LOCAL SPOTLIGHT: Speckle Ceramics Studio

Bernal Heights has long been known for its creative spirit and strong sense of community, making it the perfect home for a place like Speckle Studio. Whether you're trying your hand at the pottery wheel for the first time, picking up a paintbrush, or enjoying live music on Sunday, Speckle is the kind of place that invites you to slow down, make something with your hands, and connect with others. We caught up with founder Holly Coley to learn how the studio came to life, what inspires its welcoming atmosphere, and why there's never been a better time to get a little creative. 

What was your inspiration for creating this business? Why here/now, and what's behind the name Speckle Studio?

I moved to San Francisco specifically to pursue my art career. Early on, I knew I didn't just want a studio for myself — I wanted to build a space where other people could experience art making. I love teaching and learning. I've worked with many art education nonprofits in San Francisco and SFUSD. While working as a studio artist at Root Division, I began teaching adults and children. I felt inspired by all those spaces and began to envision my own studio.  As for the name — Speckle was named by Kelsey Wilkins, a creative director and freelance writer. We worked together for a time, she asked me questions and used my answers to create the business name. It was amazing to see her process. She came up with many great names, but Speckle really stood out to me. I love a speckled clay and splatter painting.  

How would you describe the atmosphere you've created in the studio, and what do you hope people feel when they walk through the door?

The studio is a portal for the community. The programming is very dear to me. We have classes in drawing and painting, clay, free community events, and a little music showcase one Sunday a month called Sunday Sounds. A quiet acoustic performance of local artists. Inspired by 1990s cafes. 

Ceramics has such a tactile, grounding quality to it — what do you think draws people to working with clay, especially right now?

Clay is incredibly honest. I think that's why we're seeing such a surge in interest — people want to feel competent and grounded in a very literal, physical way. And there's something deeply satisfying about creating a third space for people to gather and be creative. It's funny but I have a Victorian agenda. My goal is to get people interested in art creation and musical appreciation as a way to become a well rounded person. 

Your crew of teachers and artists is impressive! Tell us about the team that's making all the magic happen.

I'm so lucky. I have a few teachers who have been with me since the Pinckney days— each of them brings something completely different to the studio. Teaching clay is so varied and every teacher brings a unique perspective. Our drawing teacher Matt Burruso was my drawing teacher at the San Francisco Art Institute.

Looking ahead, how do you envision the studio evolving — are there new classes, collaborations, or creative directions you're excited to explore?

We are slowly moving into the new space. Taking on members and building out systems. Longer term, I'd love to deepen our community programming and explore more collaborations with other San Francisco artists and makers. There's so much creative energy in this city — I want Speckle to be a hub for it.

What was the biggest hurdle you had to overcome before you finally got to open your doors?

The logistics were hard — finding the right space in San Francisco, building out a studio that could support kilns and wheels and a full class schedule, figuring out the business side of running a studio. But the biggest challenge was quieting the voice that asked whether this was really possible. I'm incredibly lucky that an investor approached me, wanting to help create the studio you see today. I could not have done something like this without their help. After working alone for many years, accepting help was difficult. But I'm really glad I did! 

Bernal's known for its sense of individuality and community pride. How has that eclectic, local-first attitude shaped your clientele and the experience you're creating?

Before Speckle, I taught at Pinckney Clay for 10 years. I've had the honor of teaching generations of Bernal residents from children to grandparents. I worked as a waitress at Liberty Cafe when Cathy was alive. I still miss those chicken pot pies. I live in Glen Park. Bernal Heights chose me as much as I chose it. The people here are curious, creative, and genuinely supportive of local businesses in a way that's rare. Our students aren't just customers — they become part of the studio community. They bring their friends, they come back for multiple sessions, they stop in just to say hi. Cortland Ave has this incredible village energy, and I think that's reflected in the studio. We're not a chain, we're not a franchise — we're a real place made by real people, and Bernal gets that immediately.

416 Cortland Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94110

415-525-4574

[email protected]

@specklestudiosf

Shop Hours:

Wednesday-Saturday 12-5pm

Sunday 11am-5pm