Pottery is one of the oldest human inventions, which began long before the Neolithic Era when groups of humans gave up the nomadic hunting lifestyle to start farming. Today, many forms of pottery still symbolize some of the most fundamental human activities.
Jen Molochnick, founder and owner of Jen Molo Pottery, is one of many ceramists who continues pottery-making traditions in Gilpin County. From birdhouses and mugs to candle holders and wind chimes. Molochnick creates an array of ceramic items that add unique beauty to any home or office.
Jen Molo Pottery began in November 2019, after Molochnick attended several pottery lessons at the local community center and, as Molochnick puts it, “became obsessed.” The idea for her business came when the opportunity to advertise lessons on Groupon and AirBnB Experience presented itself. “It turned out I was one of the only potters in Colorado offering such an experience!”
It’s been six years since her pottery journey began. Aside from making beautiful pottery, Molochnick offers pottery-making classes, which she has been teaching for two years. Classes are 90 minutes long and focus on pottery wheel experiences for beginners. The basics of throwing clay on a pottery wheel are taught, including getting a turn on the wheel. Five-week sessions for people looking for a more advanced experience are also available.
For a more in-depth experience, one-on-one lessons can be scheduled. What’s unique about these lessons is that Molochnick limits them to two students, while other classes in the area tend to have between six and nine attendees. Pottery enthusiasts from all over Colorado and across the United States attend Molochnick’s classes, including several vacationing in our colorful state.
Molochnick shares, “I love to share my passion for clay and pottery with other people and teach them why I love it so much!” She spends a lot of time at local events, inspiring members of the community to feel excited about this art form.
Another great thing about taking lessons from Molochnick is her flexibility. She’ll work around your schedule if you’re interested in learning how to make pottery. If local potters need a studio space to practice, Molochnick has a few independent study spaces available for local potters.
During the height of the Covid pandemic, it was difficult to keep the lessons going. However, following mask mandates and local guidelines allowed Molochnick to eventually start lessons again. Creating pottery is Molochnick’s full-time job and she has high hopes for continued growth.
You can find Jen Molo Pottery at the Levit Street Market in Central City every Sunday during the warm months, as well as at holiday markets and indoor school craft fairs all over Colorado.
Jen Molo Pottery can be reached by mail at PO Box 387, Black Hawk, CO 80422 and by phone at 720- 412-9255. To learn more about Jen Molo Pottery, order products, or book a lesson, visit: http://www.jenmolopottery.com/. Find her on Facebook: Jen Molo Pottery 80422 and Instagram @JenMoloPottery.
Sponsored by Gilpin County Commissioners, with funds from the American Rescue Plan Act.
