from 300+ successful firings over 18 years. The workshops focus on achieving distinctive surface designs through controlled atmospheric conditions.
Saggar Firing
Our saggar firing services use sealed vessels with organic materials to create unique patterns on ceramics. The process combines traditional Chinese/Korean methods with modern innovations, producing distinctive color effects through mineral salt interactions. Participants receive detailed guidance on preparation and execution of this specialized technique.
Raku Workshops
Raku workshops teach both traditional Japanese tea ceremony vessel techniques and contemporary adaptations. The process involves rapid heating to 1800F followed by post-firing reduction in combustible materials. Students learn to create one-of-a-kind decorative pieces with characteristic crackle patterns and metallic finishes.
Studio Rentals
Studio rental services provide access to professional ceramic equipment six days weekly. Renters benefit from 11 wheels, extruder, slab roller, and extensive glaze collection. The facility supports independent artists with bench time availability and access to multiple specialized kilns for various firing methods.
People
Tim Scull
Owner
Renowned potter with 30 years of ceramic arts experience and 25 years running Canton Clay Works. Former managing director of Farmington Valley Arts Center's ceramics department. Developed sophisticated kiln systems and educational programs that serve thousands of artists annually.
Maddisen Fostyni
General Manager, Instructor
Experienced ceramics professional overseeing daily operations and teaching programs at Canton Clay Works. Provides expert instruction while managing facility logistics and student services to maintain the studio's educational mission and operational excellence.
Johanna
Studio Manager
Dedicated studio manager ensuring smooth facility operations and supporting artists' needs. Coordinates equipment maintenance, material inventory, and workshop logistics while maintaining the studio's welcoming environment for creative exploration.
Natalie Pittman
Instructor
Skilled ceramics instructor offering expert guidance in pottery techniques and firing methods. Contributes to educational programs while supporting students' creative development through personalized instruction and technical expertise.
Kevin Shaw
Instructor
Experienced ceramics educator providing technical instruction and creative mentorship. Specializes in various firing techniques and studio practices, helping students develop both technical proficiency and artistic expression in their ceramic work.
Questions
What types of pottery classes do you offer?
We offer beginner to advanced wheel throwing, hand building, and specialized techniques for all skill levels.
Do you provide materials for students?
Yes, we supply clays, glazes, tools, and equipment access for enrolled students and members.
Can I rent studio space independently?
Studio rentals are available six days weekly for independent artists with access to all facilities.
What firing techniques are available?
We offer wood firing, gas reduction, raku, saggar, and sawdust firing techniques with specialized kilns.
Are private instruction sessions available?
Private tuition is available for personalized instruction in specific techniques or projects.
Do you offer gift certificates?
Yes, gift certificates are available for classes, workshops, and studio services.
Videos
Reviews (1)
Donna Pioli
Nov 06, 2021
Report
Tim Scull at Canton Clay Works offers an inclusive, educational and exciting opportunity to rent kiln space in his kilns by the cubic inch, including but not limited to his Train Kiln, Naborigama and gas kilns. If youre a New England potter wondering where you can wood fire, this is it!
