About Our Staunton Community Pottery Studio

The Pottery Studio

The Covid crisis of 2020-2023 left many of us feeling isolated. We witnessed social groups, routines and traditions dissolve, and other gatherings that went on-line during Covid remained there. As a society, we were left yearning for new community organizations to give us a renewed sense of family and belonging. Cary Dahl launched on a labor of love to create such a community around a common love of pottery and art. In April 2024, she opened the doors of Staunton Clayground behind the Historic Post Office on Frederick St. Over the past two years, the studio has evolved into a diverse but strong community of creative individuals. The studio has grown to include around 50 members, 7 teachers, and 3 staff members. Wheel classes are offered 6-7 days a week, with Handbuilding series and workshops interspersed. 

When asked why she chose pottery as the foundation of this new community, Cary talked about how years of pottery classes at Blue Ridge with her beloved teacher Phil Unger created a desire to make such a joyful, creative and relaxing hobby available to people in downtown Staunton, her adopted home since 1992. She has taught handbuilding classes since the studio opened, leaving the wheel classes to her more talented staff. “Our teachers are amazing. I still find myself taking classes with them so that I can not only grow in my own craft, but also learn from their profound teaching skills. They are able to meet each student’s needs at all levels, and encourage the students to grow and amaze themselves with new-found skills. 

The Art Vault at Staunton Clayground

In response to the closing of the Beverly Street Studio School, we launched the Art Vault. The Art Vault offers classes in Fine Arts, Fiber Arts, and Crafts taught by professional artists in an inclusive, relaxed atmosphere where each student is met and encouraged at their own level.

Paint-Your-Own-Pottery at Staunton Clayground

Our most recent addition is Paint-Your-Own-Pottery. Our studio is unique in that, besides the normal, cute figurines, we offer unique, hand-made stoneware crafted by our teachers and staff. These mugs and dishes are as durable as those you buy in department stores, and will stand up to years of regular use. 

Parties

Looking for a fun and creative way to celebrate a milestone at Staunton Clayground? Our pottery parties and creative events in Staunton, Virginia are perfect for ages 4–99. Choose from hands-on handbuilding clay projects or paint-your-own pottery experiences in a fun, welcoming studio environment. Whether you’re planning a birthday party, team event, family celebration, girls’ night, or creative gathering in the Shenandoah Valley, Staunton Clayground offers a joyful space to create lasting memories through art.

Despite all this growth, we are a community at heart. Visit us and see what we are all about!

To learn more about the community, read the 2025 article in the Staunton News Leader:

Staunton potters hold mug-a-thon to benefit UVA NICU families