INTERVIEW WITH ÖZLEM TURK

Eight months ago, Özlem Turk took over ArteVino Studio in Millburn. Within this creative space, she turns pottery making into a personal escape where wine flows, hands get messy, and everyone leaves inspired. Here, Turk discusses how she connects with the artist inside everyone and what she hopes to achieve.

What drew you to take over the studio, and what was your vision for it?

I was drawn to the studio because it already had a strong community foundation. My vision was to elevate it into a premium creative space, where people don’t just take a class but enjoy a meaningful experience. We focused on improving quality, atmosphere, and introducing more personalized, artistic work, especially in ceramics.

Your studio offers everything from pottery wheel work to painting ready-made pieces. How do you balance working with beginners while still inspiring more experienced creatives?

We design our classes to be accessible but not limiting. Beginners feel comfortable starting from zero, while more experienced guests can push their creativity further with guidance. The key is flexibility. We don’t force everyone into the same outcome.

How does the “bring your own wine” element shape the atmosphere of your classes compared to traditional pottery lessons?

The “bring your own wine” concept transforms the experience. It becomes more social, relaxed, and enjoyable. People come not only to create but to connect with friends, family, or even themselves.

You host both adult gatherings and kids’ parties. How do you tailor the experience to such different groups while keeping the creative spirit consistent?

The core is the same, creativity, but the delivery changes. Kids need fun and energy while adults want relaxation and quality time. We adjust the structure, but the spirit stays consistent.

What is something that surprises first-time visitors about working with clay?

Most people are surprised by how therapeutic working with clay is. They come in thinking it’s just an activity but leave realizing it’s a form of relaxation and expression.

Have you noticed any trends in what people want to create or how they want to spend their time in the studio?

There’s a strong shift toward personalized and meaningful pieces, including custom mugs, pet-themed items, and handmade gifts. People want something unique, not mass-produced.

What has been the most rewarding or unexpected part of owning the studio so far?

The most rewarding part is seeing people reconnect with creativity. Many haven’t created anything in years, and you see that spark come back.

How do you hope the studio evolves within the community over the next few years?

We want to become a well-known creative hub in the Millburn area, working more with local businesses, hosting private events, and expanding our ceramic offerings. The goal is steady, quality growth.

Photograph courtesy of Özlem Turk