Welcome to Atacama Clay Studio
Atacama Clay Studio is an intimate, community-focused pottery space located in The Heights, Jersey City, sharing a creative environment with Hudson Barks. Our mission is to provide a joyful, creative experience where you can explore the art of ceramics at your own pace.
Our Philosophy
At Atacama Clay, we believe in celebrating the creative process, prioritizing the joy of making clay pieces over quantity or production. We are not equipped for mass production or large-scale works but focus instead on the art of slow, thoughtful creation.
Our studio is a welcoming community where like-minded individuals come together to share space, tools, and inspiration. Whether you're shaping clay on the wheel, building by hand, or experimenting with glazes, you will find a supportive atmosphere to help you flourish.
Our Services
We offer a variety of pottery experiences tailored to your individual or group needs, including:
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Wheel Throwing
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Hand-Building
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Glaze Workshops
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Memberships
Classes are available as group sessions or private workshops, perfect for gatherings, parties, or simply enjoying a creative activity with friends. Please note that we welcome adults and teens to participate in our workshops and studio offerings.
Join our growing community of artists, creators, and hobbyists, where everyone is encouraged to learn, explore, and create with confidence.
Choose Clay, Choose Joy!
About the owner
Jennifer is a multifaceted individual with a diverse skill set that spans Fine Arts, Individual Therapy, Creative Arts Therapy, Mental Health Administration, and Dog Training, among other fields.
Born in Chile, Jennifer named her studio Atacama Clay Studio after the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on Earth. She grew up in Brooklyn, New York, and has been residing in New Jersey for the past 20 years.
A talented ceramicist, Jennifer creates both artistic and functional pieces, with her work continually evolving, influenced by her life experiences and everyday use in her home, as well as by the needs of her family and friends.
Jennifer’s professional journey began as an artist in Gowanus, Brooklyn, where she worked in her studio, taught, exhibited, and sold her creations through the Brooklyn Waterfront Artists Coalition (BWAC). She earned her Fine Arts degree from Brooklyn College.
She later pursued a career in mental health, obtaining a master’s degree in Mental Health from Long Island University (LIU), with a focus on Art Therapy. She became a Licensed Creative Arts Therapist (LCAT) and also earned a master’s degree in Mental Health Administration (MHA) from Hofstra University. Jennifer worked as a therapist and managed outpatient community centers in New Jersey.
One of her proudest achievements was serving as a Project Manager during New York's response to the 9/11 tragedy.
An animal lover at heart, Jennifer combined her psychology background with formal training to become a Certified Professional Dog Trainer with Hudson Barks.