ABOUT US
ACH is more than just a pottery studio - it's a creative hub where passion + community come together. Our story began with 3 potters and a strong desire to get clay into the hands of makers, old and new, near and far.
We strive to provide a welcoming, supportive space where everyone can explore the world of clay and find inspiration in the thriving community of fellow ceramics lovers. Our mission is to build community, foster creativity and ensure access to top-quality education + supplies for all.
While offering a place to learn, create and connect, our diverse range of classes and workshops taught by our talented instructors cater to the needs of every potter. We provide multi-week, Wheel + Handbuilding intensive classes, while our one-time, project-based classes are perfect for those freshly exploring clay or needing a quick burst of creative activity.
We've held workshops with world-renowned artists and educators, bringing students from across North America to learn from:
Hsin-Chuen Lin
Austin Coudriet
John Britt
Our space consists of 2 studios--Upstairs (24/7 access FT Members) + Downstairs (PT Members)--which combine for 6,250 square feet of creative space! Both studios are linked by our back stairwell, which allows for seamless access to both floors.
Our studio is equipped with 20+ pottery wheels, slab rollers, handbuilding tables, extruders, multiple kilns and a pug mill in addition to various throwing + handbuilding tools (forms, Giffin Grips, etc).
To store personal work + tools, Members get up to 2 dedicated shelves and the opportunity to rent more space as needed. In our Glaze Room, we offer a curated selection of 25 glazes + underglazes, regularly refreshed to keep the palette vibrant + inspiring.
When it’s time to recharge, FT Members can relax in our Upstairs Break Room, complete with kitchen facilities—perfect for enjoying a meal or a snack break before returning to the studio.
Our premium shop is located downstairs. Stocking over 2,000 items, we offer the widest selection of ceramic supplies in the area. Also located downstairs is our Gallery, where we proudly showcase Member and Staff work that is available for sale.
MEET THE TEAM
Don't be a stranger!
Say hello to the ACH team members who are here to offer support, answer your questions or simply give you a high-five.
FOUNDER
Aaron has been developing clay + glaze for hobby ceramics for the last decade, including the popular black clay body "Night". He has a passion for improving access to ceramic materials throughout the western United States. When not doing ceramics, he can be found in the kitchen or garden, surrounded by chilies and tomatoes.
FOUNDER
Danielle was a clothing designer creating wedding dresses + corsets until 2019 when she discovered ceramics. Shortly thereafter, she created the popular white speckled porcelain body "Dragon Fruit". Over the past year, she has become even more fascinated by the science, creating and testing multiple new glazes + clay bodies for production. In 2026, she launched burnt.goo, a line of satin + matte glazes. When not working in the lab or studio, she might be found hiking.
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FOUNDER
Studio Manager
Community is at the heart of everything Rica does. As one of the studio owners, her main focus is to ensure you have the best experience possible at ACH.
When not at the studio, she works on her personal project (hill studio ceramics), and travels up + down the coast, enjoying tasty bites + drinks along the way. She's a lifelong learner that can't wait to learn something from you!
INSTRUCTOR
Wheel
Annabel Lee Allen has been a dedicated potter for over 40 years and has loved every minute of it! Her journey began at 17 when she discovered a potter’s wheel at Hyde School in Bath, Maine. She later studied at Bennington College and Southern Oregon University under mentor Jim Romberg. Inspired by organic forms in nature (such as seashells + decay), fractals and symmetry, her work blends nature + form. In 2023, she exhibited illuminated porcelain mushrooms at the Schneider Museum of Art. Annabel previously taught classes at the Siskiyou School in Ashland and Lillstreet Art Center in Chicago.
INSTRUCTOR
Wheel
Clint started making ceramics in 1987 and continued his pursuit amidst a career in the Marine Corps. In 2014, he earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in sculpture ceramics from SOU and is just a short 40-page thesis away from his Masters. He embraces the constant struggle for balance in life, art, spirit and attempts to reflect this in his work. Since discovering Ashland Clayhouse mid-2025, he's taken up residency, with a cot + sleeping bag in the upstairs utility closet. Occasionally, he will go to his actual home because his cat misses him.
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STUDIO MONITOR
Fia is a multi-disciplined artist who has excitedly restarted her journey into the world of ceramics, eager to learn!
Fun fact, she and Clint met at a ceramics course at SOU!
She loves working with her hands, spending lots of her time as a maker in sculpture, print, collage and textiles.
When not running around the studio or making art at home, she actively practices and tours with her band.
STUDIO MONITOR
Mel is a voluntary corporate refugee who relocated from Bend to Ashland in late 2022.
While one of the OG Members of ACH, her skills as a potter are still percolating. The journey from paperweights to functional bowls is a winding path. In addition to working in the studio, she enjoys the outdoors, volunteering and spending time with her family.
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INSTRUCTOR
Wheel
With an MFA from Alfred University, Juan is a deep well of knowledge that loves sharing with his students. Extremely passionate about this medium, he enjoys every stage of the clay lifecycle, from harvesting to putting the final touches on his sculptures or wheel-thrown work. His work has been displayed in museums around the world + used to serve beautiful dishes in highly acclaimed restaurants in Ashland, OR.
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STUDIO MONITOR
Full of joy and whimsy, Sam loves all things silly. Her love of arts and crafts started young, but her addiction to ceramics started her junior year of highschool. Inspired by anime and gaming, she brings a magical atmosphere wherever she goes. When not manning the front desk or mopping, she’s crocheting and is a hobby hopper. Before the Clayhouse, Sam found herself 24/7 at her local skating rink either skating, coaching, competing, or working! She was a competitive roller skater for 13 years, and a national champion coach.
INSTRUCTOR
Handbuilding
Kids Classes
A lifelong visual and performing artist, Zoë earned her BFA from Bennington College, worked as assistant to the director of the Ed Ruscha Studio for 17 years, toured the world with her band, Looner, and created costumes + music for stage + screen. A former competitive figure skater, she is now a certified US figure skating coach.
In 2021 Zoë co-founded Blue Barn City Farm, a family owned urban farm in Tarzana, CA that offered yoga + clay classes for all ages. Zoë moved to Ashland with her husband + two children from Los Angeles earlier this year and looks forward to sharing her Children's Clay Workshop through Ashland Clayhouse!
