Grand opening of new space for The Kiln Room brings community eager for next chapter

(Left to right) Woodstock Mayor Jerry Acchione, Kiln Room owner HollyJo and Meghan Eustress at the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Kiln Room’s grand opening of its newest space on 475 Dundas St. on July 14. (Emily Stewart Photo)

Emily Stewart, Echo Correspondent

Despite hot and humid weather, many enthusiastic guests attended the Kiln Room’s new space at its grand opening celebration.

The Kiln Room Ceramic and Art Studio celebrated its new location on 475 Dundas St., Woodstock, on July 14. The event featured a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a look at the new space, door prizes, and also honoured the Kiln Room’s third anniversary as a business.

“My heart is so warm from all of these people being here and like - I'm actually kind of speechless to be honest, but it also feels really good to have people in the space, finally, 'cause we've been working so hard to make this happen and when I say 'we,' I don't just mean me and my wife. I mean like it takes a village,” said Kiln Room owner and artist HollyJo. “We've had so many people coming to help us make this happen, and it feels really magical."

Woodstock Mayor Jerry Acchione offered high praise and congratulations to HollyJo and her wife and business partner, Meaghan Eustress, on the opening of their new space.

"Investing in the City of Woodstock, and in particular, downtown is really super important. We support each other, and we help each other,” he said.

The Kiln Room initially opened in 2023 on 7 Light St. before moving into the new space earlier this year. HollyJo, who uses she/they pronouns, said some highlights include all of the friendships made through their pottery classes and through the small business community.

Refreshments at the grand opening celebration were provided by local downtown Woodstock businesses such as Cheesy Cow Co., Two Guys and a Whisk, My Kitchen, and Street Ahead Coffee Roasters. Local downtown businesses like Reel Treats, Fair/Square, and Jarful Local Refillery also provided door prizes.

“We have each other's back downtown so we know that if one of us needs something, that someone downtown will be there,” said HollyJo.

The new space at the Kiln Room will offer classes and memberships to anyone interested in the craft. There will also be a pottery supply shop featuring materials like clay and tools, as well as handmade pottery pieces by HollyJo, other local artists, and members of the Kiln Room.

"I'm trying to build a community space here and I think that's evident in the turnout tonight,” she said.

The Kiln Room offers one-day workshops, multi-week courses, pottery experiences, and private bookings. More information can be found online by visiting https://thekilnroom.art, or through Facebook and Instagram.