The Studio Story

Bliss Pottery House was founded in 2025 by me, Jaime Bliss (Guilmette).  I’ve always been an “artist” taking art classes throughout high school and into college. But the calling of helping others was strong and I embraced a career as a social worker.  Throughout my 25 years in this field, I understood the need for connection and validation; a truth highlighted by research linking strong relationships to longevity and well-being.  I witnessed over and over again the importance of this basic human need of connection for strong emotional health.

Then covid hit!  And with it came isolation, fear, anxiety for everyone, including myself.  So I found myself back to my basics, art!  Pottery became my sanctuary, a tactile way to de-stress and find presence in the moment.  As the years went by, and the pots multiplied, I found myself at art shows and fairs.  And the question that I got asked the most, “Do you teach pottery” planted a seed: could the mindful, connective nature of pottery be a bridge to fostering well-being in a broader community?

The more this question was asked, the more I realized a need might be there.  I envisioned a welcoming space where the act of creating with clay would foster connections and teach valuable life lessons, like embracing imperfections and the beauty of persistence.  And then que our current social climate, adding to feelings of isolation, fear and anxiety.  I knew this was it!  We needed a space where we build each other up, and comfort each other when we are feeling down.  A community of hope.  A mix of fun and connection. 

So I’m excitedly merging my two worlds of social work and pottery; ready to build a community grounded in both creative expression and genuine human connection. 

Pottery Benefits

  • Develops Self-esteem

    Developing the skill of pottery takes time and determination. As you practice at the wheel or with hand-building, you'll hone your skills and create a tangible sense of accomplishment. This feeling directly builds confidence, as you see what you're capable of creating. This newfound belief in your abilities can then encourage you to take on new challenges both inside and outside the studio.

  • Being Present

    Pottery takes extreme focus, which helps to keep you present and relieves stress and anxiety.

  • Increase Problem Solving Skills

    Pottery is an excellent way to teach problem-solving skills because the creative process is inherently full of challenges. From the moment you begin, you are met with problems that require thoughtful, hands-on solutions. For example, through trial and error, you learn the right pressure needed to center clay on the wheel or figure out why a crack formed in your fired pot. This continuous cycle of identifying a problem, troubleshooting a solution, and applying that new knowledge builds resilience and adaptability.

  • Connections

    Being part of a pottery studio can foster a sense of community and belonging.

  • Improve brain function

    Trying something new, like pottery, can improve brain function by stimulating the brain's ability to adapt and form new connections, a concept known as neuroplasticity. When you engage in an activity that is unfamiliar and requires new motor skills and cognitive processes, you are essentially giving your brain a workout.

  • Happiness

    Making pottery, hanging out with friends, and sharing in a community space could make you feel happier!

Sign up for a class today!

Or just come visit to find out what it's all about!