Downtown West Allis has become home to Cream City Clay, a new pottery studio that will host hands-on pottery classes for adults and children of all skill levels.
The pottery studio, located in a 2,300-square-foot space at 7105 W. Greenfield Ave., officially opened its doors on Friday with a ribbon cutting ceremony.
The studio is owned and operated by Colleen Volland, an artist and teacher who has more than 18 years of artistry experience. In preparation for opening her own small business, Volland completed courses offered through a partnership between the City of West Allis and Wisconsin Women’s Business Initiative Corporation.
WWBIC is a statewide organization that serves aspiring business owners with resources, classes and business loan options. The City of West Allis builds on that mission through a grant of Community Development Block Grant funds, which allow the city’s pool of small businesses and entrepreneurs to tap into business education and technical assistance.
Cream City Clay has already received “a warm welcome” from the West Allis community, Volland said, and will “be full of creative people, creative energy and beautiful art.”
The pottery studio is now one of about 100 businesses located in downtown West Allis.
“It is great to see a pottery studio opening in our downtown and adding to the eclectic mix of unique, independent businesses,” Mayor Dan Devine said. “People continue to realize that West Allis is a great place to put their vision in motion and join a growing small business community.”
