Hannah Pruder is the creative force behind Hanitoba Pottery, a pottery studio located in her hometown of Thompson, Manitoba. With a passion for pottery that began in 2012, Hannah has dedicated herself to refining her craft over the years. She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in 3D Art from a university in Idaho in 2015, equipping her with the skills and knowledge to pursue her artistic vision.
After graduation, Hannah moved to London, Ontario, where she participated in a pottery residency at Clayworx (formerly the London Potters Guild). From 2018 to 2020, she expanded her experience by working at Hutton House, where she taught pottery classes to adults with disabilities, fostering a love for creative expression in her students.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hannah returned to Thompson and began developing her business plan for Hanitoba Pottery. With a Youth Entrepreneurship loan from the Louis Riel Capital Corp, she transformed her shed into a small studio and conducted classes from her living room while juggling a full-time job. After a move, she upgraded her space, converting her garage into an operational pottery studio.
Now, she has left her full-time employment to teach and create pottery full-time. Inspired by the serene beauty of the north and the companionship of her beloved cats, Hannah’s work reflects her deep connection to her surroundings. Through Hanitoba Pottery, she shares her passion for pottery with others, offering classes and workshops that encourage creativity and self-expression, and selling her unique creations.