Louise Smith, Founder and Managing Director
Louise established Open Artspace in 2022, as a CIC, after previously founding a large charitable open-access studio for ceramics, print and jewellery in Abbeymount Edinburgh, now managed by Edinburgh Design School and Out of the Blue.
After running the Edinburgh Studio for 6 years she moved to London where she worked for 3 years in Arts and Heritage project-managment.
Louise studied Ceramics and Printmaking at degree and now teaches courses in surface decoration at Open Artspace, as well as managing a small team of staff.
Hannah Scales, Steering-Group Member
Hannah is an imaging specialist and lecturer in immunology at the University of Glasgow. Her research focuses on how the immune system responds to pathogens like malaria.
Hannah joined Open Artspace in 2022 not long after it opened, after taking a hand building course she hasn’t looked back.
“I hand build mostly geometric shapes; my pottery tool kit includes a protractor and yes, I use it! I make a variety of pots, some functional, some purely decorative. I really enjoy experimenting with clay and shape, seeing what I can make.”
Chris Reynolds, Steering-Group Member
Chris working in education and has a background in theatre arts, photography and games.
Chris has been a member of Open Artspace since September 2023, he has been enthusiastic about clay since friend introduced Chris to pottery in her home studio at the bottom of the garden.
‘I love the opportunity clay provides for expression and mastery. There are so many things to explore and then display. I like to make striking, one-off pieces, I’m very fond of a vase!’
Elise Whitely, Advisory Board Member
Elise has recently retired from a career as a public health researcher focussing on health inequalities and is now forging a path as a professional potter.
Elise has enjoyed creating ceramic animal sculptures for many years and joined Open Artspace in January 2024 in order to learn how to wheel throw dishes to incorporate them.
“MousePots is where whimsy meets functionality. My pieces are inspired by the playful charm of animals and I’m always on the lookout for new creatures or pets to put on my next pot.”