Chris and Jaclyn had long dreamed of creating a space where people could gather, create, and experience the joy of pottery. In 2024, that dream became a reality with the generous support—and available space—provided by Jaclyn’s brother, Jordan Banda, owner of The Garden in Neenah.

Potter & Clay began humbly, with just two pottery wheels, a single kiln, and a small selection of paint-your-own pottery. With hope and anticipation, they opened their doors, believing a creative studio could become a meaningful addition to the Neenah community.

Just a few short years later, that vision has come to life in ways they couldn’t have imagined. The studio now hums with activity—offering daily classes, housing eight wheels and multiple kilns, and filled with shelves of work in every stage of creation. It’s a place where beginners and experienced potters alike gather, and where countless memories are made through the process of creating functional, handmade pieces.

Chris is the heartbeat of the studio, present Monday through Saturday—throwing pottery, teaching classes, and carefully processing hundreds of pieces each week. For him, the studio has truly become a second home.

Jaclyn, a full-time teacher during the school year at Valor Classical Christian Academy, supports the studio behind the scenes. From managing social media and the website to ordering supplies and shaping the studio’s vision, she is continually working to make Potter & Clay a welcoming destination for people of all ages.

Together, Chris and Jaclyn have built more than a studio—they’ve created a space where creativity, community, and craftsmanship come together.