The art community of St. Pete was sorry to hear last summer that Charlie Parker was retiring and selling his pottery business. After founding St. Pete Clay Company with other ceramic artists in 1996, he operated his own shop and studio for 12 years in the Warehouse Arts District. However, customers and fellow artists were delighted when Bo Countryman and Gabriella Schmid purchased Charlie Parker Pottery in July 2022.
Schmid worked as Parker’s assistant while she was studying ceramics and glass at the University of Florida. Countryman, also a ceramic artist, had moved from California to St. Pete to help open the Imagine Museum as the project manager, and a production glass studio called TD Glass. “I had a ‘passion shift’ and fell in love with the construction trades focusing on creative and artistic projects, so I obtained general contractor and real estate licenses and started St. Pete Decor,” Countryman says.
“We are excited to keep building our brand as this studio has an incredible history in the community.” he says. “We have 4,000 square feet of space and very loyal members who use the studio to create their own work.”
A gallery showcases work from residents and local artists, including functional work, sculptures, and jewelry. The studio recently became a distributor for Standard Ceramic, supplying wet clay and dry materials to local artists, studios, and schools.
Memberships Available
When the couple purchased the business, they updated the space to allow for additional membership studios. “Studio memberships are available for $150 a month for a 5- by 5-foot open studio, or $250 a month for a 10- by 10-foot private studio,” Schmid says. “We offer 24-hour access to the studio for members, and we support and encourage collaboration between them as they advance their craft and develop techniques in a positive environment.” Studio day passes are available for those who need to use the space on occasion to work on their own projects.
Fun Classes and Events
If you are looking for a unique activity to do with someone special, Charlie Parker Pottery offers a fun workshop called “Date Night in Clay” on Friday and Saturday evenings. Couples create their own pottery with step-by-step instructions from experienced teachers. Participants can bring wine and snacks for the evening. Beginner Intro to Pottery classes are available throughout the week.
The studio offers beginning and intermediate wheel workshops in eight-week sessions, and other courses on hand building, Raku firing, and glaze materials and application. Private classes for special groups can be arranged.
The studio is having a call for entries to ceramic artists in the community for a gallery exhibition. The juried show, “Spring Ahead: Edge of Renewal,” is open to functional and non-functional ceramic works. The opening reception is March 31 and will be on display through May 31. All ceramic artists are welcome to apply online at www.charlieparkerpottery.com. Call for submissions are due March 6.
You can see pottery wheel demonstrations and new work in the gallery at Charlie Parker Pottery during St. Pete’s Second Saturday ArtWalks from 5-9 pm.
“This has been a great opportunity for us, and we so appreciate the support we have received from the community,” Countryman says. “We are very excited to continue the collaboration and learning that goes on among our members, teachers, and students to create beautiful works of art.”
Charlie Parker Pottery is at 2724 6th Ave. S, St. Petersburg. To become a member or to sign up for a class, call (727) 321-2071, or visit CharlieParkerPottery.com.
