Students' Creations
Kris O'Neill, Potter in Residence
About Kris
As a kid I remember a feeling of great happiness and anticipation whenever a craft project was introduced at school; the paper sculpture of the Santa Maria, the trace-your-hand turkey picture, the ever-popular macaroni mosaic.
You know what I’m talking about.
In my mind, all of it was just THE BESTEST! It was evident that art and craft would be playing a role in whatever I did with my life.
My interest in ceramics didn’t develop until late in high school when I was able to spend blissful hours after classes, absorbed in clay and insipid 80’s rock, until the janitors had to kick me out at five so they could lock up the studio.
I went on to study ceramics at the Rhode Island School of Design, graduating with a BFA in 1990.
Settling in Western Massachusetts soon after that, I found employment at a small clay supplier and began developing my own line of ceramics, officially starting Zyra Clay Studio in 2002.
The work has changed a bit since then, becoming brighter and more consistent as I experimented with glazes and refined my throwing style.
The next chapter of my story is to share what I know with other aspiring potters in hopes they will find the same joy in clay and glazes that I do.
Northampton Pottery
My goal is to provide a rewarding creative experience in clay
for people of all ages and abilities in a convenient,
relaxing and enjoyable environment . I want to instill the sheer joy of creation in aspiring potters that I feel every time I start a new project.
Classes at Northampton Pottery
I offer two models of classes at Northampton Pottery: classes for adults and for teens. I want to provide a rewarding creative experience in clay
for people of all ages and abilities in a convenient, relaxing and enjoyable environment .
For more information on my classes click for