Studio Kusi is a small ceramic art studio in Mt. Pleasant, DC, with a big mission: to make pottery accessible to everyone and to support vital mutual aid efforts.

We offer pottery classes because we believe making things with our hands, and being in community, has the power to nourish and heal our bodies and spirits.

Through our Scholarship Fund, we offer pottery classes at reduced or no cost to neighbors in financial need — at a time when creating, connection, and community are SO important.

"Esto ha sido la mejor medicina para este estrés que tengo."

"This has been the best medicine for my stress" (translation)

- Community leader who took free classes at Studio Kusi

Since opening our new space on March 27th, 2025 we have:

- Provided 244 discounted or free classes to folks with financial need (estimated value $9,454)

- We’ve donated ALL our profit ($19,030 as of Dec 1, 2025) to mutual aid initiatives and non-profits in the DMV and abroad

To continue offering scholarships in 2026, we need your help!

With your help we can continue:

- offering half-scholarships to folks who make under 65k

- offering full scholarships for folks who cannot afford the cost

- while also raising money for mutual aid initiatives both locally in DC and in abroad.

Gifting half scholarships:

- $20 covers one ceramic sign painting class

- $37 covers one "Try-it" wheel class

- $55 covers a two-day hand building class

- $165 covers a 6-week hand building open studio

- $275 covers an 8-week wheel throwing class

More information about Studio Kusi:

Founder Ariana Paredes-Vincent began teaching pottery classes and selling her work in fall 2024 to fundraise for mutual aid efforts, and opened Studio Kusi’s current space on March 27th, 2025. In a short time, we’ve grown to 11 instructors, more than 40 volunteers, and pottery classes offered four days a week. Three of our instructors are bilingual and teach in Spanish, helping us serve an even wider community.