CLAY HABIT STUDIO FIELDWORK
Clay Habit Studio
Jensen Beach, FL
A presentation by Brenda McCullers
Clay Habit Studio started with making and supplying wind chimes for Publix Supermarkets over thirty-five years ago. Eventually a studio and kiln opened for area artists to use and classes were offered. In 2001, Clay Habit became a distributor for Axner Clay Company and a general store was added to provide supplies for area schools, studios, and local potters.
Today, the owner and teacher, known to everyone only as Mia, holds classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Wednesdays and Fridays are open studio days and summer camps are held for children. The general store is open Tuesday through Friday and appointments can be made for Saturday. Both local and visiting artists also hold workshops throughout the year.
The studio is located in a small residential/business district comprised of older Florida style homes. Mia’s studio is surrounded by native landscape, clay sculptures, blown glass artwork, and a fence with locked gates. Regular patrons know where the key is hidden. For others a phone call is necessary to come in.
Upon entering, signs direct you along the rock, shell, and concrete walkway to the backyard. This is where you will find Mia, surrounded by handmade artwork, pottery, and supplies. Quickly you come to realize that Clay Habit Studio is not just another pottery studio. It is a refuge, a haven for students to learn from a skilled, educated and gifted teacher.
If you listen carefully to the conversations during one of Mia’s classes you will hear students make comments like these:
The conversations give a clear perspective of the student’s respect for Mia’s instruction and knowledge. But, it is not only about Mia’s teaching, her student’s genuinely love her.
After visiting you would agree, Clay Habit Studio is not just another pottery studio. It is a refuge, a haven. Clay Habit is unique. It is a place where education and instruction are priorities, a place where students are excited to learn, and also a place where friendships are built.
Jensen Beach, FL
A presentation by Brenda McCullers
Clay Habit Studio started with making and supplying wind chimes for Publix Supermarkets over thirty-five years ago. Eventually a studio and kiln opened for area artists to use and classes were offered. In 2001, Clay Habit became a distributor for Axner Clay Company and a general store was added to provide supplies for area schools, studios, and local potters.
Today, the owner and teacher, known to everyone only as Mia, holds classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Wednesdays and Fridays are open studio days and summer camps are held for children. The general store is open Tuesday through Friday and appointments can be made for Saturday. Both local and visiting artists also hold workshops throughout the year.
The studio is located in a small residential/business district comprised of older Florida style homes. Mia’s studio is surrounded by native landscape, clay sculptures, blown glass artwork, and a fence with locked gates. Regular patrons know where the key is hidden. For others a phone call is necessary to come in.
Upon entering, signs direct you along the rock, shell, and concrete walkway to the backyard. This is where you will find Mia, surrounded by handmade artwork, pottery, and supplies. Quickly you come to realize that Clay Habit Studio is not just another pottery studio. It is a refuge, a haven for students to learn from a skilled, educated and gifted teacher.
If you listen carefully to the conversations during one of Mia’s classes you will hear students make comments like these:
- “You better listen, she knows what she is doing.”
- “She never measures anything and it comes out perfect every time. I would have my ruler out measuring this and that. Not Mia, and look.”
- “Mia, I’m not sure what to do with this mermaid’s tail. Suggestions?”
- “I like it like it is, but if Mia says it needs more black paint, then it needs more black paint.”
- “You know she is the best around.”
The conversations give a clear perspective of the student’s respect for Mia’s instruction and knowledge. But, it is not only about Mia’s teaching, her student’s genuinely love her.
- “Mia, did you see Shakira on The Voice this week? I know how you love her!”
- “Yes, yes, yes – her new album is already #2.”
- “No it’s #1!”
- “You know where she got, my hips don’t lie? If the music isn’t good her hips won’t move.”
- “Mia did you get your truck back yet?”
- “No not yet. I’ve been walking everywhere. Look, I’ve worn my sneakers out. I need to go to Kohls.”
- “Get your purse. I’ll take you.”
After visiting you would agree, Clay Habit Studio is not just another pottery studio. It is a refuge, a haven. Clay Habit is unique. It is a place where education and instruction are priorities, a place where students are excited to learn, and also a place where friendships are built.
