About eARTh Studios

Purpose Statement:
At eARTh Studios, our purpose is to nurture wellness, creativity, and connection through the healing practice of working with clay. Guided by the philosophy of Clay Therapy, we provide a welcoming space where people of all ages and abilities can ground themselves in tactile expression, find calm in the rhythm of making, and reconnect with their inner voice.

Founded by artist and educator Diane Walters—whose 40+ year journey with clay and community shapes every corner of our studio—we are committed to empowering artists through hands-on learning, storytelling, and the beauty of imperfection. Whether through beginner workshops, creative team-building, or immersive artist residencies, our mission is to inspire growth, honor craft, and make the transformative power of art accessible to all.

Rooted in the Kootenays, we believe that creative practice is a form of stewardship—of self, of community, and of place.

Mission:
The spirit of well-being is woven into everything we do—from our tranquil backyard garden, where “Paint a Pot” evenings bloom, to our intergenerational programs that welcome children, teens, parents, adults, and elders alike. At eARTh Studios, art isn’t just made—it’s lived through engaging with community and personal wellness. Through creative team-building workshops, a hands-on Artist Residency designed to help makers unfold their muse, and a deep commitment to connection across communities and workplaces, we foster personal renewal, shared joy, artistic exploration, and lasting creative growth.

Vision:
At eARTh Studios, we believe that art is healing—and we envision a world where slowing down and getting your hands dirty restores what the modern world strips away. This belief is the heart of our philosophy: Clay Therapy.

“Ground yourself in clay” expresses this philosophy—it’s not just a phrase, but an enduring invitation. We see each class, workshop, or open studio session as a chance to pause, center, and express. In our vision, whether you’re throwing on the wheel or carving by hand, the tactile rhythm of clay continues to quiet the mind and awaken the soul.

We imagine a creative sanctuary where students leave with more than pottery—they carry a sense of calm, joy, and presence that lingers long after the kiln has cooled. Located in the heart of the Kootenays—a region known for its environmental consciousness, love of outdoor recreation, and deep commitment to land stewardship—eARTh Studios invites connection not just to clay, but to place and self.

Values:
Located in the heart of the Kootenays—a region known for its environmental consciousness, love of outdoor recreation, and deep commitment to land stewardship—eARTh Studios invites connection not just to clay, but to place. Founder Diane Walters extends that commitment through intentional sustainability practices in the studio, including clay recycling systems, mindful chemical use and disposal, and participation in the Artisans at Work movement, which reclaims the role of the artisan as a steward of both craft and community to nourish the human spirit through artmaking.

Core Values

1. Rooted Stewardship
   We are stewards of both earth and art—embedding environmental sustainability and regional connection into every layer of our studio practice. From clay recycling to local storytelling, our work reflects deep respect for the land and community we call home.
2. Clay as Therapy
   We believe art is a pathway to wellness and healing. Through “Clay Therapy,” our classes and workshops invite people to slow down, ground themselves, and reconnect with their senses through tactile, meditative making. Each experience nurtures inner calm and supports holistic well-being.
3. Art as Renewal
   We see creativity as a process of personal and collective renewal. Whether returning to clay after time away or discovering it for the first time, every experience at eARTh Studios offers a chance to repair, reflect, and reimagine.
4. Intergenerational Inclusion
   We welcome artists and learners across all life stages—children, teens, adults, and elders—creating a shared creative space where everyone belongs.
5. Handmade Integrity
   We value the process as much as the product. By honoring traditional craftsmanship and embracing imperfections and mistakes, we foster deep engagement with materials, technique, self-expression, and personal growth.

6. Community Nourishment
   We cultivate joy, collaboration, and meaningful connection through team-building experiences, artist residencies, and creative programming that feed both individual and collective growth.