Old Borough Hall Pottery | The Shoppe at OBHP

Michael Vasquez★★★★★4 months ago

Rachel made the booking process very easy and our very sweet instructor Gianna made it very special. We loved having a private one on one session. For our 9th year wedding anniversary, the year of pottery, I decided to check for a class and do something involving pottery. This place came by a suggestion of a sweet neighbor of us who had been here previously and she was not wrong. We really loved it. The instructor couldn't have been better. She made us feel super comfortable, explained every single step and we had a great time. Def be back. Thank you thank you, thank you! ♥️🙌

Nikki Ransom★★★★★2 months ago

I recently had the pleasure of attending my first multi-day workshop, David Stuempfle: Capacity Workshop, hosted by Old Borough Pottery Hall in High Bridge, NJ. This event was a truly delightful highlight in my pottery education journey. Our instructor, David, hailed all the way from Seagrove, NC, to share his expertise and friendly teaching methods, which had everyone engaged and excited to create large vessels. Having never participated in a workshop like this, I had no idea what to expect. From the moment I stepped through the door, I found myself in the most welcoming environment where everyone was eager to learn and share their knowledge. Rachel Yu and her crew were fabulous hosts who went above and beyond to make everyone feel comfortable, nourished, and encouraged. The light breakfasts and lunches were deliciously satisfying while meeting various requested dietary needs, which is no small feat. The space is filled with natural light, and the high-quality equipment was situated so everyone had plenty of space to learn, work, eat, and play. I had a blast being there. The Artist talk on Friday night was open to the public and fostered lively discussions as David shared his background, stories, and examples of his work before demonstrating techniques. By the end of the workshop, I felt a sense of connection and friendship forming through this shared experience in this special space. Stories were told, laughter multiplied, and everyone enjoyed learning together. Rachel was also helpful when students needed assistance, and David’s humor and openness to all skill levels made it even more enjoyable and inclusive. I was the least experienced potter there, and I left with new skills upon which I’ll keep building, which is a great feeling to have. It is clear from my exchanges with attendees, students, colleagues, and even neighboring businesses that Old Borough Pottery is a cherished part of this community, and rightfully so! It is filled with passionate, caring people who are excited to teach, share, and learn, fostering a strong sense of community and pride in this local gem. I have a strong feeling I’ll be back for a future workshop, and I highly recommend you check them out - for local classes, workshops, or special events. I am grateful for this experience and will carry it and the people I shared it with for a very long time. If you’re visiting the area, you can also find stunning works of art created by Rachel and other talented member potters, as well as other lovingly curated items in Clay + Cloth Artisan Boutique, the gallery space connected to Old Borough Hall Pottery. Perfect for finding handmade gifts and more for yourself and others.

Allison★★★★★3 years ago

I was thrilled when I saw that High Bridge was getting a pottery studio, so I immediately reached out to Rachel and enrolled in a class! It’s safe to say I’m completely in love with pottery. Rachel is an excellent teacher - patient, kind, helpful, and easy to talk to. She teaches you the basics then gives you freedom to explore and crate what your heart desires. I highly recommend Old Borough Hall Pottery to anyone looking for a therapeutic and creative escape from everyday life (or anyone interested in trying pottery!)

Judy Weiniger★★★★★a year ago

I feel so lucky to be a student at OBHP! After a year at another studio, I moved here this Winter 2024 to learn more skills...and that has truly happened already, after 8-10 classes! Rachel, the very talented potter and owner, runs it as a true art studio - from beginners to more experienced potters all working together and collaborating (Its like Pottery Montessori). She wants to make it a great experience for all of her students and gives lots of individual instruction and encouragement. I also love the community of kind and friendly fellow potters and teachers I have met so far, who are always willing to share their tips and pottery wisdom - along with lots of fun and laughs in between our pot throwing creations! I just took a Big Bowl Workshop last week...5 hours! It was so much fun and cammeraderie. I added some photos from that day

Angela Touhill★★★★★a year ago

I’ve been taking lessons at this pottery studio for about 18 months and I just love it! I take a 2.5 hr lesson weekly and attend as many open studio sessions as I can fit in. I’ve learned so much about the art of wheel throwing and glazing from my instructor Rachel (she is also the owner). But in addition to this being a huge creative outlet for me, it’s also a wonderful and supportive community of fellow potters and instructors. The camaraderie and chitchat and laughter and advice that flow throughout the studio is invigorating. I always leave this pottery studio happier and more peaceful than when I arrived.