How it started
Smith said her love for art began in her youth when she made mud cakes in her childhood backyard. As she aged, Smith said her passion for art grew with her, but she never imagined she’d be an artist herself.
In 2004, Smith’s husband blindfolded her and drove her to Patty Kramer’s pottery studio, where he revealed Smith would be taking pottery classes for the next eight weeks. Smith credits Kramer for her transition into teaching pottery.
“She made us really believe that every single piece that we made was beautiful,” Smith said. “So I find myself not only believing that, but sharing that and being able to see the pieces that my students make and help them to see it in a different way.”
What they offer
Merry's Mud Pottery House offers six-week classes for ages 17 and up and are beginner friendly.
Along with coffee, tea and homemade baked goods, the pottery studio also sells Smith’s handmade ceramic pieces. The storefront also features various local vendors’ products, including: leatherwork by Candace Smith, home goods by Marquita Davis; cards by Shirlene Evans-Bridgewater and Jane Bost; and artwork by Donna Kotch, Laura Thomas and Ethan Langford.
Looking forward
When asked about the future of Merry’s Mud Pottery House, Smith said she hopes people will remember it as a place that welcomes all.
“I want to leave the legacy that there existed a place where everybody was welcome to come. I love that folks come in and they will look at the art and look at the artists who put their heart and souls into their work,” Smith said.
