Hand Crafted

Movement happens in many ways on the Mountain. From on-property adventures like aerial yoga and bouldering to off-property activities like clay shooting at Smoky Mountain Sports Club and horseback riding, there are so many ways for guests to explore different passions and creative outlets. As we embrace Winter, we are excited to focus some of our creative efforts on inside activities where we can stay warm and cozy but continue to feel inspired and energized throughout the day. One of the best places for this is the Art Studio.

Hand thrown pottery is a beautiful way to let your creative energies flow. The art of movement is displayed from the first moment you place clay on the wheel. As you slowly put pressure on the pedal to spin the wheel, dip your hands in water to keep the clay from cracking and gently begin forming your creation, each step reveals unique motion and interaction between you and your medium. With every movement, your design takes shape to create something that is uniquely you.

“The possibilities for gentle touches to create so many different pieces is so magical to me,” says Art Studio Supervisor Emily Davis. “One of my favorite aspects of pottery is looking around my house or kitchen counter and seeing what I need and then being able to quickly head to my home studio to create the perfect fit.”

But pottery isn’t the only way to bring your inner artist to life with your hands. Repetitive, methodical and creative, cross stitch is a combination of sewing and embroidery. Forming a specific pattern through x-shaped stitches, the yarn pulls through your fingertips as you meticulously create the design, it’s almost like a meditation. “For cross stitching, the repetitive movement and calm feeling you experience during pottery work is still present, but more patience is needed for this labor of love,” says Emily.

The Art Studio is the ideal location to move your mind, exercise your creativity and involve your body in the process. With every class you take, you are exposing yourself to a new way of movement, not one accompanied by an elevated heart rate but rather an experience of expression and calm.

Learn more about pottery, cross stitch and other art experiences available at The Art Studio.