Centered Earth offers activities for all
Centered Earth, in the Penn Hills Plaza, is an arts and fine crafts studio that offers activities for people of all ages and abilities. Classes are offered in pottery, jewelry making, fused glass, painting, basket weaving, hand lettering and more. Centered Earth partners with specialized local artists to teach the classes. Additionally, Paint Your Own Pottery, or PYOP, is available as a walk-in project during regular business hours.
Melissa Jenkins and husband, James, have owned the studio since 2021. Melissa is primarily a jeweler, working in sterling silver and 14k gold. She also teaches some of the clay classes.
Melissa began teaching classes at Centered Earth in 2015. The studio was founded and named by Kathy Gorg, a ceramic artist and educator in the area, 2014. “Centered” refers to how the clay is positioned on a pottery wheel before it can be made into a finished piece, and “Earth’ connects the clay to its origins. Melissa says, “From the beginning of my relationship with the studio, I’ve always loved how the name evokes a sense of the maker feeling balanced and at peace while working on their craft. And any pottery enthusiast will recognize the “centering” reference. When we purchased Centered Earth, we always knew that we would honor its original name.” Melissa also said, “It’s an honor to carry on a business that was built with so much love.”
Average class size at the studio is 8-12 guests, with reservations required. The class schedule is posted at centeredearth.com, where you can check out class descriptions, see project photos, and sign up. Private party options are also available. The classes are offered Tuesday through Thursday, 11:30 am-5:30 pm and Saturdays, 10am-2pm. The PYOP (ceramic painting) is available six days a week. “Classes and PYOP are great ways to unwind, see what our studio is like, and get more information about studio offerings. Our focus on hands-on programs gives people access to the tools, materials and knowledge to create things that they might not get to experience in their day-to-day lives,” Melissa says. Melissa praises the teachers of all classes at the studio for their talent and support.
Melissa also owns a handcrafted jewelry business, Narrow House Metals, which has a private studio in Williamsport. Her work can be found online at narrowhousemetals.com, as well as a selection of designs at Centered Earth and at Avu Goldsmiths in Williamsport. She will also meet with jewelry clients by appointment at the Centered Earth studio.
Centered Earth’s official address is 21 Kristi Road, Suite 3, Muncy. Penn Hills Plaza, just off Pennsdale exit of I-180.
