Create.
Unlock your creative potential at Santa Fe’s premier ceramics workspace and gallery.
Now Offering: Horsehair ONLY Raku!
Horsehair pottery is a distinctive technique that involves applying strands of horsehair to hot pottery, creating unique carbonized patterns. The practice is often associated with Native American pottery traditions, particularly among the Pueblo peoples of the Southwest, including New Mexico.
Students should construct their pieces in advance and have them bisque fired before workshop day. It is recommended that pieces are glazed in advance for those with studio access. For those purchasing bisqueware for this workshop, glazing can be completed day-of. Please email info@paseopottery.com at least three days prior to the workshop if you plan to purchase bisqued pieces.
Snacks and drinks will be provided to participants.
AGES 18 AND OLDER ONLY PLEASE. MAX GROUP SIZE: 50 PPL.
Please email info@paseopottery.com or call the studio at (505)988-7687 to schedule your Private Horsehair ONLY Raku Workshop. Available by appointment only!
History of Horsehair Pottery in New Mexico
Horsehair pottery gained popularity in the late 20th century, inspired by traditional pit firing and black-on-black pottery methods of the Pueblo peoples, particularly those of the San Ildefonso and Santa Clara Pueblos. Maria Martinez of San Ildefonso Pueblo was instrumental in popularizing blackware pottery, which shares some similarities in the use of carbonization. The horsehair technique, however, is more closely linked to modern innovations rather than ancient indigenous traditions.
The process involves heating a bisqued pot to around 1300°F and then carefully placing strands of horsehair on the hot surface. The hair burns instantly, leaving delicate, organic lines and smoke patterns on the pot’s surface. Some potters also use feathers or other natural materials.
Now Open
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Tumbleroot Pottery Pub
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Now Open 〰️ Tumbleroot Pottery Pub 〰️
Pottery Experiences
One-time private ceramics experiences for visitors, first-timers, companies, families and more.
Our Programs
Paseo Pottery serves a community with many needs. We cater to large groups, individuals, travelers, seasoned potters and first-time artists. Our large studio in the Meow Wolf neighborhood is equipped with sixteen wheels, three slab rollers, extruders, worktables, tools, materials, a separate glaze room, gas, electric, and raku kilns, and an on-site gallery where our artists sell their work.
pOTTERY experiences
Our pottery experiences are one-time, two-hour sessions guided by local Santa Fe artists and geared toward travelers, newbies, and anyone looking for a fun introduction to pottery. At the end of class, students will recycle their pieces and receive a credit to use in the gallery.
Volunteer
Put your passion for clay to work in our community. Gain access to the studio as a time trade. Learn how to run a ceramics studio and gallery or to teach classes and assist in keeping our space open.
Classes
In our six-week beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes in hand building, wheel throwing, and sculpture, students will learn the entire process of morphing clay into a functional or decorative piece of art. Classes meet once a week on a specific day, and the studio is open seven days a week for students to continue practicing between classes.
We also offer monthly workshops in Raku.
Membership
Students can transition to a studio-membership after completing at least one six-week class series. Members have access to all of the studio’s resources seven days a week.
First Friday Throw Down!
Public event on the first Friday of each month in Paseo Pottery’s studio.
Our Impact
Each year Paseo Pottery selects a local charity to receive all net-profits from our Pottery Throw Downs. Thus far, our pottery-powered charity has donated over seventy five thousand dollars. We embrace a form of conscious capitalism—cover our costs, then invest excess revenue into our community.
100+
thousand Dollars Donated
In our first 5 years as a charity, Paseo Pottery has donated over $75,000 in cash and in-kind donations to local nonprofits. We believe in making our community stronger through our passion for clay.
30+
Years Serving our community
Originally founded as an artists co-op in 1991 by three Santa Fe ceramicists, then in 2018 adopting a new charitable mission to benefit the community.
40+
nonprofits served
Each month we host a Pottery Throw Down for a local nonprofit whose employees deserve a chance to relax. We recognize the acts of service nonprofit employees do for our community and want to express gratitude.
april 2019
“It’s a way to use my passion for clay to do something good for the community.”
Angela Smith Kirkman (owner) / Read Full Article
Sign Up For a Class
One-time two-hour pottery “experiences”, seven-week classes, workshops, and private pottery parties.
Volunteer opportunities
Become a crucial part of the ceramics community in Santa Fe.
Shop the gallery
Three ways to purchase handmade ceramics—at Paseo Pottery’s gallery in the Meow Wolf neighborhood, in our new Tumbleroot Pottery Pub location on the Plaza, or online.