About Kiln Off Colfax

A Studio Built For Creativity, Connection & Community.

Located in east Denver on Pontiac Street, Kiln Off Colfax sits in the heart of the community, nestled between the South Park Hill and Montclair neighborhoods. If you’re looking for a pottery studio close to home in east Denver, you’ve found it.

Kiln Off Colfax is a pottery studio designed for people who want to slow down, make something with their hands, and reconnect with their creative side. Whether you’re taking your first class or building a long-term pottery practice, you’ll find a welcoming space to learn, create, and belong.

OUR STORY

Clay, Community & Creative Energy.

Craig Ackley picked up clay for the first time when he was 10 years old, and it never really let him go. For more than 25 years, he taught ceramics at East High School in Denver, where thousands of students discovered not just how to work with clay, but what it feels like to make something with your hands and walk away proud of it. Craig has always believed that a good ceramics class isn’t about technique alone. It’s about giving people the confidence to try, the patience to fail, and the community to keep coming back.

Kiln Off Colfax grew out of that same belief. Craig and his wife Megan, a Denver native, wanted to open a studio that felt less like a class and more like a place to belong. Somewhere you could be a total beginner on Tuesday and a regular by spring, and where the person at the wheel next to you might end up being a friend.

That’s what this studio is built for.

WHY WE DO IT

Creativity Feels Better In Real Life.

Craig spent decades watching students walk into his classroom nervous and walk out with something they made themselves. That shift, from “I can’t do this” to “I made this,” is what we’re here for. Pottery has a way of doing that. It asks you to slow down, pay attention, and trust the process even when the clay isn’t cooperating, and that’s exactly the kind of experience we want people to have here.

Classes & Workshops

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Makers Inspired

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Community Events

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Made For Real-Life Creativity

A welcoming studio for learning, experimenting, and creating without pressure. No perfect results required.

” Pottery won’t fix everything, but it’s a pretty great place to start. “

Fire Up Your Creativity.

Join us for classes, workshops, memberships, and creative time that gives your hands something better to do than scroll.

FAQ

A Few Things You Might Be Wondering

Why Kiln Off Colfax?

Kiln Off Colfax grew out of Craig’s 25 years teaching ceramics at East High School and a shared belief between Craig and Megan that Denver needed a studio built around community as much as craft. We wanted a place where people feel welcome on day one, not just after they’ve gotten good.

Is the studio beginner-friendly?

Absolutely. Many of our members and students have never touched clay before. Whether you’re taking your first class or looking for a long-term creative outlet, you’ll find a welcoming environment here.

What makes pottery so enjoyable?

Pottery naturally encourages you to slow down and focus on the present moment. It’s creative, hands-on, and rewarding—even when things don’t go exactly as planned.

Can I become a member after taking a class?

Of course. Many of our members started with a single class before deciding they wanted more studio time and a regular creative practice.

Do I need to consider myself artistic?

Not at all. Pottery is about exploration, learning, and enjoying the process. Some of the best pieces come from simply being willing to try.

What is the studio culture like?

Friendly, supportive, and relaxed. We believe creativity thrives when people feel comfortable experimenting, learning, and connecting with others.

Can I try pottery before committing to a membership?

Absolutely. We actually recommend starting with a class first. It’s a great way to get comfortable with the studio, learn the basics, and decide if a membership makes sense for where you’re headed.

Can I bring my own clay and glazes?

Yes, with Craig’s approval.

Do you offer a punch pass or walk-in access?

Not at this time. The studio is open to members and class participants only.

Do you offer private lessons?

Yes. Reach out to Craig or studio management to talk through the options.