26 Feb 15th–Feb 21st, 2024 phoenixnewtimes.com PHOENIX NEW TIMES | NEWS | FEATURE | FOOD & DRINK | ARTS & CULTURE | MUSIC | CONCERTS | CANNABIS | Getting Crafty Coffee and art are on tap at Potters’ Peak in Scottsdale. BY NIKKI MICHELLE CHARNSTROM T he smell of freshly ground espresso beans fills the air as sunlight spills through windows and onto shelves of unfinished pottery and thriving monstera plants. Across the room, a potter gathers her tools, weighs her clay and preps the wheel — a gentle checklist before the creative process can begin. A sanctuary of clay and coffee, Potters’ Peak is a Scottsdale-based pottery studio and coffee shop founded by mother- daughter duo, Lena and Rose LeVeque. Shaped by community, culture and tradi- tion, the family-owned business provides local artists and art enthusiasts alike with the support of an art program in the comfort of a neighborhood coffee shop. “We want to bring people in (who) want to be in a community of other artists and people (who) are supportive. We really strive on making sure that everybody feels like it is a safe space to come and create whatever you want and enjoy the process,” says Rose, co-owner of Potters’ Peak. “That was our main goal was to really create a space to build friendships and build oppor- tunity for potters who really want to grow and just find like a happy art place.” As a third-generation potter from Montana, Rose sought to follow in her grandfather’s footsteps of owning a pottery studio. After just one phone call and a convincing business proposal, her mom, Lena, a master potter herself, moved to Arizona to partner with Rose on this endeavor. A name inspired by the earth, crafts- manship and creativity, Potters’ Peak opened its doors in December 2022, and became an embodiment of two elements Rose loves most: pottery and coffee. “I have a full love for coffee, so I really wanted to add the coffee shop,” Rose says. “We wanted to make it so that people could sit here and relax and drink coffee with friends but also see what’s going on, and like people throwing … so, even if they don’t want to get dirty, they can sit here with coffee and watch other people get messy and just enjoy the space.” Instilling growth With six years of full-time pottery under her belt, Rose never imagined becoming a pottery instructor but over the past year, she has found fulfillment in sharing her craft with others. “This is my first year of teaching but I love it because you really get to see people when they are at the absolute hardest point of their journey, and then after a few months of them practicing, you really see how much they’ve grown,” Rose says. “Pottery is not easy. It’s so hard and people get so frustrated, and then to be able to see them so happy with this little piece that’s slightly crooked is so exciting.” Rose hopes Potters’ Peak can be an escape for anyone looking to join a community, relieve stress or find relax- ation. Between their studio memberships, six-week courses, mini workshops, date nights and various classes, Rose and her team welcome all experience levels — bringing novice and advanced potters together under one roof. “We like to have that balance in our classes because if you have a class full of just brand-new people, there is no way an instructor is going to be able to actually help every single person the entire time, and … with the collective of people, you end up getting a really well-rounded, actual learning experience,” Rose says. Nurturing community Coming from a close-knit pottery community in Montana, it was important to Rose that she encouraged that same level of support and friendship across the Valley’s art scene. “A lot of times in the art community there are places where studios are toxic and we really wanted to create a space that we were excited to go to and … that people were happy to be at when they walk in,” says Rose. Regardless if it’s someone’s first time throwing clay or they have been practicing pottery for years, Rose is excited about the community that has formed because of Potters’ Peak. Whether a local artist is looking to hone their craft or a couple is interested in a unique date night, Rose says most people who walk into Potters’ Peak have a fun and memorable experience. Curating experiences Even though Valentine’s Day is over Potters’ Peak is still offering a couple more evenings of a festive date night experience. From romantic music in the background to pink and red decorations strung throughout the studio, Rose and her team are excited to offer a date night oppor- tunity for couples who aren’t afraid to get messy and try their hand at pottery. On Feb. 16 and 17, couples who book a date night will be taught how to make a heart-shaped mug by Potters’ Peak instructor Melissa Martinico. In addition to the mug, Rose says couples will also receive a handmade heart-shaped orna- ment to take home. “Date nights, which are one of our biggest classes, are just fun. We put two people to a wheel and you have to throw with the person. So, one hand to one hand — it’s real hard and you either fall in love with your person or you leave and you’re mad,” Rose says. “We don’t usually have people that are angry, it’s usually just more funny. It’s more like a challenge for a couple kind of situation, or you can come with friends.” In addition to date night opportunities, Potters’ Peak will also feature two Valentine’s Day-themed drink flights: coffee and lotus-based. Through Feb. 18, the coffee shop will serve both flights — each complete with four 4-ounce curated drinks presented on custom trays that were handmade in the studio. The Valentine’s Day coffee flight will consist of a variety of coffee-based drinks, including strawberry mocha, white mocha with pomegranate cold foam, pistachio rose cold brew with rose cold foam and strawberry matcha. The Valentine’s Day lotus flight will consist of plant-based energy drinks, including Gettin’ Nerdy, Blushing Berry Lotus, Love Potion and chocolate-covered strawberry. “For Valentine’s Day, we were trying to come up with anything and everything that’s just pink and pretty and glittery and fun,” says Rose. “They are all fancy and cute. We have heart-shaped straws for them and everything’s pink. We went a little all out.” Potters’ Peak Coffee & Pottery is located at 10855 N. 116th St., #101, Scottsdale. For date night availability, visit potterspeak.com for more information. Potters’ Peak is a coffee shop and pottery studio located in north Scottsdale. Potters’ Peak aims to provide a comfortable and safe workspace for beginning and advanced potters. They offer studio memberships, six- week courses, date nights, mini workshops and more. (Photos by Nikki Michelle Charnstrom) ▼ Arts & Culture
