What makes
Crack Pot,
Crack Pot
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Built around community.
Just steps from Lake Ontario in the heart of downtown Oakville, Crack Pot has been welcoming the community for more than 30 years.
Paint pottery. Learn to throw on the wheel. Celebrate with family and friends.
However you arrive, you'll find the same thing people have always loved about this place: a welcoming studio where creativity feels easy and everyone has a seat at the table.
The people behind the counter.
The dedicated creators and teachers who'll welcome you in, cheer you on and make you feel right at home.
Michelle Routledge
Owner
Michelle came to Crack Pot as a customer and never really left. After teaching art in England, she became a regular at the studio when she moved to Canada and quickly understood why so many people returned year after year. When the opportunity to become its owner came along in 2024, she knew she had to take it. Today, she's committed to honouring the studio's long history while helping it continue to grow—creating a place where creativity feels approachable, community comes first, and everyone feels welcome.
Cathleen Nicholson
Educator
Cathleen has been part of Crack Pot since 1995, helping generations of potters learn their way around clay. A graduate of Sheridan College's internationally acclaimed Crafts & Design program, she now teaches there as a Professor of Ceramics, and we're lucky to have her sharing that same passion here at Crack Pot. Whether you're touching the wheel for the first time or refining techniques you've been practising for years, her classes are equal parts encouraging, informative and fun.
The people behind the counter.
The dedicated creators and teachers who make Crack Pot a hub for local artistry and community connection.
Michelle Routledge
Owner
Michelle came to Crack Pot as a customer and never really left. After teaching art in England, she became a regular at the studio when she moved to Canada and quickly understood why so many people returned year after year. When the opportunity to become its owner came along in 2024, she knew she had to take it. Today, she's committed to honouring the studio's long history while helping it continue to grow—creating a place where creativity feels approachable, community comes first, and everyone leaves with a story to tell.
Cathleen Nicholson
Lead Instructor
Cathleen has a way of making clay feel approachable. A graduate of Sheridan College's internationally acclaimed Crafts & Design program, she now teaches there as a Professor of Ceramics, Craft & Design—and we're lucky to have her sharing that same passion here at Crack Pot. Whether you're touching the wheel for the first time or refining techniques you've been practising for years, her classes are equal parts encouraging, informative and fun. If you've ever surprised yourself by saying, "I actually made that!" there's a good chance Cathleen had something to do with it. Today, she's committed to honouring the studio's long history while helping it continue to grow—creating a place where creativity feels approachable, community comes first, and everyone feels welcome.
First Last
Studio Manager
From the first hello to the final glaze pickup, our Studio Manager helps keep Crack Pot running smoothly. They're the friendly face behind the counter, the person who knows where everything is, and the one making sure classes, parties and drop-in visits all come together seamlessly. Whether you're choosing your first pottery piece or picking up your newest masterpiece, they're always happy to answer questions, offer recommendations and help you feel right at home.
Take a look around.
Every corner has a story. We hope you'll feel right at home.
Before you visit.
Our main pottery painting studio and back clay studio are wheelchair accessible. Please note that our party room is not wheelchair accessible.
Please contact us before your visit if you have specific accessibility questions and we'll be happy to help.
We have two customer parking spaces in front of the studio. Additional parking is available throughout downtown Oakville, including nearby municipal lots and street parking.
Yes! Gift cards can be purchased online, making a great gift for birthdays, holidays and special occasions