This summer I hosted a free mini-pottery workshop at our local outdoor market, designed to build community through creative connection. The idea was to invite the community to create tiny clay dishes in a low-stakes, playful environment.
My starting point was the “why” – fostering neighbourhood connections since it was being supported by a Neighbourhood Small Grant. This shaped every other decision. Rather than a traditional closed-door workshop, I chose a drop-in format at our Saturday market to maximize accessibility. I kept promotion low-key, primarily through local Facebook groups, ensuring the focus stayed on our community while remaining welcoming to visitors.
The project itself was intentionally simple: tiny dishes made from air-dry clay, completed in about 10 minutes. No kilns or no intimidating technical skills, just playful creativity.
I provided texture-making tools like letter stamps, foliage, lace, and even Lego pieces, giving participants creative freedom while keeping the baseline achievable for everyone.
I set up six drop-in stations with printed instructions, allowing people to start independently while I circulated to help. This approach accommodated different skill levels and meant folks could join whenever they arrived.
Mid-setup, I realized I’d likely have lots of kids and that my original plan to provide paint would create a bit of a chaotic nightmare (visions of everything covered in midnight blue acrylic!). I pivoted, ditching the paint and instead sending everyone home with varnish and advice to add colour at home using whatever they have on hand (markers, paints, nail polish even). It turned out to be a better solution, extending the creative experience into their homes.
Over two hours, several dozen people participated – from 3-year-olds to adults, locals and visitors alike, with varying creative backgrounds. The outdoor market setting worked beautifully, providing natural ambiance and energy without me needing to create it.
The most valuable lesson I learned was that low stakes doesn’t mean low impact. By removing pressure and embracing simplicity, I created space for genuine connection. I watched a wonderful array of tiny dishes emerge – from single imprinted sage leaves to intricate Lego-stamped patterns to cheeky bottom.
It turned into a lovely day of connecting with neighbours I knew and discovering new faces too. Sometimes the most meaningful community building happens through accessible invitations to create and connect together.
