A ceramics artist and former teacher is bringing her dreams to life in Atlanta.
Molly Sanyour Ceramics Studio is planned for 945 Allene Avenue SW in Adair Park. The studio will host courses and workshops to show students of all levels the art of pottery.
Born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, owner Molly Sanyour has always been passionate about ceramics.
“I remember loving clay as a kid,” she told What Now Atlanta. “I didn’t take it seriously until college when I realized it was a major and you could major in ceramics. If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”
Before moving to Atlanta, Sanyour taught high school ceramics and pursued the art as a side hustle, hosting workshops and making a name for herself by going live on social media from her home ceramics studio, creating an online community called “Throwing With Molly.” She dreamed of taking the plunge and officially opening her own studio.
Things really took off when music artist Lizzo started using one of Sanyour’s creations: the butt mug. The singer can be seen pouring tea into two of the cheeky mugs during Vogue‘s “73 Questions With Lizzo” video.
“Bottoms up,” the interviewer jokes.
“My students entered the room and said, ‘Lizzo’s on the internet holding your mug!'” Sanyour said.
The mug, which became an online sensation, was seen several other times in the star’s hands, including in a video of her eating soup out of the mug.
The Atlanta studio is expected to offer four-week or eight-week course options, starting with a basic class for visitors to learn the fundamentals. The next step up would be slightly more advanced, like adding handles or lids.
“Some people have always wanted to make their own mug or oil bottle, or sculpt their dog, and I can show you,” Sanyour said. “You just need the space to create.”
Classes will be small and intimate, with about 12 people to a class.
“What I loved about my high school is what I’m gonna bring here – open community, for all the levels, everybody learns the fundamentals for throwing clay then dives into their own personal passion area,” she said.
Another element she’s bringing from her days of teaching high school ceramics is to always have some pottery wheels open, so those with an itch to create or practice can come in when it works for them.
“In the high school where I taught, there were always open wheels, so if a beginner had study hall, they could come in during their study hall so they could learn,” she said. “It was great to see the creativity and friendships blossom. So with 16 pottery wheels, the classes will cap at about 12, leaving four to six wheels open during class times. You’ll be able to reserve a wheel and keep working.”
In addition to courses, there will also be two-hour experiences available for occasions like date nights or girls nights.
It took a bit of time to find the space, which has given Sanyour more time to decide exactly what the course offerings will look like. One particular location in the Old Fourth Ward seemed like a great fit, but the floor was too weak and wouldn’t be able to support the equipment. Inman Park was another possibility, but that path didn’t pan out.
Finally, she landed at the perfect spot in Adair Park, with large windows, a courtyard and space for all the equipment.
Sanyour is hoping for an early 2025 opening for the studio. She is excited to share the art she loves with the community, and she has visions of expanding the offerings by allowing artists of other mediums to host courses at the studio.
“Clay is the star, people just need the opportunity to get their hands in there,” she said.
Follow on Instagram @mollysanyourceramics to stay updated.
