The Potter’s Oasis story
Our Story
Potter’s Oasis is more than just a pottery studio—it’s a place where creativity, history, and community come together. Inspired by three generations of artistic passion, this sanctuary by the sea began as Jan and Bill’s vision: to transform their beachside home into a welcoming space for artists and dreamers.
Jan was a talented ceramicist, painter, and lover of all things handmade. Alongside her deep involvement in the local artistic community, she spent years nurturing creativity in others, teaching and volunteering at art centres, together with Bill. Her home, filled with the scent of clay and the warmth of shared stories, became a gathering place for artists of all ages.
When she moved into a nursing home, we knew we had to keep her dream alive. Potter’s Oasis is our way of continuing her legacy—providing a space where people can explore their artistic potential, connect with like-minded creatives, and find solace in the rhythm of shaping clay and expressing themselves.
Today, Potter’s Oasis is a haven for artists, hobbyists, and anyone seeking an escape into creativity. Whether you’re a seasoned potter or picking up clay for the first time, our doors are open to all. We offer workshops, community events, and open studio sessions, ensuring that the welcoming spirit of our grandparent’s home lives on in every piece created here.
Our History
Potter's Oasis is inspired by the love of art and volunteering.
Art speaks a universal truth, conveying emotions, stories and perspectives.
Art holds the power to unite communities, spark change and ignite hope.
Jan's love of art began early. In her final year of High School, she had to paint a picture for an assessment piece. She painted it the day before but handed it in a few days later. She was sent to the headmaster's office! She thought she was in trouble for such a feeble, late effort, only to find that her piece had been sent to the Education Department as it was excellent!!
As she later reflected, she wished that she could have had the confidence to pursue an art course at university.
Bill was initially an apprentice boat builder where he mastered technical craftsmanship with artistic vision. Skills he retained from that period of life such as attention to detail, material innovation, sculptural and artistic craftsmanship and problem solving served him well as a potter, painter and wood burner.
Memories
Holidays were usually spent at Victor Harbor. Jan remembers going to a boarding house with her mum and older brother. To get there at that time was more of a feat than today. Jan remembers cars would often overheat going up hills on the Victor Road and you would see them at the side of the road with steam coming from the radiator.
While living in Fulham, Jan joined the Henley and Grange Arts Society where she began pottery. She also enjoyed painting with water colours.
Bill also became interested and joined the club. They both joined the committee and were very involved. They bought a kiln and wheel and started making pottery to sell at craft markets on the weekend.
In 1987 they bought one of the units next door to holiday and spend weekends in. The block of land at 29A Esplanade went on the market and they decided to buy it, build a house, retire and move down to Victor Harbor. Jan designed the layout of the house. Designing house plans was another passion of Jan's.
The Early Days
Bill was volunteering in the woodwork area at the Outer Encounter Centre when he discovered a kiln while cleaning up one day. Together, they began to set up a class to teach pottery to the participants.
They later began a Saturday morning class to anyone who was interested in the local community.
When the kiln found at Outer Encounter broke, they donated a kiln so the pottery group could continue.
They continued to produce pottery at home and sold it at the community market as well as at the Middleton Craft Shop.
