“Ceramics is the oldest form of art and technology,” says Ralph Nuara, who co-owns Forma Clay along with Michelle Horovitz. “There's almost something instinctually within all of us to make things.”
And making things with clay, he explains, is very physical and engaging. “It's very tactile, very grounding, and feels like you’re connected to the earth.”
Michelle agrees. “It's so intense, it's so hands-on, and it's so messy that you really can't multitask while you're making pottery. You have to be in the moment. For a lot of people, and for me especially, it's helped a lot with my mental health because it's just very soothing, very calming.”
The ceramics studio, which opened in Edina three years ago, was founded on three main principles: flexibility, community, and modernity.
The first one, flexibility, is accomplished by providing members with 24/7 access to wheels, hand-building areas, in-house glazes, and a wide range of shared and specialty tools. There are potter's hours during which students can request help from a teacher as needed.
Members and non-members can also take part in a wide variety of classes from beginner to expert levels. The instructors’ backgrounds range from self-taught to those with master's degrees who have taught at universities.
The second principle, community, is all about bringing people together. “We've tried very aggressively to build a culture here of conversation and collaboration as a way of sharing knowledge and teaching each other,” says Ralph.
In many ways, it was this very culture that brought Forma Clay to fruition. Michelle, who considers herself a hobby potter, wanted to use her business skills to open her own studio. When she met Ralph, a master ceramist and teacher, at another studio, she approached him about teaming up.
“Ralph had all this knowledge, creative energy, and ideas, but he had no real outlet for them. So, one of the things that we have done here is harness his expertise to offer our members and students things that they really can't get at other studios.”
Adds Ralph, “I've thought about running a studio my whole career, but I didn’t want to do it alone. With Michelle’s experience in business and leadership and my expertise in the craft of ceramics, it was a very good fit.”
The studio is filled with many modern amenities. “Modernity, the third principle, pertains to the premium nature of the studio,” says Michelle. “Ceramics can be an expensive hobby, and we really want it to be accessible. We have a shared community tools library, so nobody has to actually buy any tools. While some studios have shared tools, they’re usually just the basics. We have every tool one could want.”
Other studios provide glazes, but at Forma Clay, there are glazes, stains, underglaze, and pencils. “We have all these fun things, and they are all available for everyone to share and use.”
Sharing is a big part of what they do, not only with members and students, but with others in the community. “We have different events where we can critique those who want to bring in their work and get feedback,” says Ralph.
There are also Community Clay Days. “These give people a taste of our studio without having to purchase a class,” says Michelle. “It's like a mini class, and we fire what they make to be picked up later. It's been nice for members and students to bring friends and family in and share the studio with them at no cost.”
Children are also welcome. Summer camps for kids ages six to 17 are held all summer long. During the school year, there’s a Young Potters Program for those nine and up.
A gallery on the second floor of the studio offers people an opportunity to showcase their creations. “There are artists and teachers here who have been selling their work for many years, but a lot of our artists who are selling in the gallery have never sold their work before,” says Michelle. “So, we're trying to make Forma Clay an entry point for potters who might want to try their hand at selling their work. They’re learning how to price things and what sells and what doesn't.”
In the next few months, they’re also partnering with Brasa, which is located downstairs. “We're going to have our own little retail space there,” she says.
The two business partners are proud of what they have built, and Michelle finds great joy in creating something people want and need. For Ralph, sharing his craft with others is special. “Passing on the thing that I love doing is very rewarding.”