The new ceramics studio in Sompasaari serves students interested in ceramics and hand-building. Located in a central location, the studio has generated a great deal of interest and has been very well received.
The bakery space in Sompasaari, which became vacant in the summer of 2023, was repurposed in the fall when Kalliola College expanded its operations to Kalasatama for the first time.
Minna Lankinen, Head of Education at Kalliola College says that the space, which is in use on weekdays, has served the college very well. “The space is in a fantastic location, and we immediately realized that it’s perfectly suited for ceramics,” she notes.
The ceramics studio is located in a building owned by Setlementtiasunnot. Situated by the water in an open setting, this central studio is inviting in many ways, as passersby can watch the students hard at work on their ceramics. “I believe that many people long for a counterbalance to their daily lives, such as these courses,” Lankinen says.
There is demand for ceramics instruction
The courses held in Kalasatama since September have been popular among students, and there have been plenty of registrants. The courses specialize in hand-building techniques—wheel-throwing and slip casting are taught in other areas of the institute.
“I believe that many people are looking for a balance in their daily lives, like what these courses offer.”
— Minna Lankinen, Head of Education at Kalliola College
There are currently three instructors teaching at the studio, and the courses have an average of 12–15 students. Lankinen hopes that Setlementtiasunnot and other organizations in other cities will foster a sense of community in their buildings through solutions like the studio.
Kalliola College is also exploring new opportunities. “We’re always looking for new areas in which to operate,” Lankinen notes. The college also welcomes suggestions regarding course content—for example, there have already been requests for activities for the whole family at the Kalasatama location. “Hopefully, we’ll be able to organize these as early as this spring,” Lankinen says.
Registration for spring courses opens on November 28 at 10 a.m. on the college’s website. Course requests can be submitted via email to opisto@kalliola.fi.