Our Philosophy

A supportive + inclusive ceramics studio that empowers early-career ceramic artists and beginners to develop their clay practice through high-quality instruction, studio access, community, and mentorship

pink round ceramic vessel with pink flowers in it illustration

people sharing ceramics at anyhow studio providence

interior studio image of anyhow studio providence + liz and cashew

people making ceramics at anyhow studio providence

Anyhow Studio is an experiment in learning from community and fostering an art practice deeply rooted in experimental learning, creative flexibility, community solutions and support, and reciprocity. It was born from a desire to build a collaborative, joyful, and financially accessible space, where students of all backgrounds, identities, and skill levels are not only welcomed with open arms, but central to our mission.

classes ⇢

membership ⇢

We believe in overturning traditional, curriculum-based and capitalistic models of education in favor of cultivating a space focused on the joyful and open sharing of knowledge. Our teachers are skilled ceramicists focused on creating a compassionate learning environment, where students can focus, play, and develop their practice without judgment or expectation.

Creative Flexibility

Our studio is founded on the hope that we can remain adaptive and flexible, responsive to student needs, and enthusiastically supportive of our community’s individual and collective endeavors in order to foster an environment in which students can explore the possibilities of ceramics as a restorative practice. We welcome student and member feedback, adjust with our community’s changing needs, and strive to remain open to changes and revisions.

Experimental Learning

Community Solutions + Support

At Anyhow, our community is central to our mission. We exist as a resource for our students and members, and strive to create not just a creative learning environment where students can hone their artistic practice, but a joyful home for folks of all identities and skill levels. Trust and generosity are the foundations of a strong and healthy community, and this means focusing on the larger culture of the studio and committing to reciprocity, collective care, kindness, communication, and transparency. We are focused, first and foremost, on people, rather than on profit, and hope to foster a deeper consciousness about our interconnectedness with each other, with the earth, and with systems of care. We encourage connection, conversation, and conflict resolution, as well as sweet care for both the physical and emotional needs of our members.

Reciprocity

Above all else, we are interested in modeling an inclusive community. We are committed to bringing more equity into the ceramics field and hope Anyhow Studio can be a creative haven and a joyful, safe space for people of all identities, including QT/BIPOC (Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, Person of Color) students.

We offer financial assistance to those communities that have been historically marginalized and underrepresented in the arts.

✤ We believe in overturning traditional, curriculum-based and capitalistic models of education in favor of cultivating a space focused on the joyful and open sharing of knowledge. Our teachers are skilled ceramicists focused on creating a compassionate learning environment, where students can focus, play, and develop their practice without judgment or expectation.
✤ Our studio is founded on the hope that we can remain adaptive and flexible, responsive to student needs, and enthusiastically supportive of our community’s individual and collective endeavors in order to foster an environment in which students can explore the possibilities of ceramics as a restorative practice. We welcome student and member feedback, adjust with our community’s changing needs, and strive to remain open to changes and revisions.
✤ At Anyhow, our community is central to our mission. We exist as a resource for our students and members, and strive to create not just a creative learning environment where students can hone their artistic practice, but a joyful home for folks of all identities and skill levels. Trust and generosity are the foundations of a strong and healthy community, and this means focusing on the larger culture of the studio and committing to reciprocity, collective care, kindness, communication, and transparency. We are focused, first and foremost, on people, rather than on profit, and hope to foster a deeper consciousness about our interconnectedness with each other, with the earth, and with systems of care. We encourage connection, conversation, and conflict resolution, as well as sweet care for both the physical and emotional needs of our members.
✤ Above all else, we are interested in modeling an inclusive community. We are committed to bringing more equity into the ceramics field and hope Anyhow Studio can be a creative haven and a joyful, safe space for people of all identities, including QT/BIPOC (Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous, Person of Color) students.
We offer financial assistance to those communities that have been historically marginalized and underrepresented in the arts.

we believe in

Meet the Team

Liz Welch, Founder + Owner (she/they)

Liz is a ceramic artist and Instructor with 10+ years of experience in the arts. She has a background in Gender and Sexuality Studies and Furniture Design, and has utilized both disciplines to create a viewpoint and aesthetic that’s all her own. Liz loves to teach beginners, especially those who think that they “aren’t artistic.”
When Liz isn’t at the studio, she’s walking her dog Daisy, working on a crossword puzzle, sewing, or eating an ice cream cone.
For questions related to programming, press, or partnerships, please email Liz: lizwelch@anyhowstudioprovidence.com
Mary Drake, Studio Manager (she/her)

Mary is a ceramic artist and instructor and heads up all of the daily operations here at the studio. From scheduling studio monitors to writing the newsletter, this gal does it all.
If you’re lucky enough to be in Mary’s orbit, then you know that she’s also a prolific baker. We asked Mary what her favorite dessert is and here’s what she said: “A warm chocolate lava cake with good vanilla ice cream.” Close seconds are crème brûlée and pumpkin pie.

For questions related to studio operations, and commissions, please email Mary: marydrake@anyhowstudioprovidence.com.
Gianna Colson, Studio Technician (She/Her)

After years as a member of Anyhow, Gianna is so excited to be part of the team! Whether she’s throwing at the wheel or loading a kiln, she’s always happy to be in the studio.
When Gianna isn’t at the studio, you can find her snowboarding in Vermont, cruising on the East Bay Bike Path, or eating her way around Providence.
Oliver Littlefield, Studio Technician (He/Him)

Oliver is a ceramic artist and our new Studio Tech. Oliver has been making and throwing ceramics for 6 years and currently studying at Rhode Island College to be a ceramic professor.
In his free time he loves to play music with his bands, hang out with friends, shoot and develop photos, and chill and watch movies with his cat Penny. A notable aspect of Oliver’s wardrobe is his love of boots, so if you hear heels clicking in the studio, chances are he’s there!
Cashew, Sniffing + Recieving

Cashew loves to greet people with a friendly bark and a thorough sniff-spection. Think you can sneak a tote bag or mail delivery past her? Think again!
She loves to fetch and tug and will bring you toys to encourage you to take a break from clay to play.
Daisy, Human Resources

Daisy is passionate about butt scratches and relaxation. She’s a great listener and offers emotional support when you just can’t get that clay centered on the wheel.
She may be the most elusive member of the team, but it’s only because she’s found the perfect spot to take a nap.