About

Waterbrook Potters Studio is a community of potters sharing space, equipment, and passion for clay arts. 

The Studio provides members with:

  • the space and use of equipment for creating ceramic art

  • a meeting space for clay community of the New York Capital Region (including Albany, Troy, Schenectady, Saratoga Springs)

  • relevant workshops and classes for sharing knowledge and techniques.

Waterbrook Potters Studio has no profit motive and is designated as a 501(c)(7) non-profit social club.

Leadership

Waterbrook Potters Studio is managed by a Board of Directors. With terms beginning on July 1, 2024 and pictured left to right above, are Cherie Bramley, President; Lindsay Renz, VP; Matthew O’Connor, Treasurer; Jamie Gahtan, Secretary; Jennifer Morrison, Membership; Rebecca Cain, Communications; and Mary Shaw, Operations.

For more information on WPS Governance:

Working Members

WPS currently has seven working members who are the backbone of studio day-to-day operations, ensuring that the studio is clean, stocked and safe and that members are well-informed. Be sure to say “Hi” and “Thank you” when you see them around the studio.

Not pictured are Erin Doescher, Mariah Kitner, Maya Lewis and Alex Renzi.

A little about our working members. . .

Kim
As an active member at WPS Kim is thrilled to be the newest working member. After discovering pottery 4 years ago, she loves working with and learning from the pottery community. In her spare time, Kim enjoys long walks, salsa dancing and baking.

Theresa
Theresa was one of the many potters displaced and adrift when Monroe Clayworks closed its doors. A founding member of Waterbrook and an active member of the Collar City Clay Guild, Theresa manages the WPS website and coordinates bulk clay orders for members, and keeps her hands in clay every chance she gets.

Chris
I have been with Waterbrook for about a year and will be scheduled from 8-10am on Saturday mornings! I hope to assist the studio with whatever is necessary over the next year and look forward to meeting everyone. 

When Monroe Clayworks and Northeast Ceramics Supply closed their doors in November 2019, potters far and wide said farewell with deep gratitude for their many years of service to the extended clay community. Waterbrook Potters Studio was established by a group of displaced potters to carry on the legacy that Barbara Reeley and Dennis Smith left in our care. Our intent was to provide an environment in which members new and old can continue to create and learn and where potters at all levels feel welcomed and inspired.

Watervliet is Dutch for “water brook,” hence the studio’s name. Watervliet was once known as West Troy, the home of West Troy Pottery, a 19th century stoneware manufactory which created and shipped pottery west and north on the Erie and Champlain Canals. We can’t imagine a more perfect location to call our home.