With the second studio location on 1485 Dupont Street gearing up to open its doors in the new year, Dana is stepping into an exciting new chapter as the proud owner of not one, but two pottery studios in Toronto! Her path to clay has been anything but ordinary—starting in the high-paced world of fashion and winding its way through the welcoming, messy world of pottery. Here’s a behind-the-scenes peek into what inspired Dana to take this leap, the lessons she's learned along the way, and her vision for what the Dupont location will bring to the Toronto pottery scene.
From Fashion to Clay: Dana’s Unplanned Pottery Journey
Dana’s journey into pottery wasn’t part of a grand plan—it was an unexpected but beautiful twist. “I worked in fashion for high-end brands for years, but I always knew I wanted to build something that was mine,” she shares. While working in fashion, she often saw processes she knew could be improved but felt stifled from implementing those changes. "I’d have ideas, only to have them shot down, which drove me crazy," she says, laughing.
When Dana stumbled upon pottery as a hobby, she had zero intention of it becoming anything bigger than a weekend passion. "Opening a studio wasn’t on the radar, even while I was studying ceramics at Sheridan," she reflects. But as life evolved and family commitments grew, the idea of opening a studio felt like the best way to merge her love for pottery with her need for flexibility. “I couldn’t just pick up and do residencies or a Master’s program abroad. But I could open a space that had everything I loved about community and craft, done in a way I knew would work.”
The second studio location is her answer to that drive. “This space is a bigger canvas to explore my passion for pottery. But more than that, I love connecting people,” she says. Growing up, Dana had different groups of friends, bringing them together to create new connections. “I was already building community, I just didn’t realize it. Now, I get to do that with clay, and I’m finding that potters are some of the most generous and warm people you could meet.” It’s safe to say that the Dupont location is not just a pottery studio—it’s a place for unexpected friendships and community to thrive.
Creating a Space for Connection, Not Just Craft
At its core, Parkdale Pottery has always been more than just a business; it’s a community space for learning and connection. “Pottery is expensive, so I wanted to make it as accessible as possible—a welcoming, artist-run studio where everyone feels at home,” Dana says. “I wanted Parkdale Pottery to be a place where building connections felt natural. Students, members, staff—we’re all in this together.”
Dana is especially proud of her team, each of whom brings their own expertise as working artists and/or recent graduates from Sheridan’s 4-year Ceramic Program. “Our instructors and technicians are much more than teachers—they’re deeply immersed in their craft, and I value the insight they bring from years of experience.” At the Dupont location, she’s excited to offer even more specialized classes and opportunities for creativity, all while fostering that same sense of belonging and shared passion.
Being rooted in the Parkdale community has also shaped the studio’s growth, with many members living just blocks away. “It’s incredible to see friendships forming over clay, even seeing members’ families join us for anniversary celebrations,” she says. Events like member challenges, potlucks, and blindfolded pottery sessions add to the non-judgmental, fun environment that Dana has worked to create. “There’s no gatekeeping here—just lots of learning from each other, and that elevates the whole community.”
With the second studio, Dana hopes to carry this spirit forward in fresh ways, expanding on ideas that foster creativity without boundaries. She beams, “We even offered our space to a member for her Nuit Blanche exhibition prep. The Dupont location is a place to create, share ideas, and celebrate the art of clay together.”
Dupont's Unique Offerings
Dana can’t wait to kick off some unique classes at the Dupont Location, including ones Toronto hasn’t seen before. “One of the most exciting is our mold-making and slip-casting course,” she hints. She’s also planning figurative sculpture classes that explore creative ways to work with clay beyond traditional methods. “Imagine using wild clay as a glaze,” she says, eyes lighting up. “We want people to get into the science and art of ceramics with everything from wild clay to advanced kiln firing classes.”
With these offerings, Dana is creating a space that not only welcomes new potters but also challenges experienced artists to take their craft further. The second location is all about giving people more access to studio time and the chance to work alongside artists who share her dedication to the craft.
Dana’s journey from fashion to clay has been anything but typical, but it’s that unique path that gives Parkdale Pottery their special charm. From a place where people gather over potlucks and blindfolded challenges to a studio that values both high-level skill and a supportive community, Dana’s vision is simple: to give Toronto’s potters a home where they can create, connect, and thrive. With the Dupont location now part of that vision, the future of pottery in Toronto just got a lot brighter—and a lot more fun.
______________________________________________________________________________________
Welcome to Parkdale Pottery, your premier destination for pottery classes and workshops in Toronto's vibrant Parkdale neighborhood. As a woman-owned teaching studio, we're committed to fostering creativity and skill development in clay and ceramic arts. Our welcoming studio space is designed to bring together artists of all levels, providing a supportive community where friendships flourish alongside artistic growth. Join us in exploring the boundless possibilities of pottery, whether you're a beginner or seasoned artisan. Let's sculpt, shape, and create together at Parkdale Pottery!