THE Kloof community is rallying around Studio 3 after a devastating gas kiln explosion left the beloved pottery studio in shambles.

The studio which belongs to Anne Schultz has been an integral part of the Kloof community for 50 years. Her pottery studio, Studio 3 (located at 27 Dan Pienaar Road), has served as a creative sanctuary and pottery school since it opened in 1974.

While no one was injured, the explosion caused severe damage; and the kiln, the lifeline of the studio, had to be completely demolished.

Without it, the studio has ground to a sudden halt. Schultz cannot fire her work, and her many students cannot finish the pieces they spent weeks creating.

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The good news is that potters know a thing or two about rebuilding from clay and ash. Determined to rebuild, Schultz has sourced a replacement kiln from Simon’s Town. A fundraising campaign is underway to help cover the cost of purchasing, transporting and installing the new kiln, along with other recovery expenses.

As part of the fundraising efforts, Studio 3 Gallery will host an Open Day on August 1 and 2. The public are invited to visit the studio, meet Schultz, learn more about the ceramics process, and support the effort to restore this much-loved community space.

Speaking to the Highway Mail, Schultz said her passion for ceramics began while studying to become an art teacher at the former Durban Technikon.

“I completed a three-year course and chose ceramics because it was what I enjoyed most,” she said.

More than five decades later Schultz said opening Studio 3 has been one of the most rewarding experiences of her life. “It is very special to me because I have met so many lovely people through the studio,” she said.

“I love the process of making something usable, such as cups, bowls and saucers. My students are always excited when they complete their pieces, which they often give as gifts to their loved ones.”

Explaining the pottery making process, Schultz said each piece is first hand-thrown on a pottery wheel, then bisque-fired in an electric kiln before being glazed and fired in the gas kiln.

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Despite the setback, Schultz remains optimistic about the future of Studio 3 Gallery and is grateful for the overwhelming support from the local community.

“The kindness and generosity people have shown has been incredible,” she said. “We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone to the Open Day and, with their support, getting the studio back up and running.”

Those wishing to contribute to the fundraising campaign or learn more about the Open Day can visit Studio 3 Gallery’s Facebook and Instagram pages or support the BackaBuddy campaign online.

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