Solid Earth Studio Opens at 225 N. Market St. in Wilmington
The 1,200-square-foot space offers pottery classes, independent studio memberships, and workshops for beginners and experienced makers alike.
By Julia Novak ·
Downtown Wilmington has gained a new venue for hands-on arts education. Solid Earth Studio opened its doors at 225 N. Market St. on October 23, featuring a ribbon-cutting celebration that marked the start of regular operations.
The 1,200-square-foot facility is led by architectural designer Samara Weaver and her partner, photographer Dave MacNeill. The space is equipped with 10 pottery wheels and a dedicated area for hand-building, allowing participants to choose between different methods of working with clay. The studio’s guiding slogan, “Log off. Get muddy,” reflects its goal of encouraging visitors to step away from screens and engage directly with the material.
Programming at the studio includes individual classes, experiences designed for couples, and eight-week courses for those looking to develop their skills over a longer period. Weaver, who has exhibited her work at institutions including The Delaware Contemporary, Delaware Art Museum, Winterthur, and Philadelphia’s Clay Studio, emphasizes the process of making rather than the final product. She stated, “Pottery is all about process,” and added that the love of the process directly leads to the creation of beautiful things.
Christine Fischer, former board vice chair of The Delaware Contemporary and an adjunct faculty member at the University of Delaware, commented on Weaver’s approach. Fischer described Weaver as a rare find, noting that her work is creatively significant and that her entrepreneurial energy makes the craft accessible to everyone. Fischer called the new studio a true gift for Wilmington.
Beyond classes, the studio offers memberships for experienced ceramic makers who require independent workspace. These memberships provide access to the workspace, studio glazes, and kiln firings during open studio hours. This option allows regulars to practice at their own pace without the structure of a class.
With the holiday season approaching, the studio is also promoting classes as a way for people to create personal gifts. Finished mugs, bowls, and other pieces can serve as household items or reminders of a new skill. The studio aims to provide a space for both learning and connection, accommodating visitors who arrive for a creative date, a first attempt at pottery, or regular practice.
