How did The Mud Room come To be?

In 2004, upon graduating from Kutztown University with a B.S. in Art Education and a minor in ceramics, I received a wheel for a graduation present from my parents. After months of converting an old barn that had been used for years as a chicken coop into a working studio and gallery, The Mud Room was born. I bought a used kiln for $200, and began throwing and firing. In 2006 I began working more in the studio, and found that the used kiln was not quite up to par. I borrowed money to buy a new kiln and was finally in operation! We first opened our door (unofficially) to the public in the fall of 2006 for an open house. Since then, family and friends have helped The Mud Room grow more each year. Open houses are held twice a year; various art workshops, parties, throwing lessons, wine and wheel gatherings, and private lessons are offered from April through October in our main studio space. From November through March we close the main studio (due to not having heat) and move into the basement across the alleyway. The Mud Room pottery can be found for sale at The Mud Room, in The Coop Gallery, and at The Arts Barn, in Schuylkill County. Occasionally, pieces can also be found at The Goggle Works, in Reading.

Artist's Statement

Hello! My name is Jessica Alison Harle. I have been working with clay for over 20 years. I first fell in love with the medium in 2000 during my first ceramics class at Kutztown University. I graduated from Kutztown in 2004 with a B.S. in Art Education and a minor in ceramics and fiber arts. I stayed at Kutztown and completed my Master’s in Art Education in 2008. I play Mom to 3 kiddos, Brynna, Livia, and Hawken and work in the studio any chance in between. I enjoy jogging and being outside. My kids can often be found working right along side me in the studio. I work whenever possible and truly enjoy what being an artist has brought to my life. I am more than willing to share anything I have learned or found to work well in my studio. I enjoy sharing my knowledge of art materials with my students daily. Feel free to stop by, call, email, or check us out on facebook anytime!