Some inspirations stay with you for a lifetime. For me, it’s the one-room schoolhouse that has stood quietly along Highway 16, halfway between my home and Wynyard.
I grew up just two miles east of where I live now, in the house that once belonged to my Amma and Afi, the home where my dad was raised. My roots run deep here, and every day, as I traveled this highway to school, that little one-room schoolhouse on the north side of the road caught my eye.
For the past 11 years, I’ve dreamed of owning that schoolhouse, moving it to my property, and restoring it into a space that blends history, creativity, and connection. It felt like the perfect way to honour my Amma, who once taught in a similar schoolhouse, and to create a place where people could gather, learn, and create—just like in a classroom of the past, but with clay instead of books.
While moving the original schoolhouse proved to be unsustainable, that hasn’t stopped the dream. Instead, I’m building a new stand-alone pottery studio, inspired by the charm and purpose of that historic space. It will be a place where history meets creativity, where the past is honoured through handmade pottery and immersive experiences, and where visitors can slow down, connect, and create something meaningful.
This is more than just a studio—it’s a vision coming to life, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
Bringing History to Life: The Journey of the School House Studio
Some dreams come together easily, and some take unexpected turns before they become reality. This one? It’s a bit of both.
In fall 2024, I applied for a Tourism Saskatchewan Development Grant with the vision of moving a historic one-room schoolhouse to my property. This wasn’t just any building—it held deep significance. My Amma (grandmother) taught in a one-room schoolhouse, and as a teacher myself, I felt a powerful connection to its history. I wanted to preserve that heritage and create a space where creativity, storytelling, and history intertwined.
But, as with all big dreams, there were challenges. After thorough assessments, it became clear that moving the schoolhouse was not sustainable—the west wall needed complete rebuilding, the siding was in worse shape than I imagined, and remediation costs were beyond what was feasible.
A New Vision, Rooted in History with the One-Room Schoolhouse
So, what’s next? Instead of moving the original schoolhouse, I’m building a new structure—one that mimics its charm, history, and soul. The new School House Studio will sit near the highway store, welcoming Claycation guests and pottery lovers into a space that feels like stepping back in time.
This isn’t just about creating a studio—it’s about bringing Saskatchewan history to life through experience, creativity, and connection.
The Mural Mug Collection: Be Part of This Dream
Big dreams require big actions. To fund this project, I created the Mural Mug Collection, a series of six unique, handcrafted mugs. Each mug represents a piece of a larger story, just like this vision I’m building.
I’ve already completed two of the six mugs, and the remaining four will be released throughout 2025. Every purchase directly supports the construction of the School House Studio, making YOU a part of this journey.
How You Can Support This Vision
🎨 Buy a Mural Mug – Own a beautiful, handcrafted piece of this project.☕ Collect all six mugs – Complete the set and see the full mural come to life.💛 Share this journey – Tell friends, family, and fellow pottery lovers about this dream in the making.
Thank You for Being Part of This Story
Dreams like this don’t happen in isolation. They take a community, a shared vision, and people who believe in creating something bigger than themselves. Whether you’ve been a part of Elemental Claycation, stopped by the Highway Store, or are just discovering this journey—I’m grateful you’re here.
Let’s make history, one mug at a time.
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