Henriette Dresens, Founder
We’re celebrating our 43rd year as a pottery studio!
The “POTTERS WIEL” (Dutch for Potters Wheel or Widening Interest and Enjoyment in Life) was started by Henriette Dresens as a small studio located in the basement of the Runeberg Hall, Norwood in 1980. The studio consisted of three wheels & a kiln purchased with money Henriette earned from waitressing. The studio blossomed under the dedicated leadership of Henriette, a potter with a vision and passion for the “Art of Clay.”
Making pots in various shapes & styles and constantly experimenting with new glazes and firing techniques, Henriette & a handful of her students soon became a close-knit, creative group. Then, in 1990, the building in which the studio was housed was sold.
The group found an old warehouse space on Davis Street in Norwood and our cooperative studio Potters Place was formed. We received ‘Not-for-Profit’ status and established a mission to share the pottery experience with the neighboring communities through classes, workshops and special projects for adults and children.
Five years later our rent was doubled, making it necessary for us to search for a new space that could house our studio and school. We moved into the Hogie Bear building in East Walpole. Just five years later that building’s owners informed us that they too would be selling their property.
In late 1999, after a frantic search, we moved to our longtime space just outside Walpole Center which we customized to our own needs and desires.
All good things must come to an end though. In late 2020 we learned that our building in Walpole was sold, and our lease was being terminated. Our search for a new home began anew. Happily, in March of 2021, we moved to a new location at 6 Merchant St. in Sharon, MA.
Today we have 29 member artists who are involved in the running and maintenance of our co-operative studio. Most of our members began as students in our classes and all of our instructors are members. Twice a year we hold a much-anticipated Pottery Sale to showcase the work of our members and to raise donations for a local charity.
Potters Place is recognized as a vital, independent studio that offers its members and students the experience to work with clay. The studio offers an educational environment that is creative, uninhibited and supportive. Share the experience by signing up for a class or workshop, or join us at our Pottery Sales. You’ll be glad you did!