Article by Hannah Olson

Photos by Kelly Michelle Photography

On any given evening at Ohana Ceramics Studio, the room hums with a kind of quiet excitement. Clay spins on wheels. Hands shape bowls and mugs that didn’t exist just moments before. Laughter rises from a table where friends are attempting their first pottery projects, while across the room, more experienced artists carefully trim and refine their pieces. It is creative, a little messy, and completely welcoming, the kind of space where strangers become friends and beginners discover they are more capable than they thought. 

The studio is the vision of founder Max Acoba, who saw an opportunity to bring something new to Billings and decided to make it happen. At an age when many people are still figuring out their next steps, Acoba launched Ohana Ceramics Studio, a community pottery space offering classes, workshops, memberships, and creative experiences for artists of all levels. His decision to start the studio in Billings was not random. The city has long held meaning for him. “My mom grew up here, and my grandma still lives here,” Acoba explains. “We also have a cabin up in the Beartooths, so Montana has always been my favorite place.” 

After years of teaching pottery in Portland, where community ceramics studios are plentiful, Acoba realized Billings had room for something similar. He visited the city, explored available spaces, and decided to take the leap. Earlier this year, that leap became reality. 

A Vision Built on Family 

The name Ohana, which means family, reflects both Acoba’s personal story and the spirit he hopes to create in the studio. “I’m super close with my family,” he says. “From designing the logo to building the tables and assembling shelves, my family has been instrumental in turning my dream into a reality.” 

What began as an idea quickly turned into a fully functioning creative space. The studio officially opened its doors at the start of the year, and since then, the community's response has been overwhelmingly positive. “We opened in January, and had over 200 people come through the studio in just the first couple months,” Acoba says. 

For Acoba, the enthusiasm from Billings residents has reinforced what he already believed about the city. The support he’s received while launching a new business at such a young age speaks to the strength of the local community. “It’s been amazing,” he says. “People here have been so supportive.” That support has allowed Ohana Ceramics to grow quickly into something more than just a place to take pottery classes. 

A Place to Try Something New 

Ohana Ceramics offers a variety of ways for people to get involved, whether they want to try pottery once or dive deeper into the craft. Workshops are designed for beginners and casual visitors, making them perfect for date nights, birthdays, or team-building events. “People come in for a day, throw on the wheel, and then come back a month later to pick up their pots,” Acoba explains. 

For those who want a more immersive experience, the studio also offers multi-week courses where students learn the full ceramic process. “They meet once a week, throw, trim, and sculpt,” Acoba says. Memberships provide even more opportunities for artists who want regular studio access. “Some people are already potters,” he adds. “They just need a place to create.” 

But even beyond the technical skills involved, Acoba says pottery offers something deeper. “It’s really grounding,” he says. “When you sit down, you’re just kind of concerned about the mud. Everything else fades away.” 

Creativity for Everyone 

One of the most important things about Ohana Ceramics is its accessibility. No experience is required, and the environment is intentionally welcoming for newcomers. Instructor Macey Cranfill, an art student from Cody, Wyoming, studying at Rocky Mountain College, often sees students arrive feeling nervous about trying something unfamiliar. “You don’t have to be artsy to come and play with mud,” she says with a smile. 

For Cranfill, watching that nervousness transform into confidence is one of the most rewarding parts of teaching. “My favorite thing is when they finally get it,” she says. “At first they’re nervous, and by the end they’re laughing.” She also appreciates the magic of the creative process itself. “You’re literally starting with mud and bringing it all the way to something you can eat out of,” she says. 

Instructor Jessica Sanders shares a similar perspective. With a background in studio art and teaching experience at the Dahl Arts Center, she enjoys helping people explore creativity in new ways. “It’s always fun to try something new for the first time,” Sanders says. “This is something really creative that people get to do.” 

The studio encourages experimentation, and instructors often bring their own techniques and specialties into the classroom. “We have a lot of flexibility here,” Sanders explains. “We can explore different techniques and approaches.” 

More Than a Pottery Studio 

While Ohana Ceramics is certainly about learning pottery, Acoba believes the studio’s true value lies in the connections it creates. “My biggest thing is that it’s a place to meet friends you wouldn’t otherwise,” he says. 

In a world that often feels fast-paced and digital, the tactile experience of working with clay offers something refreshingly simple. It invites people to slow down, focus, and create something tangible with their hands. There is also a sense of pride that comes from making something functional. “I love hosting dinner, and all the dishes are mine,” Acoba says. “Or giving someone flowers in a vase that you made. That just feels great.” 

Looking ahead, Acoba hopes to continue expanding the studio’s creative community. Plans are already in motion for additional opportunities, including gallery space to showcase work by both studio members and other local artists. “We’re basically living the dream right now,” he says. For Billings residents, that dream is becoming something they can share in as well. 

Whether you are looking for a new creative outlet, a unique night out, or a place to meet people who share your interests, Ohana Ceramics offers an open invitation. Sometimes all it takes is a lump of clay, a spinning wheel, and the willingness to try something new to discover just how creative you can be. 

Originally printed in the June 2026 issue of Simply Local Magazine

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