Rooted in Clay pottery studio over in Rindge is warmed by the abundance of natural light, self-driven learning and beautiful pieces that fill it. Partially a space to display the finished works of Rooted in Clay potter and owner Shana Brautigam, the studio is where Brautigam and her students design, mold and fire clay pieces of their creation.

I had the opportunity to meet Brautigam and learn more about her pottery studio this winter after deciding to gift pottery classes to a school-age child. I’d driven by the Rooted in Clay pottery signs on Route 119 countless times, but always assumed it was meant for a secret society of local artisans, not regular folk like myself. But after learning that Rooted in Clay offered hands-on lessons, I ventured across town to Middle Winchendon Road to check it out, and am I ever glad I did.

Brautigam teaches pottery classes to children around age 5 and up, including a newly started and very popular homeschool class. It turns out that I am not the only parent glad to learn about Brautigam’s studio; many of her homeschool families tell her how happy they are to have discovered a pottery studio where children can do hands-on learning right here in Rindge! Brautigam also teaches pottery classes geared towards adults of all ages, and has even hosted small corporate gatherings looking for team building activities or interesting group experiences.

The Rooted in Clay studio was originally built using a design by Japanese-born American potter HideakiMiyamura. Miyamura gave the studio running water, heat and many windows, which allows for natural light and warmth. The studio’s attached kiln room includes the necessary hookups needed to properly fire the potter’s clay works. In 2003, Brautigam purchased the studio and started Rooted in Clay, and has been teaching and making her own pottery there ever since.

Brautigam specializes in hand-built pottery, such as pinch and slab work. Her interest in pottery began at 9 years old when her elementary school teacher’s wife visited the classroom to give a wheel-throwing demonstration. At that moment, Brautigam took an immediate interest in clay work, and has engaged in the arts ever since. She has studied drawing, painting and photography through her school years, though pottery is where Brautigam found her passion.

An interesting feature of Brautigam’s creations is her use of the seasonal textures she gathers and imprints in the clay she molds. Herbs, plants and tree barks from her property or found on local walks are brought to the studio to make lasting impressions on hand-molded pots. With the use of specialized wood-firing practices, Brautigam’s works are completed with a variety of natural earthen tones and colors. It is a joy to look at the finished products displayed in her studio, and it seems they would be excellent examples for her students, as well.

I was so pleasantly surprised by the clay works my child created under Brautigam’s gentle and supportive guidance. The interesting textures and colors, pleasing shapes and designs and the overall experience all left me feeling great about the gift of pottery lessons at Rooted in Clay. I’m now hoping to find a time to treat myself to a few lessons.

If you would like to learn more about Rooted in Clay potter Shana Brautigam, her uniquely beautiful creations or possibly joining a class, contact her at shana@rootedinclay.com or visit rootedinclay.com.

Rocks and Rills Around Monadnock

Rindge Conservation Commission begins the 2023 Earth Day celebration with a free talk on the geological history of the Monadnock region. Join the commission on Monday, April 10, at 6:30 p.m., at the Rindge Recreation Center to hear a presentation by Fred Rogers, professor of geology and environmental sciences at Franklin Pierce University and Rindge Conservation Commission member.

Rogers will speak on the geological forces that shaped the Monadnock region, including crashing land masses, ancient landscapes and the rocks under our feet.

Active-bystander training

Rindge Racial Justice Group is partnering with Quabbin Mediation to host active-bystander training on April 17 at 6 p.m. Training Active Bystanders (TAB) is meant to create responsible citizens in our community by giving them the competencies they need when they witness something they feel is unfair, wrong or troubling. The genesis of the Rindge Racial Justice Group evolved after an event in 2022 offered by the Ingalls Memorial Library. As a community outreach, the Rindge Congregational Church is sponsoring the training.

This free training is offered to all ages from middle school to adult. Registration is required at forms.gle/CYuwvQLvfWNoW8b59. Email questions to rindgerj@gmail.com.

To share your stories, contact me at rindgecommcorr@yahoo.com.

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