A new pottery studio is taking shape in Middlesex County.
Firebox Pottery Studio is preparing to debut at 9 Lexington Street in Belmont’s Waverley Square, according to recent social media updates from the business. While the exact opening date will depend on the remaining buildout and necessary approvals, the team is currently targeting a fall 2026 launch.
Harshad Ghodke, a ceramicist who moved to the Boston area from Connecticut, founded Firebox after spending about a year searching for a local pottery studio. He was looking for a space with accessible studio time, flexible materials, and room to grow, but after struggling to find one that fit the bill, he decided to open his own.
The name Firebox refers to the part of a kiln where heat is generated—”the place where raw clay is transformed into finished ceramic form,” the studio’s site explains. That idea of transformation carries through to the studio itself, which is designed to support the entire creative process, from developing technical skills and experimenting with new techniques to growing as an artist and connecting with other makers.
The approximately 3,800-square-foot studio will include 17 pottery wheels, four dedicated studio spaces, and a kiln room, with electric kilns firing to cone 6. The studio is also being built with distinct areas for classes, independent practice, handbuilding, events, glaze mixing, clay reclaim, storage, firing, reception, and finished work.
That setup is intended to give Firebox plenty of flexibility, whether someone is picking up clay for the first time or already has years of experience behind the wheel.
“We are building Firebox as a ceramics studio that supports creative growth at every level,” Ghodke told What Now Boston. “Whether you’re new to clay and wondering if it could become your next hobby, or already completely obsessed with it, we want to provide a welcoming space where you can play with clay, develop your skills, exercise your creativity, and connect with others. We’re excited to expand access to the arts and enrich the Belmont community.”
Firebox also plans to offer pottery classes, workshops, memberships with expanded studio access, and community events, creating opportunities for both structured instruction and independent making.
Ghodke said he’s been building an interest list for the studio over the past several months, and the response from Belmont and surrounding communities has been encouraging.
Firebox Pottery Studio is currently hiring for several positions, including ceramics instructors, a studio technician, a studio assistant, an event lead, and an adaptive ceramics lead. Interested applicants can find complete role descriptions and application information here.
For the latest sneak peeks and grand opening updates, be sure to follow the studio on Instagram @fireboxpotterystudio.
