Seto Pottery Gallery + Studio

Seto Pottery Studio

See the Art at Una Pizza + Wine 8529 Broadcast Ave Sw Calgary Alberta

* The piece is available for purchase with possession after Oct 1, 2024

"It Takes A Village"

$3350 "It Takes A Village" | $5270 "Village"

Melba's first ceramic installation will be available at 8529 Broadcast Ave SW at Una Pizza + Wine, April 1 - October 1, 2024

Created in collaboration with over 30 local businesses and community members. (For the full list click HERE)

This powerful piece was created from a piece of clay over 8 years old. Melba started her ceramic journey in 2010 and before long realized it was the beginning of a life long dream to become a ceramic artist.

CLICK HERE to Check out the

"making of" progress videos

She spent the first few years commiting over 30 years a week to the studio while working as a full time professional. Before long she was asked teach as a member of the Fort Mcmurray Pottery Guild.

While saving to open her own studio for the next decade, unfortunate events resulted in her studio funds to be sacrificed every time she was about to open.

In 2020, while on another journey to raise funds for her pottery studio, she began Bowness Soapworks, which because more than just a soap company but a platform to build community, inspire people to grow and get people outdoors.

Late 2023 over a decade of heart ache and sacrifice, Melba opened Seto Pottery and now offers workshops, experiences and place for the community to share in success.

In the Studio

The Clay

"It Takes A Village" will be at 8529 Broadcast Ave SW at Una Pizza + Wine!

It took 2 weeks of slow rehydration and careful clay prep (wedging) to maintain the character and layers from this block of clay.

This is a blend of multiples clay bodies, as a part of Melba's sustainable practice, she reclaims as much of her clay as possible. 8+ years ago this was potentially a bucket of sludge!

Check out the "making of"

progress videos HERE

The Village Paint Party

Inspired By "The Village"

This piece was inspired by the people behind the artist. Over the years, the opening of the pottery studio slowly became less of a reality for Melba, but with the support of her small business community, neighbours, friends and supporters her dream was made possible and this is the manifestation of that dream and process.

There was only 30 days to complete this project and with the help of her community, on Melba's 39th birthday, over 30 small businesses came together to help paint nearly 50 pieces from this installation.

Check out the "making of"

progress videos HERE

Student + Guest Gallery

This is a collection of student and workshop guests gallery. Being celebrated and recognized for growth and learning is something we strongly believe it. To achieve success it is crucial we see our progress and remember where we came from to understand how we got to where we are. Our soap and pottery workshops and our experiences foraging and basket making bring our community closer together and give people the confidence to know they can do anything. Find us in Bowness, Calgary and book a workshop today! Follow Us on Instagram @BownessSoapworks for up to date adventures

Since 2020 we have had many amazing people come through our studio. From Volunteers, to family and friends, to youth at risk and those from vulnerable populations, it has been a privilege to have the help and support we have so badly needed. Small businesses are often faced with huge challenges like needing help but not being able to afford the help- so to be able to find people who believe in my journey and able to work within our limits as a growing local business is very touching. Below is a photo of some of the beautiful humans that have been a part of this journey. 


Meet the Team!

Debi

Debi has been with Bowness Soapworks for over 2 years and works hard behind the scenes and on the floor! From making, packing, labelling soaps in the studio to engaging with the community at markets and through our flagship retail partner Greenbriar Market + Refillery, Debi is the team “Game changer!” 

Debi loves to knits and cook and spend with with her grandchildren and children. She loves true crime audio books and is the most hardworking and kind human we have the pleasure of working with! 

Shareefa

We met Shareefa through Gateway Association and she is like discovering Willy Wonka’s golden ticket! Shareefa has been crucial to building connections through markets and events and also working behind the scenes with studio work. 2025 would not have been possible without her, through her hardwork and dedication and loyalty to sharing our story with the community. 

Shareefa is a single mom and trying to get back on track with post secondary! She’s filled with kindness and compassion and always thinks of others. She deserves a lot of self care and kind words so please tell her she’s awesome next time you see her! 

Kirsten

“My name is Kirsten I’m 20 years old. I have 2 brothers I am in the middle and I live with both of my parents. I play 3 instruments and I like to watch TV and hang out with friends in my free time. The program I am in is called the TVP program its a program for kids to help them get jobs and work. I love to go to the mall and my favourite restaurant is called Chianti.”

Kirsten is our newest team member and she’s been wonderful at learning all the tasks that are a part of running the Bowness Soapworks studio. She’s tackled all the challenges with a smile on her face and is always full of awesome stories. We look forward to sharing more wonderful things from her as we continue to work together!