Townsend Pottery Guild Opens for Students of All Ages
 | Author:
Nancy Marks
Nancy Marks: MT43 News Secretary and News Editor |
Townsend Pottery Guild Opens for Students of All Ages Nancy Marks Teddy Lewis’s best dream came true Saturday when the Townsend Pottery Guild opened its doors to the public for the first time at 108 No. Spruce St. next to the Laundromat.
Teddy is a long-time potter and multi-media artist who has volunteered with the Science Technology Outdoors Knowledge and Entrepreneurship (STOKE) after-school students group.
Lewis has a background in social work and addiction counseling. He graduated from the University of Montana in Social Work and Fine Arts. He worked in Alaska and the Northwest area until he retired to Townsend. He had worked with the STOKE board for a year getting the pottery space up and running. “I am really excited to bring this art opportunity to Townsend,” he said.
The Guild group was able to rent the stark-white work room from TK and Denise Hartmann who had recently purchased the building. The building also is home to a preschool. According to STOKE board member John Hahn, grant money for the startup came from COVID funds via the Office of Public Instruction for after school programs. As a nonprofit, STOKE was awarded the $53,000 grant in 2022. In- kind work came from Clint Watson’s school shop students who built custom tables for the pottery shop. The group has also worked with the Helena Arts Council who donated finished bowls from their “Empty Bowls” fundraiser for Helena Food Share. Lewis had worked with the Council before moving to Townsend.
People who are interested in throwing pots are encouraged to contact Guild members. The initial cost for the first month is $50. Additional months’ membership will be $65. The class is open to 12 persons per session. The Pottery Guild workshop will be open 9-5 p.m. weekdays.
To sign up please contact Teddy at (406) 439-9245.
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PhotoCredit: Nancy Marks
Image 1 Caption: Artist and Pottery expert Teddy Lewis guides Marilyn Schleining-Flores as she attempts to throw her first pot.
Image 2 Caption: Pottery professional Judy Siler closed her pottery shop at her home off River Road during COVID. She will join the Guild as a volunteer.
