About Pawpaw Studio

Pawpaw Studio is a community ceramic studio in historic downtown Smithville, Tennessee, where people gather to learn, create, and connect through clay.

We offer a variety of ways to participate—from independent studio access and memberships to beginner-friendly classes, workshops, and private clay experiences. Whether you're picking up clay for the first time or looking for a dedicated space to continue your practice, Pawpaw Studio is a place to slow down, make something by hand, and be part of a creative community.

Community Clay

Our Community Clay program provides studio access for independent makers who want space to practice, create, and continue developing their skills. Members and drop-in makers can use our studio equipment, glazes, and firing services in a supportive shared environment.

Classes & Workshops

We offer ceramics classes, seasonal workshops, and special events led by local and visiting artists. From beginner introductions to focused techniques, our classes are designed to help people explore clay in a welcoming and encouraging environment.

Private Clay Experiences

Looking for a creative activity with friends, family, or a special group? We offer private clay experiences for birthdays, gatherings, celebrations, and visitors looking for a memorable hands-on experience.

Have an idea for an event? We'd love to help you plan it.

So happy to announce our upcoming classes for late summer! Registering early is a big help. See y’all in the studio!

Our latest wheel throwing 6 week class is off to a great start. Loving the all the new faces and energy in the studio! 💓 Grateful and excited for more to come!

Our 6-week Intro to Wheel Class is starting soon - perfect for beginners or intermediate potters who want to get into a creative routine and make their own handmade ceramics! Reserve your spot this week! #wheelthrown #potteryclass #wheelthrowing #up

THIS THURSDAY EVENING! Pawpaw is pleased to open our doors again for a monthly crochet circle / all fiber arts circle hosted by our luminous and phenomenal fiber friends @nop84 @stefany2007 @m.carmen.ortega2012 see ya there! 🪢

Prototyping in studio for our upcoming 6 week classes. We’ve got some really fun projects planned!

We are excited to have another slate of great class opportunities coming up in the studio! Tickets are now for sale on our website www.pawpaw.studio 💛 This is your opportunity to learn or cultivate a skill and a regular habit of making! All seats ar

We’ve been planning big things for spring! 🌱🌷 New open studio hours — now called COMMUNITY CLAY Hours begin next week Wednesdays 10-1pm and Friday nights 6-9pm. During Community Clay Hours, anyone can walk in and work on a ceramics proj

Never used to be this excited about test tiles - it’s different when you make them yourself!! New test tiles with dark clay just out of the oven 😍😍😍

Why YES, we have gift cards! Any class or ticket that you want to give as a gift for the holidays may be given in gift form. Just message us via the website contact form or email or instagram DM. Hand made ceramic gift card supplies are limited and f

Had a blast with the sweet crew from @buttonwillowgeneralstore making travel mugs. Learning to make something useful out of pottery together is a great option for holiday parties and team building getaways and we love helping with this! ✨🌟💫

Knitters, crocheters, weavers, sewers, all are welcome to join the monthly fiber arts circle this Thursday evening. There will be tea baked goods and good company. 💫Hosted by @nop84 , @m.carmen.ortega2012 , @stefany2007 6-8pm December 11th! 203 S 4

PSA: This is the last weekend to make something that will be ready in time for the holidays! We will be open for extended hours this Friday Dec. 5th 6-9 and Sunday December 7th 1pm- whenever no one is around! Looking forward to a busy fun weekend at

From now until Christmas, the studio will be open to the public Friday nights and Sunday afternoons! 🚨 Walk-in visitors can choose between a few beginner friendly ceramic crafts designed to be great holiday gifts or decor that you can make in about

VOTING IS OPEN!!!!!! - Let the contest begin 🎃😈 The pumpkin with the most votes will get a free class ticket (well the person who made it)! I will tally up DM’s and in-person votes throughout this week at the downtown pumpkin festival today (

FAQ’s

Get a Quote

Do you need experience to join or take a class?

All levels are welcome to become members of the studio. We only ask that you have taken at least one ceramics class prior to joining. As for workshops, read the full description of a workshop or class prior to purchasing - if the class is geared towards intermediate or advanced skill-levels, it will say so. You are always welcome to reach out with questions.

Can give a membership as a gift?

Absolutely! Make a note in the checkout form. Once you purchase your membership, we will be in touch to coordinate next steps.

If I sign up for a membership online, what are the next steps? How soon can I start using the space?

See the membership product page in the shop section. We prefer that you reach out to us prior to purchasing your membership to share your background and experience level. Once you purchase your membership, we will reach out to you with next steps! Before you can have free access to the studio, you are required to meet us on site for a brief orientation, and to sign a studio agreement.

Are there reduced cost options for memberships and classes?

Check our memberships page for group and family discounted rates! If the cost of membership is prohibitive for you, reach out about work-trade and studio assistant opportunities!

How can I stay up to date on class offerings and studio events?

FIRING: Can I make work at home and fire at the studio?

Yes, we charge $10/half shelf of space used, and $40 for a full kiln load. We are open to offering “firing-only” memberships but the rate will really depend on the volume of work/number of firings needed—if you are looking for this, let’s talk! FYI Kiln firings are included in the price of studio membership!