Follow Us
WELCOME TO
RIVER OAKS POTTERY
At River Oaks Pottery, we provide everything you need to hone your craft and ignite your creativity. Our studio is a vibrant community of artists, where fellowship and shared passion fuel your inspiration. Join us, and begin exploring your imagination while crafting beautiful, lasting masterpieces.
_edited_edited.png)
About the Teacher
MaryEllen Free
_edited_edited.png)
From a young age, I've been captivated by color and beauty, exploring various art forms such as acrylic painting, soft pastel, photography, pottery, and silversmithing. My passion for creativity led me to earn a Fine Arts Degree from George Mason University, where I delved into painting, graphic design, and 3-dimensional art. I began my career as a Computer Illustrator and Graphic Designer, but after years in the industry, I felt a strong pull back to my fine arts roots, rediscovering my love for painting and pottery.
Who We Are
At River Oaks Pottery, we nurture imagination and creativity, guiding students as they bring their artistic visions to life. Whether you're visiting for a single session or ready to embark on a deeper creative journey, you'll find a welcoming space and a blank canvas waiting for you. Our supportive instructors are here to help you every step of the way.
Our Goal
My goal is to teach you how to bring your ideas to life in clay. Learning a new discipline takes time, practice, and patience, but I strive to make the process enjoyable and accessible for everyone. Join us in this opportunity to share our love for art, while creating both beautiful and functional pieces in clay.
Our Classes
Wheel Throwing
Discover the therapeutic art of pottery with River Oaks Pottery’s exclusive wheel-throwing classes. With class sizes limited to just 4 students, you’ll receive personal instruction in an intimate, hands-on learning environment. Throughout each session, you'll master studio safety, equipment usage, centering techniques, creating cylinders, trimming, and glazing. You’ll have the chance to craft up to 4 unique pieces, which will be fired and glazed—all included in the class price. Unleash your creativity and experience the joys of pottery with us.
Hand Building
Experience the joy of pottery making with our Hand Building class at River Oaks Pottery. With just 3 students per class, you’ll enjoy personalized instruction tailored to your needs. Learn to create functional pieces using the slab roller, while mastering studio safety and equipment usage. Choose from exciting projects like a coffee cup, butter dish, bowl, platter, or plate, and discover how to bring them to life. Join us for a creative and fun-filled experience!
Studio Time
Studio Access is available for $15.00 per hour, billed in half-hour increments. Active students are invited to use this time to practice on the wheel or work at the table, using studio tools, stamps, rollers, and glazes. Access is available by walk-in or reservation, with reservations made up to three days in advance. Please note that full payment is required for all reserved time unless the reservation is canceled at least 24 hours in advance. You may call or text me to make a reservation, and you're welcome to call ahead before walking in to check availability.