Our Story
In 1991, three Santa Fe ceramicists founded Paseo Pottery as an artists co-op. For decades, the three potters collaborated on throwing techniques and glazes to sell their work across the country. Paseo Pottery was originally located in a tiny adobe on Paseo de Peralta, hence our name.
In 2018, when the founders were ready to pass the torch to a new generation of potters, Angela Smith Kirkman, who had been volunteering at the studio for over 15 years, took over. With a goal of ensuring that Paseo Pottery would have a lasting impact on the community for years to come, Angela brought on a team of enthusiastic volunteers, moved the studio to a larger location, and created a new vision for the studio. Paseo Pottery is now a pottery-powered charity embracing a radical form of conscious capitalism: cover costs, then donate the rest to improve society. 100% of net proceeds from our First Friday Pottery Throw Downs are donated to local charities each year, as selected by our customers, and we’ve donated over $75,000 thus far!
Come take a class with local artists or stock up on handmade pottery and one-of-a-kind pieces of ceramic art in our online gallery.
“This place and its wonderful staff & volunteers saved my life!”
"Community around clay is paramount. I think Paseo’s mission attracts great people — I am constantly being inspired, challenged and celebrated by the community at the studio. It makes my art better and makes me better.”
— Leila Alhemali, Resident Artist (2022)
Today, Paseo Pottery is located in a large studio/gallery in the Meow Wolf neighborhood. The studio is run by a team of volunteers excited to share their love for clay. Paseo Pottery holds daily pottery experiences for travelers, long-term classes and workshops for locals, and monthly events. We pride ourselves on being a fun, inclusive workspace and welcome people from all populations in Santa Fe’s diverse community.
Come visit us! Our gallery is open for shopping seven days a week, and there’s always something happening in the studio from long term classes to workshops, 2-hour pottery “experiences” for travelers, and First Friday Pottery Throw Downs! Sign up on our website and come play in the mud with local Santa Fe artists!
