Text size:

'Mudpit' finds a fit in Williamsburg

By Farnoosh Torabi | Special to amNewYork

October 9, 2006

When Cindy Gatto, center, opened her clay studio in Williamsburg six years ago, she had only 30 students. Today she has more than 200. (Photo by Jefferson Siegel / October 15, 2006)

Cindy Gatto graduated from Brooklyn College with a bachelor of fine arts in ceramics in 1985. But it would take her 14 years to turn her degree into a career.

After years of bartending, odd jobs and travel, Gatto opened a clay studio, The Mudpit, in Williamsburg.

"I always knew I would go back," the 42-year-old said. "My life [at the time] wasn't allowing me to do it. ... When I left school I had a bag of chemicals and my wheel and whatever apartment I went to. It all moved with me."

Gatto said the main challenge to starting her business was finding a place that had enough space.

The Mudpit's first location was on Bedford Avenue in a 400-square-foot studio that quickly proved insufficient. In 2000, Gatto relocated to a 2,700-square-foot space in East Williamsburg, a neighborhood that was less bustling, Gatto said, but more affordable to rent for such a large space.

During the past six years, business at the 228 Manhattan Ave. studio has grown, as has the neighborhood, she said.

While still primarily industrial, the area is increasingly home to restaurants and bars and young professionals who may want to relax by, say, paying $30 for a ceramics lesson.

"We give unlimited open studio time, as well," said Gatto, who teaches beginner and advanced classes at The Mudpit.

In its first year, The Mudpit had a total of 30 students. Today it has more than 200, in addition to walk-in customers and artist clients.

One advantage the studio has over others is its spaciousness and array of kilns. The studio boasts a permanent raku kiln, similar to the ones used in ancient Japanese firing techniques.

The Mudpit is also collaborating with schools. Earlier this year, it helped public school students create tile murals for McCarren Park. The studio also works with local businesses, most recently helping a gallery with a restoration project.

This year it will be at the Union Square Market selling pottery and wood items.

Gatto thanks her fiance and business partner, Mark Petrin, for encouraging her to turn her passion for ceramics into a personal business. Petrin, a carpenter, helped her build the new studio and several kilns.

"It was so long that I had become scared [of opening a studio]," Gatto said. "But [Mark] is a no nonsense person. He just said 'this is ridiculous. Just do it.' And I haven't looked back."

Farnoosh Torabi is a video correspondent for thestreet.com. amSmallBusiness@gmail.com.