Business Details
28 Years
experience
Your Trusted Pottery Studio in Wilmington, NC
Established in 1998, Fat Cat Pottery has become a cornerstone for ceramic artists and enthusiasts in the coastal Carolinas. Our dual studios in Wilmington and Ocean Isle Beach provide comprehensive resources including professional-grade equipment, extensive supply inventories, and structured educational programs. With over 25 years of experience, we offer 24/7 studio access for members, beginner-to-advanced classes, and specialized workshops led by industry professionals. Our commitment to ceramic arts extends through community initiatives like the Coastal Carolina Clay Guild, which we've supported since 2007.We maintain rigorous operational standards through detailed studio protocols and member application processes. Our expertise spans pottery instruction, material science with multiple clay body formulations, and glazing techniques. As an industry leader, we host annual events like Pot Fest, drawing regional artists and collectors. Our trustworthiness is demonstrated through transparent business practices, clear cancellation policies, and consistent community engagement.
Services
Pottery Classes
Studio Memberships
Ceramic Supplies
Workshops
Pot Fest Event
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of ceramic arts experience with professional-grade facilities
- Our 24/7 studio access accommodates artists' flexible schedules
- We provide structured curriculum from beginner to advanced levels
- Our workshops feature nationally recognized ceramic artists
- We maintain industry standards through detailed studio protocols
What people say
Expert instructors
Well-equipped studios
Creative community
Excellent workshops
Great learning environment
Services
Pottery Classes
Structured 5-week pottery courses for adults aged 18+. Offer wheel throwing and hand-building techniques with professional instruction. Includes glazing materials and access to studio equipment during class hours.
Studio Memberships
24/7 access to fully equipped pottery studios. Requires application and experience verification. Includes use of wheels, kilns, and workspaces for independent ceramic projects.
Ceramic Supplies
Retail store offering professional-grade ceramic supplies. Carries Mayco, Amaco, and Laguna glazes. Stocks tools, clay bodies, and equipment from leading industry brands.
Workshops
Specialized workshops led by master potters. Focuses on advanced techniques like altered forms and surface design. Requires prior pottery experience for participation.
Pot Fest Event
Annual pottery festival featuring live demonstrations, vendor marketplace, and hands-on experiences. Showcases regional ceramic artists and supports local arts organizations.
People
Mary Holden-Hall
Founder
Established Fat Cat Pottery in 1998 as a community-focused ceramic studio. Developed educational programs and membership systems that serve over 100 local artists annually.
Vicki Dingler
Instructor
Expert in commercial glazing techniques with extensive teaching experience. Leads fundamentals workshops that help beginners achieve professional-quality finishes on pottery projects.
Ben Owen
Master Potter
Recognized ceramic artist conducting advanced throwing workshops. Brings 4-day intensive programs to the seaside studio, focusing on technical skill development.
Karen Godwin
Workshop Leader
Experienced instructor specializing in throwing and slip design techniques. Co-leads immersive workshops that combine technical instruction with creative exploration.
Brian Evans
Sculpture Specialist
Expert in altered forms techniques with 3-day workshop programs. Teaches advanced students how to break traditional pottery shapes through innovative forming methods.
Questions
What pottery classes do you offer?
We offer 5-week beginner to advanced classes in wheel throwing and hand-building, plus specialized workshops for experienced artists.
How can I access studio facilities?
Studio access requires membership application approval and adherence to our established studio protocols.
Do you sell ceramic supplies?
Yes, our retail stores carry glazes, tools, clay bodies, and equipment from major ceramic industry brands.
What is Pot Fest?
Our annual October pottery festival features live demonstrations, vendor marketplace, and hands-on experiences with regional ceramic artists.
Are there age requirements?
All classes and workshops require participants to be at least 18 years old.
What locations do you operate?
We have studios in Wilmington at 2500 Blue Clay Road and Ocean Isle Beach at 1641 Seaside Road SW.