Fired Up Clay Co. Is a West El Paso Pottery Studio Built for Everyone in the Room |
Fired Up Clay Co. opened in January 2026 at 5200 N. Mesa in West El Paso and has become one of the city's most unexpected community gathering spaces. El Paso native Christian Villalobos and partner Michelle Betts built the studio by hand and designed it to welcome absolute beginners and seasoned makers side by side. |
Walk into Fired Up Clay Co. at 5200 N. Mesa, Suite A106 on a Thursday morning and you might find a nine-year-old working on a complex project alongside a retired neighbor who has never touched clay. That is not a coincidence. It is what the studio was built to do.
Built by Hand, Built for Community
El Paso native Christian Villalobos spent months constructing the studio alongside partner Michelle Betts before opening the doors in January 2026. Every table, shelf, and counter was built by the two of them, which tells you something about how seriously they took what the space would feel like. The studio offers open studio time by the hour, monthly memberships, pottery classes, ceramics workshops, private events, kiln firing services, and clay sales. Whether you have never touched clay or you have been making for years and just need kiln access, there is a place for you here.
Villalobos describes the studio as more than pottery, and a single look around the room on a busy Saturday confirms it. Nine-year-old Oliver Perez, one of the first students, is already working on complex projects inspired by his favorite movie. Retirees, college students, grandparents, and children end up at adjacent wheels, talking across the work, building the kind of informal friendships that rarely happen anywhere else in daily life.
What the Studio Offers
Fired Up Clay Co. runs on a flexible schedule that fits into family life without requiring a strict commitment. The studio is open Thursday through Sunday, with Thursday hours from 10 AM to 6 PM, Friday from 11 AM to 7:30 PM, Saturday from 10 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday from 10 AM to 3 PM. Hours may vary for workshops and special events, so it is worth checking ahead.
For families looking for something hands-on this summer and into back-to-school season, a pottery class is the kind of experience that sticks. Kids leave with something real they made themselves, and the process slows everything down in a way that is genuinely good for all ages.
Call (915) 353-9942 to ask about current class availability, or visit the Fired Up Clay Co. website for a full list of offerings, current hours, and how to book a session. |
14 Comments
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Love seeing retirees, kids, and students all in one space. Not many places bring everyone together like that.
I took a class here last month. Super helpful staff, and the vibe is relaxed. Definitely recommend it.
Does anyone know if they have classes for teens? My daughter is into ceramics but most places are for little kids.
Hand-built shelves and all, wow. Places like this are what make neighborhoods feel alive.
Making art together is such a good idea, especially during the summer. My kids would love this.
Wish they were open more days. Those hours might be tricky for people who work late.
I really like that they offer kiln access for folks who already do pottery. Not every studio does that.
I’ve seen their sign when I drive down Mesa. Was always wondering what Fired Up was. Now I want to try a class.
Prices are not mentioned. Hope it's affordable for everyone, not just families with money.
Oliver sounds like a real talent at just nine! This seems like a good spot for all ages to hang out.
Respect to Christian and Michelle for doing all that work by hand. So much dedication.
Would love to bring my grandma! She always wanted to make her own mug. Thanks for sharing the hours too.
Never tried pottery before but this sounds really welcoming. Super cool that they built everything themselves.
love seeing places like this pop up in El Paso. Hands-on art is so important for kids and adults.