After relocating to Chicago from Spain, Leonor San Sebastián initially felt disconnected from her neighbors and the city’s art scene. That all changed when she opened her Lincoln Square pottery studio Ceramics by Leo in September 2023.
The response from the community was instant: Her weekslong classes and one-day workshops were full almost immediately. As she added more classes to meet demand, those filled up too.
San Sebastián said the studio has allowed her to build connections with neighbors and the wider ceramics scene in Chicago.
“My life has changed,” she said.
San Sebastián isn’t the only potter in Chicago to capitalize on the growing popularity of ceramics. Longtime studio owners say their spaces are full of hobbyists and experienced artists, citing a surge in interest driven by social media and a desire for hands-on, screen-free experiences. Its appeal has also been a boon to new studios like Ceramics by Leo, who are struggling to meet demand.