Business Details
32 Years
experience
Handcrafted Pottery & Ceramics Classes in Merrimac
Purple Sage Pottery, founded in Merrimac, Massachusetts, has been a cornerstone of ceramic artistry and education for over three decades. Our studio specializes in handcrafted stoneware and porcelain pottery, combining functional design with artistic expression through reduction-fired glazes. Under the leadership of Iris Minc, we offer comprehensive pottery classes for adults and children, open studio access, and rental spaces for independent artists. Our commitment to quality is evident in our 70-cubic-foot gas kiln, which ensures exceptional firing results.We host biannual pottery sales featuring works from 12-15 regional artists, fostering a vibrant creative community. With small class sizes and personalized instruction, we nurture both beginner and advanced students' artistic growth. Our gallery showcases an extensive collection of everyday wares, one-of-a-kind sculptures, and custom commissions. Sustainability practices include clay recycling and eco-conscious studio operations. The studio's 2,500-square-foot facility features electric wheels, slab rollers, and extruders to support diverse ceramic techniques.
Services
Pottery Classes
Studio Rentals
Open Studio Time
Ceramic Sales
Custom Orders
Glazing Workshops
Kiln Access
Art Exhibits
Clay Supplies
Gift Certificates
Details
- Year established: 1994
Highlights and features
- 30+ years of ceramic arts expertise with professional-grade equipment
- Small classes (max 9 students) with personalized instruction
- Access to 70-cubic-foot gas kiln for superior firing results
- Community-focused studio hosting regional pottery exhibitions
- Sustainable practices with clay recycling and eco-conscious operations
Services
Pottery Classes
Our 10-week pottery courses accommodate all skill levels from beginners to advanced artists. Students learn wheel-throwing, hand-building, and glazing techniques using professional-grade equipment. Small class sizes (maximum 9 students) ensure personalized instruction from experienced ceramic artists.
Studio Rentals
Monthly studio memberships provide 24/7 access to our fully-equipped facility with electric wheels, slab rollers, and extruders. Potters receive storage space and access to gas kiln firing by the cubic inch or full kiln load for independent production work.
Open Studio Time
Current and former students may use studio facilities during designated Saturday hours. Reservations are available through our online system to maintain capacity limits while offering flexible access for personal ceramic projects.
Pottery Sales
Twice-yearly studio sales feature works from 12-15 regional ceramic artists. Events include functional wares, decorative pieces, and one-of-a-kind sculptures with price points ranging from $22 to $360 across porcelain and stoneware collections.
Custom Commissions
Special order services for unique ceramic pieces including sculptural elements, functional dinnerware sets, and decorative installations. Artists work directly with clients to realize custom designs using both wheel-thrown and slab-building techniques.
People
Iris Minc
Owner & Founder
Established Purple Sage Pottery 30 years ago after studying ceramics at Michigan State University. Develops unique molds and tools for distinctive pottery designs while teaching advanced techniques to students and emerging artists.
Anni Melancon
Instructor
Studio potter with 28 years of teaching experience at Purple Sage. Specializes in decorative stoneware, majolica, raku, and pit firing techniques while sharing extensive knowledge of clay and glaze chemistry.
Lisa Mistretta
Ceramics Educator
Teaching at Purple Sage for 16 years, Lisa focuses on creative development through wheel-throwing and hand-building. Helps students materialize ideas into clay while emphasizing technical skill development and artistic expression.
Jenny Graf
Pottery Instructor
Ceramic artist since 2007, Jenny teaches fundamentals of clay work while guiding students through hand-building and wheel-throwing techniques. Encourages exploration of surface decoration and functional pottery design.
Meryl Goldsmith
Class Instructor
28-year studio member with teaching experience in hand-building and wheel techniques. Combines broadcast communications background with ceramic arts to create engaging learning experiences for students at all levels.
Questions
What pottery classes do you offer?
We provide 10-week adult classes covering wheel-throwing, hand-building, and glazing techniques with small class sizes (max 9 students).
Can I access the studio outside class hours?
Saturday open studio time and monthly memberships offer independent access to our facilities with professional equipment available.
Do you sell finished pottery?
Our gallery features functional stoneware and porcelain pieces priced $22-$360, with biannual studio sales showcasing regional artists.
What equipment is available?
Studio includes electric wheels, slab rollers, extruders, and a 70-cubic-foot gas kiln for both educational and independent use.
Are custom ceramic orders possible?
Yes, we create custom commissions for functional wares and sculptural pieces using both wheel-thrown and slab-building methods.
How do I register for classes?
Contact us by phone or email to check availability, then submit a $200 deposit with our registration form for 10-week sessions.
Reviews (2)
Steve Drake
Mar 27, 2021
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I have several interestingly original and beautiful pieces of Iris Minc pottery that grace my custom-made, floor-to-ceiling office shelves. These extraordinary pieces allow for opportunities to indulge in quiet moments of reflection. They also create a sanctuary feeling, a warm and inviting environment that promotes creativity and productivity.
Are you looking for pottery to create a tranquil haven or to enhance the surroundings in your office or home? If so, visit Purple Sage Pottery in Merrimac, Massachusetts where you will find many unique, harmonious pottery creations that will have enduring
Are you looking for pottery to create a tranquil haven or to enhance the surroundings in your office or home? If so, visit Purple Sage Pottery in Merrimac, Massachusetts where you will find many unique, harmonious pottery creations that will have enduring
Eric Guo
Aug 06, 2020
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Iris makes amazing potteries. I love her work. It is a lot of fun to visit her studio and check out her newest work!
