Claying on of hands

Hobbies—we all want them. They make you a more well-rounded, interesting member of society. However, finding an accessible, creative way to pass the time can be easier said than done. So what’s a person to do in town that’s both stimulating and affordable? How about throwing around a wedge of clay?

Ceramics, an art generally offered only in private studios and university settings, is now an option for those looking to get their hands a little dirty, thanks to the Wedge.

Barely a year old, the local ceramic studio opened its door in September 2011, and with the dedication of its young artistic owners—husband and wife Sutter and Samantha Stremmel—its been steadily spinning itself a following ever since.

Offering not only an independent practice in a membership format for established ceramic artists, the Wedge also offers its wheels up to clay novices—without all the hoop jumping a university class would require, such as applications and of course, grades.

“They’re not done in an academia setting,” explains 12-year ceramic junkie, instructor Bryan Stieger, of the beginners’ class he teaches monthly. “I’m not going around critiquing. I want people who work all week to just be able to come in, get on the wheel, and have some time to relax and have fun.”

And fun they do have. With people of all demographics coming through the studio to try the course, which is offered at $90 for three three-hour sessions on Thursday evenings, Stieger says the only consistent similarity he sees among people coming through the door is their attitude.

“People have smiles on their faces when trying out the clay,” he says. “Or when it’s spinning through their fingers. They love just getting messy.”

That, and the romantic fantasy those who have seen Demi Moore’s clay spinning skills tend to entertain. “Everyone always wants to make pots on the wheel if they’ve seen the movie Ghost,” Stieger laughs. “They’re always somewhat intrigued by that.”

One former student who can vouch for the mesmerizing effect getting a little clay under the fingernails has is Randy Boggan.

Boggan signed up for November’s beginner class, after his potter brother-in-law introduced him to the art while seeking a place in town he could spin while visiting.

“He was jonsing to put his hands in some clay so … we went down and I watched him throw,” Boggan says. After that, he was hooked. “My wife has become a widow to the studio—I probably go down four times a week to learn something new.”

The opportunity to acquire new skills from the existing members, post beginners course, is easy—the studio is open 24 hours daily to them. Upon signing up with a month-to-month fee, they are given a key and can come and go as they please. An open studio format ensures someone is always around to lend a clay-covered hand.

“Any of the members, and [owners] Sutter and Sam, are willing to help in anyway they can and share their skills,” Boggan says. “That’s what makes it a pretty unique experience.”

“Our members take pride and ownership in this place,” Samantha Stremmel confirms. “They’re very supportive.”

And with the studio gaining popularity—the recent beginners classes have filled up so quickly they started taking deposits in advance—the Wedge seems to be successfully striking while the kiln is hot.

“Right now we’re thriving,” Samantha Stremmel says. “I think Reno really needs it—so we’ll be around for a while.”