Willow Lake Gets a Kiln
Published August 25, 2025
When Merrick leased the space that would become the Willow Lake Boulevard (WLB) site in 2022, employees were invited to help reimagine it as a remarkable life enrichment program. From the very beginning, it was always the collective dream to install a ceramic kiln to bring the Pottery and Paint Studio to life. This summer, that long-held dream became reality – thanks to generous funding from the Royal Credit Union Foundation.
Before the arrival of the kiln, WLB worked exclusively with air-dry clay. While clients enjoyed the creative process, employees recognized its limitations: it lacked durability, was not food safe, and could not be made waterproof. Plans to acquire a kiln began as early as 2023, but the installation process proved more complex than expected, resulting in a long delay.
Since the kiln was installed at WLB, interest in pottery has surged. Clients who once showed little enthusiasm for the art form are now embracing it, discovering the benefits of having a kiln onsite. Unlike the fragile air-dry creations of the past, the kiln-fired pieces are durable and lasting, now treasured keepsakes that clients proudly share with friends and family. Resident pottery expert, Iris, shared her excitement in witnessing clients explore new levels of creativity, particularly through the creation of more functional pieces. Coffee mugs, cups, and bowls have become popular projects and are often used by clients during meals.
When we first envisioned what WLB could become three years ago, we had big dreams of building five specialized life enrichment studios: an arts and crafts studio, a pottery and paint studio, a music studio, a sewing studio, and a sensory studio. With the recent installation of the kiln, that vision has now been fully realized. This milestone marks not just the completion of a dream, but the beginning of new possibilities—and we’re excited to grow the program in the years ahead.
