The Whitley County community had a expanding interest in ceramics, evidenced by the high demand for the wheel-throwing classes offered by the Extension Community Arts Agent. For five years, these 8-week courses provided students with foundational skills in wheel throwing. However, many students faced a significant barrier to furthering their practice: the expensive startup costs associated with purchasing a pottery wheel and studio equipment. This financial obstacle prevented students from continuing to hone their craft and expand their artistic capabilities.

To address this issue, the Whitley County Extension Ceramics Studio implemented an open studio program. This solution was designed to provide students who had completed a wheel-throwing class or those with prior experience in clay with access to a fully equipped ceramics studio. The open studio program, which operates for four months, is available three days a week, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering a space where students can practice, create, and explore their art without the burden of individual equipment costs. Currently, the program accommodates eight students who regularly utilize the studio space. Halfway through the program, students have utilized the studio 50 times and put in 90 hours.

The implementation of the open studio program has had a profound impact on the participants. With consistent access to a well-equipped studio, students have experienced exponential growth in their artistic abilities. The open studio environment fosters a sense of community and collaborative learning, as students share techniques, ideas, and feedback with one another. Through managing their own work and the shared studio space, participants have gained valuable experience in studio management and self-directed learning. This supportive and resource-rich environment has allowed them to experiment with new techniques, refine their skills, and produce higher-quality works of art, creating a vibrant and supportive artistic community in Whitley County.