Saltstone Ceramics opens Sept 1

Sarah Steininger Leroux believes that a creative practice is an important part of a holistic life, no different than exercise or a spiritual practice. “It’s a part of our psyche to want to produce,” she says, “it makes people feel fulfilled.” And yet, Steininger has found that many people are intimidated by creative experiences. She also feels that in urban tech centers like Seattle, people are often working on intangible projects that make it difficult to walk away and say “I made that.”

Saltstone Ceramics strives to make art and the creative process accessible, right here in Wallingford! Currently run out of Steininger’s Broadview home, the ceramic art and pottery studio will offer a place for people to make, experience, buy, and own art through group classes, private instruction, and studio rental and gallery.

The 1300 square foot space is located in the former I Do Bridal shop, and will feature a rotating gallery of affordable local ceramic art and two separate studios; one dedicated to handwork and surface decoration and the other for throwing.

Eight-week classes will be offered quarterly, and the Fall Quarter will begin on September 10th. While the first quarter is mostly sold out, there is still room in a Friday afternoon class and time to sign up for the January quarter (registration opens in November). The show in the gallery, called Scratching the Surface, will showcase functional pieces like mugs, plate and serving ware in a highly graphical style similar to Steininger’s personal aesthetic, which can be found on her Instagram page.

While it takes time to develop the skill to make pottery on the potter’s wheel, Steininger is convinced that the more you know about a medium by doing it, the more you appreciate the process and the practice. Where else in Seattle can you start with a pile of dirt and end the process by drinking your morning coffee from it?