Testimonials

What did you like best about this workshop?
All of your advice. I learned more than I thought possible. Amazing experience. Best pottery experience after trying 3 different studios. The binder is a great resource, very thankful for it!
"Rena is such a wonderful teacher. She's patient and kind. I learned so much from her in just three days. She has the ability to transmit to the most novice of students not only her knowledge and her skill, but also the spirituality that is hidden in clay. I truly thank her and will cherish the lovely things I was able to make for the rest of my life." - Valérie K. Orlando, Professor, French and Fancophone Literatures and Cultures, Head, Department of French and Italian, University of Maryland
What a great experience! If you've been thinking of taking your first pottery class and are just starting out or even if you have some past experience and wanted to brush up on the basics, this class has it all. Rena conducts her beginners class utilizing two basic methods, the instructional or informational portion and the "hands-on" application. She has an abundance of knowledge in this art form, which she eagerly shares with her students in this workshop. A great instructor with that rare teaching ability to make the learning experience an enjoyable one.
I received this workshop as a gift and was somewhat reluctant to go, seeing I had zero knowledge. Well, needless to say, I learned a great deal and the workshop was so enjoyable I can't wait till I'm available to sign up for one of her more advanced classes. Thank you Rena.
SC / Swansea, MA
"The workshop was perfect in every way. Extremely informative, great hands on—Rena you have a wonderful, warm way with your approach. I enjoyed the whole experience. Looking forward to continuing with my clay experience! So relaxing!!!" - C.A.
"I initially came to Rena to take her Beginner's Workshop and to gain more individualized instruction on hand building techniques. As an elementary art teacher, I've sought new methods to introduce to my students. After taking one class with Rena, I can assure you that any college class could not provide you with the wealth of knowledge that Rena can offer in a few hours. She has held my hand on everything from buying clay to firing a kiln. In addition to her years of experience, it is clear that Rena has done her research from soup to nuts. She generously provides her students with information on firing temperatures, texturing methods, glazing techniques, etc: all topics you need to know if you're looking to do this independently. She is all the while encouraging as students work on their creations, explore new techniques, and develop ideas. Any book or website could not give you the information that Rena could. I am so glad to have found her. Trust me: whether you are a beginner or an expert, take a class with Rena. You will leave with great confidence in your knowledge of ceramics." -Tiffany
"The beginner workshop was even more informative than I had expected. We learned enough to get started on our own. I’d recommend it to anyone who has ever wanted to take a pottery class—You can’t go wrong!" - T.B.
"This was my first pottery class. I never wanted it to end. It was so informative. Rena showed us slides by other artists- some were just starting out and their work was fabulous. Rena inspired me and by the time class had ended I felt like I had created a masterpiece. Thanks Rena." - S.B.
“Rena’s beginner workshop was thoroughly enjoyable. The information she shared was extremely well organized and thorough. Her teaching style is excellent. She knows when to suggest and when to let the student explore on her/his own. It was great fun, and I have a lovely piece of glazed pottery to enjoy.”
"Really fun! Rena is a wealth of information. I enjoyed her helpful non-intrusive style. Just held back & made suggestions for me to choose from. A skill in itself. Knowing your stuff and teaching. Rena’s excellent at both. I look forward to coming back." - B.C.
"The class was very enjoyable. I’m a (returning) potter and this was like a crash course on what I needed to know. I do not think I could have returned to doing pottery without it. You have a nice studio. You have really a wealth of information to share and I was very impressed with your hand-building. I had worked primarily on the wheel. I was really convinced to do more in hand-building. Thanks alot. See you in the future!" - B.G.
"The class put together two concepts, imagination and the magic at your finger-tips. Together you get dynamite results." - M.S.
"Rena was very encouraging during my first “pinch pot” experience. The class was relaxing...you seem to lose yourself in the creative process which is a “feel good” experience. The women in my class were supportive, fun and interesting to share the day with. It was very relaxing...like therapy." - S.G.
"I really enjoyed the beginner hand building class. Thank you. The tips that you gave us were priceless. The visuals were very helpful in understanding some of the concepts. Thank you for spending so much time creating the handouts. It was good not to have to write everything down. My only complaint was that the day went by too fast. Thanx again." - S.B.
"Very good instruction. Think that the 2nd day really helps to complete the projects. Very wonderful environment to work in. Not intimidating at all—very calming. Yes classes help me feel like I am an artist. I lack (lots/some) confidence in my ability to make pottery."
"I thoroughly enjoy working with Rena. She has helped me with my abilities and I had a wonderful experience."
"Positive reinforcement—excellent knowledge of all things dealing with pottery, clay, glazes, paints, all types of textures."
"I thoroughly enjoyed my experience in class. Rena is VERY knowledgeable in subject matter and an excellent teacher/instructor—I would highly recommend her classes to the novice as well as master artists."
"I started with no knowledge of pottery and after just her beginner class—I feel confident, knowledgeable and very pleased with my pieces. Rena was a very engaging master teacher. I would highly recommend this class for any beginner student."
"Just what we were looking for as part of our summer vacation plans. We had so much fun and found the workshop to be so informative. It helped us open up and explore our creative side. Rena shared all her trade secrets and expertise, so we could get started on a new journey of creating. This is not just a “play with clay” workshop. She shares with you a wealth of information, that when you leave, you feel confident about attending an art show and being able to distinguish different types of pottery. So work the cost. Thank you Rena." - D and J. Machinporrata
"In just a short time Rena provides a great education from A-Z about the techniques and possibilities of what you can do with clay. Most important - she makes it fun. Even though I had some experience (owned a wheel) and my gal pal had not - we both learned a lot. Rena brings out your creativity and delivers a wonderful experience that makes you want to do more. She gets four stars!" - Chris & Ann 2013