Why Dan Pearce Started The Clay Hole
It started like most obsessions do — quietly, then all at once.
I fell hard for clay. It was supposed to be just a creative outlet. A fun little side thing. Something to reset my brain between deadlines and single parenting and trying to figure out life. But it didn’t stay little. I became obsessed. In the best way.
I built a private studio in my home — top-of-the-line, packed with gear, and completely mine. I thought I’d just use it for my own work. Then a couple people asked to take a class. Then a few more. Then a lot more. And pretty soon… I had a waitlist in the hundreds.
That’s when it hit me: maybe this was bigger than just me and my obsession.
What if the studio I built for myself was exactly the kind of place other potters were dreaming of too — but couldn’t find? What if I could take that same “everything you could ever want” energy… and build it for everyone? Not just a studio, but a space with soul.
So I started sketching it out. A dream studio. The kind of place I would’ve wanted back when I was starting. Giant slab rollers. Dozens of molds. Hundreds of glazes. Cold drinks, soft couches, no contracts, no weird energy. Just clay and community.
It took a year and a half to bring it to life. I opened The Clay Hole in March of 2025 — a 10,000 square foot creative sanctuary in Draper, Utah.
And it’s still growing. Still evolving. Still rooted in the same thing that sparked it in the first place:
That pottery should be joyful. That tools should be accessible. That your studio should feel like home.
Conclusion
I didn’t start The Clay Hole because I wanted to run a business. I started it because I wanted to share the kind of creative space that changed my life. If you’re looking for a studio that doesn’t just check boxes but actually feeds your soul — this might be your place too.
Use These Promo Codes When You Join
We believe finding the right studio shouldn’t feel like a gamble. That’s why we offer $100 off your first month with code MYNEWSTUDIO — just show us you’re coming from another studio. It’s our way of saying, “Welcome home.” Not leaving another studio? No problem — use code NEWMEMBER30 instead and get 30% off your first month. This offer is for first-time members only, and trust us… it’s worth it.
FAQs
- Is Dan really at the studio every week?
Yes. Dan teaches, checks in with members, and is very present — this isn’t a hands-off ownership situation. - Is this just for beginners?
Not even close. We have everything a professional or serious hobbyist could want — and experienced potters make up a huge portion of our members. - Can I come take a tour before deciding?
Yes! We love giving tours. You can walk through, ask questions, and get a feel for the space before joining.
Find Us on Social Media
Want to see what our studio feels like in real life? Follow Dan and The Clay Hole on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook for behind-the-scenes, finished pieces, and the daily joy of studio life.
Find Us in Draper, Utah
Written by Dan Pearce, ceramic artist, author, and founder of The Clay Hole—a 10,000 sq. ft. community pottery studio in Draper, Utah. With nearly 3 million followers across platforms, Dan is known for his expressive pottery, inclusive studio culture, and commitment to creative connection.