Ribbon Cutting Held for Studio 828

Forest City is excited to announce the opening of a new business to the historic Main Street area! Artist Melissa Suttle recently opened Studio 828 at 137 Thomas Street. A ribbon cutting for the business was held on Saturday, March 6.

Housed in the same location as the former Good Earth Pottery Studio, Studio 828 is a pottery studio and art gallery. Melissa had a few names in mind when trying to decide what to name the new business. She chose "828" to symbolize the county/region. The word "studio" remained to honor the original studio owners and operators, John King, Kiowa Cilone, and John Cilone.

Although new to pottery, Melissa has always enjoyed different types of art since childhood. "From sketching to painting and other forms of creativity, I never thought anything I created as being "worthy" until I started creating with clay and people wanted to buy my work," said Melissa.

Melissa will offer pottery classes throughout the week. Classes can seat up to 12 people. Studio 828 is currently accepting new students for the introduction to pottery classes, although some time slots are limited.

Along with her student's work, she will also offer other artist's work in the gallery. "Supporting Studio 828 artists, as well as other local artists is something very important to me. Buying and supporting local is key for our communities," said Melissa. Gallery hours are Wednesday-Friday 12:00pm-5:00pm.

For more information on classes, contact Melissa at 828-748-0004 or follow the studio on Facebook @studio828pottery.