About
Salida Ceramics brings the magic of clay to life through community.
Our vibrant studio offers an inclusive space where artists can explore their creativity and build connection through clay.
Salida Ceramics opened in June 2024 to be a creative space for the Arkansas River Valley’s clay artists - fostering community, expertise, and artistic exploration. Located in downtown Salida, the studio offers membership, classes, and workshops. We expanded into a 4,000 square foot studio space in November 2025.
All members have open studio access 24/7. We have 17 Shimpo wheels, an extruder and slab roller, various glazes and surface decoration materials, and community tools. We stock 9 different clay bodies from New Mexico Clay, and all work is fired on-site in our electric Skutt kilns.
Diversity and inclusion are central to the mission of Salida Ceramics, and artists of any background are welcome. We believe these diverse experiences and perspectives enrich our clay community.
Our team
Molly Jones
Owner
Molly is the owner of Salida Ceramics, a space she created soon after moving to the area. Her vision was to create a space where people could experience the magic of clay and build community through this creative art.
Her ceramics journey began with a class at a community studio in Bellingham, WA, where she immediately fell in love with the craft. She specializes in wheel-thrown functional pottery and enjoys experimenting with surface decoration, handbuilding, and atmospheric firings. At the studio, she shares her passion with young artists in the KIDS CLAY! class.
When not covered in clay, Molly is the head of public policy at a startup. She holds a B.S. in International Affairs from Georgetown University (though she wishes she studied ceramics) and an M.P.P. from Australian National University, where she was a Fulbright Anne Wexler Scholar.
In addition to ceramics, she loves being outside, backpacking, packrafting, cooking, reading, and playing board games.
Abigail Brown
Instructor
Abigail has many years of teaching a wide range of ages and skills, and is passionate about sharing her love for ceramics. She previously taught ceramics at The Contemporary Austin Art School - Laguna Gloria for 10 years before moving to Howard, where she continues to teach, make work, and travel the country to exhibit her work in art shows.
The artist behind Abby Lou Pottery, Abigail works mainly in porcelain, making wheel thrown wares with surface work inspired by nature. She has exhibited in several group shows across the country.
Abigail received her B.A. in Studio Art from The College of Wooster, where she was a studio and teaching assistant. She received the Donald R. MacKenzie Prize in Art for work in ceramics for her senior thesis.
When Abigail is not in the studio, she loves gardening, building things, and wandering through the mountains – all of which are accompanied by a furry friend or two.
Kristen Hodges
Instructor & Kiln Tech
Kristen wears a few hats at the studio - kiln technician, class instructor, occasional studio monitor, and active member.
She specializes in slab-building techniques, where most of her work features sharp corners and geometric forms. She teaches handbuilding classes and workshops at the studio.
A licensed architect, Kristen's foundational design background influences her artistic style. While studying at Virginia Tech, she learned the foundations of ceramics from a seasoned professor. Kristen later joined a large-scale community pottery studio in Denver, where she learned "back of house" skills from experienced artists and mentors.
Kristen's day job is with the City of Salida in the planning department, though she would much rather play with mud full time. When not at work or at the studio, you can find her out embracing all the outdoor activities Colorado has to offer including hiking, camping, fishing, and skiing.
Roe Smith
Instructor & Kiln Tech
Roe is involved in many areas of the studio. You can find them teaching a throwing class, loading the kiln, or listening to a good book while throwing on the wheel.
They specialize in wheel throwing and hand carving. Born and raised in Gunnison, Roe draws creative inspiration from the mountain landscapes of Colorado. Their work incorporates their love of flowers, mountains, architecture, and dogs (and any way to incorporate dogs is their favorite).
Roe’s pottery journey started here in Salida in 2023. Once they took a few throwing classes, they caught the bug and it never left.
When Roe is not in the studio, they work full time as an architectural designer. When not working or in the studio, they are probably reading a fantasy book, hiking with their partner, or on an adventure with their three huskies.
Monica Ranes
Instructor & Studio Tech
Monica is frequently at the studio, either as a studio tech, instructor, or working on her own pieces.
Monica grew up in Southern Colorado. Her parents were both artists, and she had many close family friends who were potters – so she likes to joke that ceramics is in her blood. Her practice began in 2021 at a community studio in Portland, Oregon, and she also attended an intensive wheel-throwing training program at La Meridiana in Italy.
Monica is primarily a wheel potter and loves that it can be done quickly and efficiently. She approaches her wheel-throwing practice with a balance of non-attachment, high standards, and a resistance to perfectionism.
Monica is passionate about modern and contemporary art and is a constant world traveler seeking creativity and inspiration. You'll find her biking around town between her several jobs as retail manager, DJ for KHEN, bartender, and, of course, ceramicist. She also operates a small travel company, Creative Terrain, specializing in planning meaningful creative travel.
Michelle walker
Fiber Instructor
Michelle is passionate about sharing the meditative practice of fiber arts. Through years of practice, she's discovered that fiber arts isn't just about creating beautiful pieces; it's about finding focus, building confidence, and connecting your hands with materials in a meaningful way... a lot like ceramics, which she also practices.
She believes everyone can learn to macrame or weave, regardless of experience level. Her workshops are designed to be relaxed, encouraging spaces where students master essential knots and techniques while creating pieces they're proud to take home. Whether participants are drawn to wall hangings, plant hangers, or wearable pieces, Michelle guides them through the process with patience and enthusiasm.
Michelle works full time in small business operations, digital marketing, and paid media, as well as an advisor with the local SBDC. When not working or making, she's often found on trails with her dog, learning to mountain bike, or supporting local live music.
Studio Techs
We have an awesome team of studio techs! They keep the studio safe, organized, and running smoothly day to day.