Mike Pappas
Beloved Potter and Pottery Teacher
1954-2022
We are awaiting information about arrangements.
If you would like to add a remembrance of Mike, please go here.
I have known Mike for nearly 25 years. He was my pottery teacher at Hinckley Pottery when I first took lessons and helped instill in me a love of pottery. He, along with Jon, were the first pottery teachers at District Clay. Mike helped put together District Clay Studio when it first opened upstairs in 2014 and was instrumental in getting it off the ground. A couple years ago, Mike nearly died after sepsis set in as the result of a severe foot infection which required the amputation of his big toe. He rallied against what seemed terrible odds and the District Clay community rallied behind him, raising money to support him during his long convalescence. He was very grateful. I will remember Mike as kind hearted, sly witted and always with a big welcoming smile. He was dedicated to pottery and to his students. He loved throwing pots but he always said he loved showing people how to throw pots even more. He was a gentle and good soul, who, despite his ailments and diminished circumstances, seemed to grow more content as time went on. He is a lesson to me. Cass Johnson |
“All pitchers are birds.” “A teapot handle is a lady's hand on her hip.” These are a few of my favorite lessons from Mike, a man filled with whimsy and wonder, who saw poetry in every pot, who handled clay as if it were a living thing to be nurtured, whose deep love of art radiated through his wry smile and twinkling eye. He was hard-nosed and world-weary, like he'd felled many foes but hadn’t stopped—and would never stop—believing in magic. Mike taught me so much about pottery, but he was also a wonderful, ornery, sweet, wise friend. I will never forget going to the Smithsonian Asian Art Museum with him and other students a few years ago, for an amazing insider visit he had arranged, where we had the immense privilege of getting to touch, study, and admire ancient pots. What a devastating loss for our clay community.' Alex Bellay |
I am so saddened and heartbroken by the news of Mike’s passing. I started as a student under him in March of 2022 in the 12:30-3pm Wheel Class. I quickly grew to love it so much that I started coming at 9am and would stay until 4pm sometimes. Though my time with him as an instructor was brief - the impact he has left is grand and immeasurable. I always looked forward to seeing him on Saturday mornings and chatting about almost anything! He was so loving, and patient, and kind, and funny. I will miss his passion, wit, gentle advice, and cheery encouragement so much. The studio on Saturdays and DCC as a community will not be the same without him. I am eternally grateful for the chance to know him and learn from him. He unlocked a love for wheel throwing that I didn’t know I had and I will always remember him for that. I certainly wish I had more time with him… Kianna Hawkins |
I am so sorry to hear of Mike’s passing. He was a gentle and wise presence in the studio on Saturdays. He would make his circle around the room to offer advice and encouragement, hands behind his back, using the same tone with beginner and advanced. He never spoke down to anyone and would make clear that he was only trying to help you get the result you wanted. He had a wealth of knowledge to share if you were ready to receive. Many times former students would come in and he always greeted them warmly. Saturdays won’t be the same. Allie Porter |
As a new student at DCC, I tried out as many classes and asked all the teachers for help. Mike provided super clear words that really resonated with me. I loved coming in on Saturdays and watching him work his way around the room and teach all levels of students. He also played the most eclectic playlists during class - opera, blues, show tunes, classic rock, there weren’t many genres he missed. I’ll miss Mike’s presence at DCC, what a loss for our community (reading all the memories makes me realize just how much.) Rest in peace Mike. Rebecca Gitter |
I will miss Mike dearly. A better first ceramics teacher I could not have hoped for. He was an incredibly kind, gentle, patient, honest, warm, funny, encouraging, genuine, and insightful poet-philosopher… So many things about him I’ll never forget. “The more you make, the better you’ll get.” As others have mentioned, the beloved chubby rib--I never throw a bowl without it. Now I’ll never use it without thinking of him, with both a smile and a tear. And the most profound thing he ever taught me: “Whatever you’re working on now is just a prelude to the next thing you work on.” DCC won’t be the same without him. Jim Whitman |
Mike was my first teacher at DCC when I got back into pottery after a 20+ year hiatus back in 2018. His earnest love of pottery and willingness to share not only his knowledge, but his enthusiasm for the art form certainly helped to rekindle my love for throwing that I am sure will last a lifetime. One of my favorite Mike quotes came when he helped me throw a tall two piece 27” cylinder. When it was done Mike gave it a once over. In a dry, and funny way that was uniquely Mike, he looked me in the eye and said “Why did you put a nose on it?” with a wink. He will be missed. Michael B. Wright |
I met Mike in 2021 when I started taking classes at District Clay and would drop in periodically on Saturdays. He helped me “break through” and get better at the inside structure of my bowls with a handy round tool of his (the exact name of this tool, I am not sure). He also taught me how to “pre-trim” my pots before taking them off the wheel, rather than leaving all of the trimming for later. His hands-on teaching was very Montessori-esque and extremely helpful for me. I am a better potter because of Mike. Reading through other folks’ memories makes me feel sad that I will never learn more directly from him, but thankful for all of the knowledge that he passed on. May he Rest in Peace. Carolyn V. Balk |
I joined Mikes' classes after the pandemic. I had forgotten a lot and he patiently helped me get back on course with throwing pots, continuously encouraging and always ready to demonstrate and give advice. May all who knew him find comfort in the memories and as we carry on his legacy and love for pottery as we continue with the craft. Rest in eternal peace Mike, until we meet again. Angela Churie Kallhauge |
Mike was my pottery teacher at Hinckley beginning in 2013. I could tell he was as proud of my (admittedly ugly) early pots as I was. As my skills improved, Mike began gently pushing my pottery limits. He was usually too polite to say anything, but his sidelong glance at a subpar handle was enough to push me to redo it, and he was always right. He introduced me to the joys of a chubby rib and a beautiful shino. I will miss him greatly. Nina Zimdahl |
Mike was my first (and secret favorite, although really they are all so wonderful and too different to pick) teacher at District Clay. The word for him that came to mind when I described him to others was “jovial”. He always had a kind of twinkle and you could see the joy that teaching gave him, even though his exterior/ first impression when meeting him was delightfully grumpy. I appreciated his patience with me and everyone- I had had trouble learning to throw in college because I have a weird sense of space, but Mike somehow had me centering in an hour, with frequent reminders to stick my elbows into my thighs and “STOP interlacing your fingers. It’ll work better if you don’t. Now do the gesture that makes it come down!” I’ll always think of Mike when I use a chubby rib, make a shwoopy spout (with deliberate schwoopyness), scrap a below standard piece (“this is a pottery studio… we literally have TONS of clay!”) or make a big salad bowl… or as he would say- “Salad, ice cream… whatever you want!”. Cora Sagar |
I was chatting with a potter selling his pieces at a gallery in DC and mentioned that I took classes at DCCC. He asked me who my teacher was, and when I said Mike Pappas he took another look at me and said "You must be pretty good." I'm not, but I could see how you'd think that, because Mike took everyone's development seriously. He spoke to me like I was better than I was, so I got better! I loved when he'd introduce a new technique or tool that couldn't possibly work...until it actually did. After I'd hung around the studio for a while, I came to love Mike's standardized patter for new students ("Don't pull out the floor too wide or you'll end up with an ashtray. Or a cat bowl. Or an ashtray for your cat.") The trip he organized to the Freer Gallery was one of the highlights of my pottery career. He always had such respect for the way the act of making a bowl left signs of the potter's movements all over the final piece ("If you want perfect, soulless pots you can buy them at Target"), and it was a pleasure to see him running his hands over beautiful bowls that here hundreds of years old. He seemed very aware of the hands that had been there before his. I always looked forward to seeing Mike on Saturday mornings--sometimes it was the only reason I'd get my act together to get myself out the door. He will be dearly missed, and I'm grateful that I got to be one of the many people he left a deep impression upon. Drew Courtney |
In the beginning, Mike only knew me from the times he substituted, but he always remembered my name, had a smile and asked how I was doing. He joked about my Michigan mugs and gave me great tips in his photo-lithographic class. I'll really miss his kindness. Angela Fox |
I’m so sorry to hear about Mike passing. I only had him as a teacher when I dropped into his class a few times, but he was always very kind and clearly passionate about teaching. He clearly left an indelible mark on DCC and my thoughts are with you all. Jessie Hellman |
I started taking classes with Mike just a few months ago as I’ve been slowly returning to pottery after a 14+ year hiatus. I appreciated Mike’s patience with me as I continued to make the same mistakes over and over and his gentleness in encouraging me to try a different approach. I’m saddened to hear of his sudden passing and sorry that I and the many other DCC students will no longer benefit from his wisdom and knowledge. Julia Gaspar-Bates |
Mike was my first pottery teacher ever at Hinckley, and I was so excited to see him at District Clay when I made the move. He was such a great teacher, with a unique way of looking at the process, and a kind person. I will always think of him when I plop clay onto a bat—I will forever try to make it loud enough for someone around me to say “What the heck was that?!” I will miss seeing him on Saturday mornings and sharing a Zeke’s with him or asking for gardening advice, and I’m so sad I won’t get to share the results of my works in progress with him again. Cyra Master |
There was so much to learn from Mike and his life was such an interesting one that I always wanted to know more about. He was taken far too soon. I am enjoying all the beautiful thoughts being shared through our community. He left a grand DCC legacy and he should feel proud. I will forever cherish his spirit in a pair of graceful coffee cups he made. I know he will continue moving throughout the studio and among us. I hope we can all keep him near. Ann Tihansky |
He was an awesome teacher and so loved everything about pottery. Some of my very sweetest memories about doing pottery revolve around Mike. I will always remember his wonderful presence in the studio. He was a one-of-a-kind Renaissance man. He will be mightily missed by all those whose lives he touched. Patricia Hernandez |
Such a sad day for the Washington clay community. Mike was one of my first teachers as well and he really helped me open up to creativity with clay. He would get so excited about what the students were working on and made the experience so much fun. He made pottery such a joy and he is one of the reasons I still do it today. He will be missed! John Riley |
I am so sorry to hear this news. Mike was one of my teachers at Hinckley Pottery as well. For me, his greatest attribute as a teacher was his eagerness to experiment and to encourage even the most novice of students to step outside the usual bowl/cylinder on the wheel. He leaves a great legacy in all the students who learned from him. Sue Decker |
Mike was one of the first people I met at District Clay. The printing on clay workshop I took with him—from his way of teaching, to his support—set my mind on a different and wonderful path in clay. He always had a warm welcome. The timbre of his voice is one that sticks in my head. I’m grateful to have known him, and will truly miss seeing him at DCC. Katie Burke |
I am so sad to learn of Mike’s passing. He was my first teacher at District Clay. “Kind hearted and sly witted” captures him perfectly, Cass. I enjoyed very much talking with him, and I learned so much from him. I will miss him. Linda Owens |
What a sad and surprising loss. I'm so grateful for the opportunity to have met and worked with Mike as a teacher. We were actually working to schedule another one of Mike's visits to the Smithsonian Asian Art Museum's archives in the coming months. Mike was so kind and generous, and we'll definitely be missing him in the District Clay family. Connor Czora |
I am so very sorry to hear this unexpected and very sad news. Cass, you describe Mike beautifully. I too believe he became more content and emotive after his illness. We will miss him very much. A good good man. Maria Otero |
I am so sorry to hear this. He was such a special thoughtful teacher, so enthusiastic about clay and teaching. Liz Lockett |
Oh my! What sad news. I am so glad that he was able to return to DCC in these last years. We will all miss him. Esther Robbins |
Every time I sit at the wheel I can hear Mike’s advice. I owe my practice to him and loved him very much as a mentor. . . This is so sad. Katie Machioca |
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CARVED AND TEXTURED CLAY
with YOSHI FUJII Sunday, 8/21, 10 AM - 4 PM Join us for an in-depth exploration of ceramic surface decoration through ornamental carving and texture! During this 6-hour workshop on Sunday, Aug. 21, participants will learn the intricacies of carved ceramic decoration to create elegant functional pottery. Working with internationally-renowned artist Yoshi Fujii, you will explore the processes of designing, carving, and embellishing clay vessels for exquisite finishes. By the end of the class, you will have created 2-3 hand-carved ceramic tiles and beautifully decorated pots, along with a new understanding of the surface techniques used for creating elegant functional ceramics! |
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CARBON TRAP SHINO
with JOE HICKS Saturday, October 1, 12-4 PM Join us for the return of our in-depth exploration with Joe Hicks of that most exciting and dynamic of glazes, CARBON TRAP SHINO. During this half-day workshop, participants will learn the mysteries of making, mixing, applying, and firing carbon trap shino glazes. You will then glaze your work choosing between four Shino glazes and then load it into District Clay's reduction kiln for a special carbon trap firing on Sunday. You are invited to observe (through social media or in person) the firing on Sunday, Oct. 2. You will also be invited to attend a special Kiln Opening at 6:30 pm, Tuesday, Oct. 4 to retrieve your pots and see and discuss the results of the firing. |
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Become a District Clay Artist!
For those who want 24/7 access to District Clay, plus expanded shelving and discounts on advanced classes (among other benefits), check out our Community Artist program.
* Best for those with significant clay experience who are also interested in Independent Study.
* Free drop-ins for regular wheel classes included.
We have approximately 60 slots and are currently full. We are maintaining a wait list for those interested.
If you want to see District Clay before making a decision, you can schedule a tour by going here.
For more info on the program, go here.
For those who want 24/7 access to District Clay, plus expanded shelving and discounts on advanced classes (among other benefits), check out our Community Artist program.
* Best for those with significant clay experience who are also interested in Independent Study.
* Free drop-ins for regular wheel classes included.
We have approximately 60 slots and are currently full. We are maintaining a wait list for those interested.
If you want to see District Clay before making a decision, you can schedule a tour by going here.
For more info on the program, go here.
Give us ONE SHOT. . .
Brand new to clay and want to take one of our potter's wheels out for a test ride?
Try a One Shot! class on Saturday and Sunday nights and get a coupon for a discounted 10 week class.
Brand new to clay and want to take one of our potter's wheels out for a test ride?
Try a One Shot! class on Saturday and Sunday nights and get a coupon for a discounted 10 week class.
Private Parties, One on One Instruction & Corporate Events
Create the perfect birthday, anniversary or friends and family Private Party Event using our socially distanced wheels and handbuilding stations. Or take a private lesson with a District Clay teacher.
Or plan a Corporate Teambuilding Event for your staff and use our Teambuilding Guides to enrich your work experience.
Either way, you'll have fun. Just let us know how many people and what format you would like. Find out more here.
Create the perfect birthday, anniversary or friends and family Private Party Event using our socially distanced wheels and handbuilding stations. Or take a private lesson with a District Clay teacher.
Or plan a Corporate Teambuilding Event for your staff and use our Teambuilding Guides to enrich your work experience.
Either way, you'll have fun. Just let us know how many people and what format you would like. Find out more here.
Want to Check out District Clay?
We are now offering 30 minute private tours during weekdays and weekends.
Come and see the largest clay studio in the DC area, see our kilns and wheel rooms and hear about all the ways we are making District Clay a safe place to play with clay.
Sign up for a private tour here.
We are now offering 30 minute private tours during weekdays and weekends.
Come and see the largest clay studio in the DC area, see our kilns and wheel rooms and hear about all the ways we are making District Clay a safe place to play with clay.
Sign up for a private tour here.
District Clay Covid Guidelines
Everyone Entering District Clay Must Supply Proof of Vaccination.
Masks are Currently Optional While Inside District Clay.
Go here for more information.
Everyone Entering District Clay Must Supply Proof of Vaccination.
Masks are Currently Optional While Inside District Clay.
Go here for more information.
Why Take a Pottery Class?
The Best Places to Take Ceramics Classes Across the US, Artsy, 6/2018 (District Clay made the list!)
94% of District Clay Students Give DCC a Good or Excellent rating, 1/2020
Local Company Changing the Pottery Scene, WUSA9 Feature on the District Clay Center: 8/18
District Clay Center Provides Holiday Shoppers with Pottery Bonanza, OnTap, 12/10/2019
Pottery is the new Pilates..., the New York Times, 11/2018
Creating Ceramics Can Help Combat Depression, Artsy, 9/2017
25 Reasons to Take a Pottery Class, Amaranth Stoneware, 7/2015
The Best Places to Take Ceramics Classes Across the US, Artsy, 6/2018 (District Clay made the list!)
94% of District Clay Students Give DCC a Good or Excellent rating, 1/2020
Local Company Changing the Pottery Scene, WUSA9 Feature on the District Clay Center: 8/18
District Clay Center Provides Holiday Shoppers with Pottery Bonanza, OnTap, 12/10/2019
Pottery is the new Pilates..., the New York Times, 11/2018
Creating Ceramics Can Help Combat Depression, Artsy, 9/2017
25 Reasons to Take a Pottery Class, Amaranth Stoneware, 7/2015
Where is the District Clay Center?
The District Clay Center is located at 2414 Douglas St NE in Washington DC on the first floor of the Off the Beaten Track Warehouse. We are minutes from Brookland, Union Market and Catholic U.
Our doors are on the left hand side of the building facing the street. Parking is available directly in front of the building.
Click here to contact us. Click here to join our mailing list.
Leave us a voicemail (301) 615-1434.
The District Clay Center is located at 2414 Douglas St NE in Washington DC on the first floor of the Off the Beaten Track Warehouse. We are minutes from Brookland, Union Market and Catholic U.
Our doors are on the left hand side of the building facing the street. Parking is available directly in front of the building.
Click here to contact us. Click here to join our mailing list.
Leave us a voicemail (301) 615-1434.
