Our Story

If not for George Gilland, pottery might never have found its way to Vinita.

In the fall of 2010, George, then a minister at First United Methodist Church in Vinita, Oklahoma, introduced a pottery class to the community. But when he retired just a year and a half later, his departure felt like an immense loss.

If not for Sue Barbee, the Vinita Potters Guild wouldn’t exist.

A more experienced potter, Sue proposed forming a guild to keep the art alive, even without a teacher. In April 2012, Vinita Potters Guild (VPG) was born. With access to the studio beyond class time, our skills flourished. Yet, without structured guidance, both membership and funds began to dwindle.

If not for Heidi Stephens, classes might never have resumed.

In 2014, Heidi, eager to learn, pleaded with Roni Grimmett to teach her. Though Roni had only been throwing pots for a few years, she agreed. Heidi brought her mother and sister, and soon, that small class reignited the guild’s purpose. Today, Heidi remains a vital force in VPG’s success.

If not for the Cherokee Nation, VPG would not have endured.

Financial struggles persisted, but in 2018, we secured 501(c)(3) status, allowing us to apply for grants. Thanks to the Cherokee Nation’s support, we acquired a new kiln and received essential funding that has sustained our growth.

If not for Chris Neal, VPG might not have survived.

By 2020 Roni faced burnout and planned to step away after teaching one last semester to Chris Neal and his daughter. With his fresh ideas, Chris rekindled Roni’s joy for pottery, reinvigorating the guild. By early 2021, Thursday night classes were full once again.

If not for Falon Green and Gina Moss, VPG’s offerings wouldn’t have expanded.

Falon, a natural talent at the wheel, soon became an instructor, while seasoned potter Gina Moss moved to Vinita and introduced hand-building classes. Their dedication—along with Roni’s—brought remarkable growth, quickly outgrowing our tiny studio.

Cherokee Nation: Rooted in Our Story

With the support of another Cherokee Nation grant, we relocated in the spring of 2023 to a larger, more visible storefront on historic Route 66 in downtown Vinita. Tonya Gideon, along with a team from CAAIR, an addiction treatment center, dedicated several months to preparing the space. In April 2024, we celebrated our 12-year anniversary, setting a tradition of annual celebrations each April.

Our Vision: Building Community Through Art

VPG has expanded its reach beyond pottery, offering monthly workshops in various mediums. Our mission to foster community thrives in every class, workshop, and event. From working with children, schools, and a boys’ home to upcoming Juneteenth celebrations and cultural workshops, we are dedicated to making art accessible to all.

Vinita Potters Guild.
Est. 2014 — Building Community for a Lifetime.