Painted on our wall. Shaped by our hands.
Kona Clay is a community pottery studio in Vinton, just outside Roanoke, Virginia, where wheel throwing, hand-building, and a little clay under your fingernails bring people together.
"We're a community pottery studio built on creativity and connection."
We offer memberships, kiln services, classes, and creative experiences in an organic modern space designed for both experienced potters and those looking to deepen their clay journey.
Julia Rath, lead potter and owner, teaches every class hands-on, whether you're centering your first lump of clay or refining years of practice at the wheel.
Every piece follows the same path
Whether you're taking a class or renting the wheel yourself, this is the rhythm of a session at Kona Clay.
Weigh & Wedge
Every piece starts as a measured block of clay, wedged by hand to work out air bubbles before it ever touches the wheel.
Center & Open
Centering is the hardest part to learn and the most satisfying to feel click into place, Julia guides every hand through it.
Shape & Pull
Walls rise slowly, pulled thinner and taller with each pass, this is where a lump of clay starts looking like something.
Finish & Fire
Once trimmed, glazed, and fired in the kiln, your piece is ready to take home, or to keep coming back to build a whole collection.
Four ways in the door
Swipe through, or reach out and Julia will help you figure out the right fit.
Classes
Wheel throwing, hand-building, and glazing instruction for every skill level.
Memberships
Ongoing studio access for potters who want a regular place to keep working.
Kiln Services
Firing support for potters who need their pieces finished with care.
Creative Experiences
One-off sessions and gatherings built for connection as much as craft.
A look inside Kona Clay
What people are saying
Come find us under this mural.
The easiest way to ask about classes, memberships, or anything else is to reach Julia directly, or book straight from here.