Ange and her family learn pottery

April is a pretty muddy month, and no pun intended, so we were delighted to get our hands dirty with our family and discover the Terre et cookie pottery workshop that opened its doors in our neighborhood this past year.

I was lucky enough to take an introductory pottery course a few years ago, and it’s such a zen, almost meditative practice that soothes as much as it energizes. I particularly enjoy learning how to create utilitarian pieces that can be used in everyday life, and I wanted to share this enthusiasm with my family. It’s a very interesting feature of Poterie Terre et Biscuit that it doesn’t just offer courses for adults. In fact, wheel-throwing apprenticeships requiring a little more technique are available for children aged 10 and over, while younger children can take part in ceramic painting (from age 5).

The workshop is located in a light-filled room on Côte du Passage, in Lévis. The space is friendly, and classes are held in small groups, allowing the teacher to provide the guidance needed to fully understand clay handling and to create at least one or two pieces during the discovery class. It was lovely to see my granddaughter and her dad, at the same point in their learning process, so concentrated on turning their little bowls, of which they were very proud.

Meanwhile, my son and I personalized a mug and a chest, choosing the colors we wanted from the many glazes on offer. Patience, meticulousness and creativity develop great qualities!